Sharp-eyed observers are beginning to see stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens) in disturbed areas and roadsides, so soon it will be time to mobilize efforts to remove this invasive. Stinkwort is a late-developing invasive; it can be difficult to detect before mid-summer, so July, August, and the first part of September are the best times for removing it.
As many readers know, I’ve been hand-pulling stinkwort from the Lamorinda area for several years. I’ve learned that removing all visible stinkwort—twice, or even three times—is the most effective approach. No matter how carefully we try, a few plants always remain, and multiple visits ensure that we reduce the seed bank.
This single-species, do-it-yourself community service project has a lot of benefits: you will rid your community of a truly unpleasant weed that spreads like wildfire, is toxic to livestock and avoided by wildlife, and can cause a rash on people. (You can avoid getting a rash by wearing long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and wrist protection, but not everyone knows this.) If you are willing to engage with people, you can also do a little community education, make people aware of the plants around them, and show them that it’s possible to do something good right in their own area. I usually bring along some informational brochures so people can read about our work.
If you would like to learn more about stinkwort removal, you can join me for a stinkwort-pulling session in the Lamorinda area, or I can join you for a starter session in your neighborhood. I can give you tips on protective clothing, how to approach land owners to request permission, timing, and other details.
If you’d like to know more, contact Barbara Leitner at stinkwort@ebcnps.org.
—Barbara Leitner, Executive Committee Co-Chair, CNPS East Bay Chapter
July 2025
Learn more about the invasive stinkwort removal project:
The Stinkwort Chronicles: It Takes a Village
The Stinkwort Report: Persistence Pays Off
Stinkwort Season Begins—All Aboard!
Stinkwort Season Comes to the East Bay
Stinkwort: All Hands on Deck
