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GREATjU RIVERlRIPW GREENING Chemical Where purple loosestrife is established in smaller accessible populations, it can be controlled by herbicide treatment. It may be possible to time the treatment when other herbaceous species, such as reed canary grass, are being controlled. Glyphosate formulated for use over water will likely be needed as the purple loosestrife typically grows in wetlands. Herbicide treatment for purple loosestrife should be timed for July through August. Herbicide treatment will be most effective in this window and the plants are readily identifiable while they are in bloom. Treating while in bloom also preempts additional seed inputs into the seed bank. Small populations can be treated by spot spraying with a glyphosate product formulated for use over water (Rodeo, Aquaneat, etc.). To ensure no seed is produced, small populations can be deadheaded as they are treated. Bag the inflorescences and remove from the site. Permits are required for treating aquatic weeds within the boundaries of state protected waters. Biological Biological control is effective at reducing populations of purple loosestrife in large wetland systems. Four species of insects have been approved as biological control agents, two leaf eating beetles, a root boring beetle, and a flower feeding beetle. Biological controls will reduce the population of purple loosestrife to low levels but will not likely eliminate it. Long-term Management Any areas previously treated for purple loosestrife will require ongoing monitoring and management. Purple Loosestrife April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec - Mar Foliar Herbicide Cut Stem Herbicide Flowering Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis, M. alba) Description As biennials, the white and yellow sweet clovers invest in a healthy root system the first year. In the second year, new shoots emerge from the taproot. Second year plants flower from May through September. The small white or yellow pea -like flowers are crowded in narrow spikes at the tips of the flowering stems. Each flower produces one or two seeds. Seeds may remain viable in the soil for up to 30 years or more and are dispersed by runoff and stream flow. The compound leaves of sweet clover are alternate with three finely toothed, longer than broad leaflets. Sweet clover is native to Europe and Asia, but was recorded in North America as early as 1664. Sweet clover is cultivated as a forage crop and soil builder, and is also cultivated as a wildlife cover crop and for the production of honey. Sweet clover is adapted to a variety of conditions, growing well in full and part sun. Sweet clover prefers calcareous or loamy soils. Sweet clover readily invades roadsides, abandoned fields, pastures and open natural communities such as a prairies. Mechanical Sweet clover can be mowed or cut below the lower stems in the early flower stage before seed production has occurred. If cut low enough, the plant will typically not regrow. Sweet clover can be