Weed of the Week: Dogfennel

by | Feb 23, 2018 | forage, Forage & Pasture, pasture, Pest Management, Weeds

Mature Dogfennel Photo Credit: Dr. B.A.Sellers

If you don’t know Dogfennel by name, odds are you have seen it! Dogfennel is a common pest in pastures in the Southeastern U.S.  Dogfennel is especially troublesome in pastures that are overgrazed, with poor fertility. It is an aggressive native perennial that is found in the Southeastern United States. While some believe that Dogfennel is only an aesthetic issue, research has proven that it leads to a decline in forage yields and quality, undermining the productivity of forges. In addition, chemical and mechanical control of the weed can get expensive, if its presence is widespread in your operation. Some growth occurs from overwintering rosettes, however more commonly in the Panhandle, infestations start as sprouting seeds once soil temperatures reach 65°F.

For help identifying weeds or developing a control plan for your operation, please contact your county extension agent. 

For more information on this topic please see the following UF/IFAS Publication:

Dogfennel (Eupatorium capillifolium): Biology and Control

Dogfennel: Ugly Pasture Weeds that Reduce Bahia Production

Kalyn Waters
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