Contributed Photo: The Stinknet is pretty, but as it name suggests produces an acrid smoke when burned.
A pretty flower but a highly invasive weed in our midst.
Contributed Article
GRAHAM COUNTY – Beware of the invasion of Oncosiphon piluliferum, commonly known as Stinknet or Globe Chamomile.
Stinknet readily invades new areas in cities and in the desert. Stinknet crowds out native plants and grows in dense mats that are highly flammable when dry and produce an acrid smoke when burned.
How to spot it
It is easily recognized by its dark green “carrot-like” leaves and unique rounded flowers. The leaves have a pungent odor. Stinknet can be highly allergenic, both dermal and respiratory.
How to control it
To manage the spread of this weed, control must take place before plants go to seed. In residential areas, Stinknet can be manually dug out as soon as it is recognized. It is important to remove the plants before they develop mature seeds.
Additional information can be found at www.swvma.org.
This information was provided by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Pima County, The Arizona Native Plant Society, Southwest Vegetation Management Association, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and National Park Service.
You can visit facebook.com/Stinknet-Arizona.
