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DITCH STONECROP

NOMENCLATURE

Other Names:

Scientific Name: Penthorum sedoides L.

 Plant Family: Crassulaceae (Penthoraceae)

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Botanical Description: herbaceous

 Stems: smooth, erect stem 6 - 24 inches tall, upper portion may be branched

 Leaves: lance shaped with tiny sharp serrations, slightly yellow-green, to 4 inches long, smooth above, somewhat hairy beneath

 Roots: with rhizomes

 Flowers: Flowers are light straw colored or pink, become darker orangish at maturity, spaced evenly along stems of 2 - 3 forked flower cluster, bloom July - September. Fruit in groups of five follicles, each of which is rounded at the base and extending outward in a sharp point.

 Seeds: round in the middle but tapering toward each end, usually reddish brown

 Seedling:

 

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

LIFE CYCLE

Reproduction: perennial

 Propagation: Often spreads by underground rhizomes.

 Dispersal:

 

DISTRIBUTION

State: Found throughout Wisconsin.

 National: Found northward from Minnesota to Maine, extending southward from Florida to Texas on marshes and in muddy places.

 Origin:

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Poorly drained areas of cranberry beds and bed ditches attract ditch stonecrop. This species is an invader of sparse vines and new plantings, particularly on sandy fields. Very commonly found at lakes, streams, and marshes.

 

SCOUTING PROCEDURE/ET

While scouting a cranberry bed for disease and insect pests, identify weed populations as they arise. Note the specie(s) of weed present as well as the population level relative to field area. Example: 20% ditch stonecrop, 20% boneset and joe-pye weed mix.

 

REFERENCES

Dana, M. 1987. Cranberry Weeds in Wisconsin. Department of Horticulture, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Madison, Wisconsin. p. 7.

 Gleason, H. A. 1952. Illustrated Flora of the United States and Adjacent Canada. Vol 2. Lancaster Press, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. p. 255.

Kummer, L. D., T. G. Dittl, and T. D. Planer. 1993. Wisconsin Cranberry Weeds. Wisconsin Cranberry Board, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. p. 10.

 

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