Species Management and Control Information

Japanese spiraea
Spiraea japonica L. f.

Source: The following information is taken from a number of sources and those sources are identified at the beginning of the referenced information. The intent of this resource is to provide the user with as much of the information that exists for management and control of this species as is practical. It is important to note that new and improved methods are added regularly which will require you to visit the websites provided for updates on this information. Bibliographies and resources referenced by these sources are not included here, but are included at the websites from which this information was extracted.

READ THIS FIRST!

Before administering any of the following management and control options, it is imperative that you are familiar with the background information provided under the General Management and Control Section.

For additional, and potentially more current, information on management and control of this species, use the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council (MA-EPPC) listserve or any of the other listserves identified in the Resource - Listserve section of this tutorial. You will find directions for subscribing to the list serve there. The MA-EPPC listserve has an archives feature that saves past discussions (beginning in 1999) about specific species control. These messages are at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ma-eppc/messages.

MANUAL AND MECHANICAL CONTROL:

Plant Conservation Alliance - Alien Plant Working Group - Weeds Gone Wild - Fact sheet - Japanese spiraea - http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/spja1.htm - Author: Tom Remaley - October 28, 1998.

Cutting or mowing Japanese spiraea shrubs may be effective for small, initial populations or for environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. Repeated mowing or cutting will control the spread of spiraea, but will probably not eradicate it. Spiraea resprouts after cutting, making repeated cutting necessary to exhaust the plants energy reserves. Stems should be cut at least once per growing season, prior to seed production, and cut as close to ground level as possible.

Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council - Invasive Plant Manual - Japanese spiraea - http://www.se-eppc.org/manual/japspiraea.html -2003

Mowing/Cutting: This method is appropriate for small initial populations or environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. Repeated mowing or cutting will control the spread of spiraea, but it may not eradicate it. Stems should be cut at least once per growing season prior to seed production and as close to ground level as possible.

CHEMICAL CONTROL*:

Plant Conservation Alliance - Alien Plant Working Group - Weeds Gone Wild - Fact sheet - Japanese spiraea - http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/spja1.htm - Author: Tom Remaley - October 28, 1998.

Foliar herbicide applications should be considered for large thickets of Japanese spiraea where the risk to non-target plants is determined to be minimal. Applications may be made almost any time of year, as long as the air temperature is above 65ºF, to ensure absorption of the chemical by the plant. Apply a 2% solution of glyphosate (e.g., Roundup or Rodeo) or triclopyr (Garlon) and water plus a 0.5% non-ionic surfactant to thoroughly wet all leaves. Use low pressure and a coarse spray pattern to reduce spray-drift to non-target species. NOTE: Glyphosate is a non-selective systemic herbicide that may kill even partially sprayed plants. Triclopyr is a selective for broadleaf species. In areas where desirable grasses are growing under or around spiraea, triclopyr can be used without damage to the grasses.

Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council - Invasive Plant Manual - Japanese spiraea - http://www.se-eppc.org/manual/japspiraea.html -2003

Foliar Spray Method: This method should be considered for large thickets of autumn olive seedlings where risk to non-target species is minimal. Air temperature should be above 65°F to ensure absorption of herbicides.

  • Glyphosate: Apply a 2% solution of glyphosate and water plus a 0.5% non-ionic surfactant to thoroughly wet all leaves. Use a low pressure and coarse spray pattern to reduce spray drift damage to non-target species. Glyphosate is a non-selective systemic herbicide that may kill non-target, partially-sprayed plants.
  • Triclopyr: Apply a 2% solution of triclopyr and water plus a 0.5% non-ionic surfactant to thoroughly wet all leaves. Use a low pressure and coarse spray pattern to reduce spray drift damage to non-target species. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide for broadleaf species. In areas where desirable grasses are growing under or around autumn olive, triclopyr can be used without non-target damage.

Cut Stump Method: This control method should be considered when treating individual trees or where the presence of desirable species preclude foliar application. Stump treatments can be used as long as the ground is not frozen.

  • Glyphosate: Horizontally cut stems at or near ground level. Immediately apply a 50% solution of glyphosate and water to the cut stump, covering the outer 20% of the stump.
  • Triclopyr: Horizontally cut stems at or near ground level. Immediately apply a 50% solution of triclopyr and water to the cut stump, covering the outer 20% of the stump.
* Mention of pesticide products in this document does not constitute endorsement of any particular material.

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