Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 15:05:25 -0400
From: Sam Groce
Subject: RE: goat fencing (& weeds)
This message is in response to Susan Turner’s questions about the weeds in her goat pastures that even the goats won’t eat. I hate to make “guesses” for plant identification, that is making an identification without actually seeing the plant itself, however, this time I’m willing to take a chance.
If I’m wrong I’m sure that someone will tell me. It sounds to me what you are describing is Perilla Mint, Perilla frutescens. You can see this plant and its description at http://www.ppws.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/prjfr.htm. It is a poisonous plant to all livestock, however, it is rarely eaten, especially if there is adequate food elsewhere that the animal can eat. However the symptoms of poisoning are listed in Plants Poisonous to Livestock & Pets in North Carolina, http://ceres.cals.ncsu.edu/wetland/poisonousplants/plants.cfm?ID=87.
As for control of this weed, non-chemically one must keep this plant clipped. Just one clipping isn’t going to do it either. As the plant grows it must continually be clipped and prevented from ever flowering. Also, this will be a process that occurs over several years, because there are going to be seed laying dormant in the ground that will germinate and grow for several years. As for chemical control of Perilla Mint, broadleaf herbicides like Weedmaster(r) or Forefront(r) will both be effective in controlling this weed.
For other information about this weed or other weed issues in pastures please feel free to contact me at the Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Sincerely,
Sam Groce
Samuel E. Groce
Extension Agent – Agriculture
Livestock & Forages, Field Crops, Pesticide Coordinator
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
North Carolina State University
Post Office Box 279
Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312
Telephone: 919.542.8202 Fax:919.542.8246
webpage: http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/
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