mpacted ecological systems, such as loss of biodiversity. Allowing Dame’s rocket to continue its current expansion will cause similarly costly impacts to the environment and economy.
Very high-quality landscapes, including state natural areas, are not immune from the invasion, nor are agricultural lands. Evidence of the compelling risk this plant represents have been personally observed by the author in many settings in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, including Stone Prairie Farm, located in southern Wisconsin.
At Stone Prairie Farm, Dame’s rocket was first found along the perimeter roadways and the stream bisecting the farm. Multiple methods have been employed to eradicate the plant. These include mowing of open non-forested locations, hand pulling in the fence rows and forested locations and direct Roundup (herbicide) application on the plant in hard-to-reach areas containing desirable native vegetation.
Surprisingly, Dame’s rocket was also found widely dispersed over a several hundred- acre cornfield, coming up from between the stalks of the corn stubble from the previous year. Closer observation suggested the field had been no-till planted with corn the previous year. Because no-till planting is usually preceded by an herbicide application, this may suggest that Dame’s rocket has herbicide tolerance (unless the farmer did not treat his field with herbicide).
Dame’s rocket appears to have allelopathic tendencies (the ability to produce chemicals that prevent or reduce the growth of other plants) similar to garlic mustard. Observations in floodplain forests have shown nearly continuous development of Dame’s rocket along with an equally dense growth of garlic mustard—both plants are able to quickly form dense monocultures within a few years of colonization.
Controlling Dame’s rocket is not easy. In moist soils, simply pulling the plant removes it from the ground, roots and all. In slightly drier conditions, pulling the plant will cause the flowering stems to break off above ground level, leaving roots to re-grow. Mowing curtails seed development, but some plants have been observed to re-flower and produce seed after mowing. Mowed materials dry quickly, and mowing should be conducted before pods are fully mature. As a precaution, any hand-pulled plants should be properly removed, bagged and disposed until more data is available about whether seed pods can ripen after plants are mowed or pulled.
Dame’s rocket is not a protected native wildflower, but, in most locations, it is not classified as a noxious weed. Due to its widespread encroachment on native landscapes and species, it is imperative to educate the public about the risks of Dame’s rocket and encourage states to list the plant as an invasive species. Further actions must also be taken to develop plans addressing containment and removal of Dame’s rocket. Any plan must also be mindful of desirable native plant species and habitat conditions in a targeted location that may be vulnerable to herbicide uses and mowing.
Remember, as beautiful as Dame’s rocket may appear, it is an invasive species with the potential to damage entire natural ecosystems. Take action now to defend your environment. For information about various treatment strategies, please contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources.
Steven Apfelbaum was one of the first US ecologists to raise concerns over reed canary grass (Phalaris arunidinacea), which has since become the ecological and economic threat Apfelbaum predicted. He continues to monitor and raise awareness of ecological threats posed by invasive, non-native species. Apfelbaum is the author of Nature’s Second Chance and co-author of the Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land series. For more information, visit www.appliedeco.com.
Dame's rocket threatens landscapes, and why we should care
- Bear Hunting
- Current Affairs
- Deer Hunting
- Food and Drink
- Shooting Sports
- Trout Fishing
- View Archive Page