Photo of Stinkwort taken by Bob Huttar, courtesy of calflora.org.
There are many plant species that make the Landmarks home. One of which is stinkwort, a non-native, invasive plant species that stinks (literally and metaphorically). Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) and its partners are continuously taking action to prevent the spread of non-native plants and invasive species, including stinkwort, which pose a threat to the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks native habitats.
Stinkwort gets its name due to its leaves having an unpleasant odor. It is characterized as having hairy leaves and stems that can grow up to three feet tall with flowers that are clustered in small, yellow heads that bloom in the fall. This plant is also a serious emerging invasive species that quickly propagates and reproduces, with thousands of easily-dispersed seeds. Its fast spread causes problems such as crowding out native plant species, depleting soil moisture reserves, reducing biodiversity and weakening the natural community’s resilience.
Stinkwort gets its name due to its leaves having an unpleasant odor. It is characterized as having hairy leaves and stems that can grow up to three feet tall with flowers that are clustered in small, yellow heads that bloom in the fall. This plant is also a serious emerging invasive species that quickly propagates and reproduces, with thousands of easily-dispersed seeds. Its fast spread causes problems such as crowding out native plant species, depleting soil moisture reserves, reducing biodiversity and weakening the natural community’s resilience.
Stinkwort has long been a problem in various locations throughout Orange County, but it has recently been found in new areas. This year marked the first time the invasive species was discovered within the Irvine Ranch Open Space, specifically in Silverado Creek and a portion of Santiago Creek near the Red Rock staging area. Additionally, a few plants were also found within the City of Irvine’s Native Seed Farm around the same time.
IRC is always looking for ways to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment so eradicating invasive species, such as stinkwort, is a top priority. Because this species typically blooms between September and November, making it a late summer annual, IRC and its partners work throughout the summer season to prioritize the removal of this plant before they flower and drop their seeds to mitigate further spread. As of now, the IRC team has wrapped up their efforts for the 2023 season and will continue to monitor for any additional efforts needed.
IRC remains dedicated to the prevention of stinkwort's invasive spread throughout the Landmarks. Volunteers interested in helping with this initiative, as well as other upcoming restoration projects, can learn more about becoming a volunteer on LetsGoOutside.org.
For more information about IRC’s work to remove non-native, invasive plants or about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
IRC is always looking for ways to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment so eradicating invasive species, such as stinkwort, is a top priority. Because this species typically blooms between September and November, making it a late summer annual, IRC and its partners work throughout the summer season to prioritize the removal of this plant before they flower and drop their seeds to mitigate further spread. As of now, the IRC team has wrapped up their efforts for the 2023 season and will continue to monitor for any additional efforts needed.
IRC remains dedicated to the prevention of stinkwort's invasive spread throughout the Landmarks. Volunteers interested in helping with this initiative, as well as other upcoming restoration projects, can learn more about becoming a volunteer on LetsGoOutside.org.
For more information about IRC’s work to remove non-native, invasive plants or about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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