Falling temperatures, blowing snow and dangerous travel conditions

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

(AP) - A noxious weed that has plagued ranchers in
the western United States is now gaining ground northern Minnesota. 

      The weed chokes out native grasses and can kill cattle, but it's
also a public health threat, said Greg Kuyava, St. Louis County
agriculture inspector.

      "If you rub against it, it can make you highly susceptible to
sunlight and skin problems," Kuyava said. "This is probably the
worst invasive weed you can have."

      He first spotted the weed in tiny clumps in Duluth a decade ago.

Now, "it's growing like mad all of a sudden, all over town,"
Kuyava said.

      State law requires landowners immediately remove and destroy
leafy spurge, but many don't.

      Kuyava said the weed hitchhiked into northern Minnesota on grain
trucks or trains from western states. It can be spread by graders
and snowplows, vehicle tires and even shoe treads.

      The weed is hardy, surviving on little water and in compacted
soils. It seems to outmuscle almost every native plant it comes
across. Leafy spurge's roots can dig 15 feet underground.

      "It's rendered some land worthless," Kuyava said. "We may not
have a lot of farming up here any more, but we have more horses
than ever and it's going to have a big impact on hayland."

      In other regions, weed experts used beetles imported from Europe
to kill leafy spurge. It hasn't worked here.

      "I've released thousands of beetles but they don't seem to like
it here. Maybe because of the clay soil" or cold winters, Kuyava
said.

Gallery

Investigating the invasive emerald ash borer

Congress pushes ballast water regulations

The future of carp control

Environmental News

The noxious weed has plagued ranchers in
the western United States, and is now gaining ground northern Minnesota. Leafy spurge chokes out native grasses and can kill cattle. It can also cause health problems in humans.

Invasive leafy spurge takes hold in northern Minnesota

Go Deeper.

Like this?