Orange Hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum), an A-rated noxious weed on Deschutes County and Oregon State weed lists, was found in approximately 10 local home landscapes yesterday in Bend. Discovery of the noxious weed outcroppings prompted vegetation officials to ask residents to eradicate the weeds immediately.

A Forest Service employee reported the invasive weeds to County Vegetation Manager Dan Sherwin last week. An investigation conducted yesterday by Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Coordinator Dave Langland and Sherwin resulted in the discovery of the local infestations. One Hawkweed site is located at the corner of 16th and Baltimore Avenue in Bend. Another site was discovered at the corner of Colorado Avenue and Broadway. Landscapers were notified and immediately removed the Hawkweed plants.

A noxious weed is any weed designated by the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners or the Oregon Department of Agriculture that is injurious to public health, agriculture, range, recreation, wildlife or any public or private property; any weed that impacts and displaces desirable vegetation, such as threatened and endangered plant species, wildlife habitat, and livestock.

What is Orange Hawkweed?

A showy alpine native of Europe, orange hawkweed is found in many eastern states as well as in the west from Washington to Wyoming. Limited sites have been documented in Oregon. Due to its attractive flowers, plant enthusiasts have collected and traded specimens adding to its spread. Orange Hawkweed has been labeled as "orange aster" and other common garden varieties and has been sold as a native plant.

What does Orange Hawkweed do?

Orange Hawkweed can quickly invade and dominate a wide range of habitats, out-competing native species. Once established, it quickly expands until it covers the site with a solid mat of rosettes, which can eliminate desirable vegetation. This plant invades moist grasslands, forest openings, pastures, and wilderness areas making the Pacific Northwest a high risk for invasion.

How does Orange Hawkweed spread?

Orange Hawkweed is a perennial species that reproduces through four main mechanisms; stolons, rhizomes, seed, and in some cases buds on the roots. It can spread through human activities, wind, animals, and contaminated soil.

How can Orange Hawkweed be identified (also see attached photos)?

Orange Hawkweed is easily identifiable by its showy red-orange flower it is a perennial with spatula shaped hairy leaves that are exclusively basil. The bristly stem grows up to 12 inches tall and can produce 5 to 30 flowers at the tip. The entire plant contains milky juice, the root system is fibrous and each plant produces fuzzy-white stolons that extend 4 to 12 inches and begin to form the next colony of plants.

If you find Orange and Yellow Hawkweed:

•This is a priority noxious weed, please report sites to the Oregon Department of Agriculture (541-548-2241) immediately.

•Only pull or cut small infestations as a temporary treatment option. Pulling and cutting can increase the rate of vegetative spread of this plant.

•Spraying with herbicide and digging are the only effective methods of control. However, it is not practical to attempt digging sizable infestations.

•Bag plant material and throw in the garbage bin, do not place with yard debris or compost.

•Prevent the spread of this noxious weed by washing equipment and vehicles, thoroughly cleaning boots, pets and where possible-livestock.

•Document site locations using either local landmarks or GPS coordinates. This information is essential to confirm sites.

To report Orange and Yellow Hawkweed or for more information, please contact Oregon Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Coordinator Dave Langland at (541) 548-2241 or Deschutes County Vegetation Manager Dan Sherwin at (541) 322-7135.