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This plant is native to Western North American, but it was introduced to the UK to be used as an ornamental bog plant. Once this plant has established itself, it is very invasive and will form dense colonies. It does require wet conditions to survive but there are no particular soil requirements. It gets its name from the strong fragrance of the flowers that resemble the smell that is produced by a skunk. Identifying American skunk cabbage This plant has large leathery leaves that measure between 40cm-1.5m with bright yellow flowers up to 45cm. Around April is when the flowers first emerge and then the leaves appear. In the center is the spadix, which is covered in small flowers that will bear seeds. The seeds can be dispersed by the water, animals, and birds. It can also be spread by the rhizome roots, which measure 30cm in length and 2.5-5cm in diameter. The leaves will die down over the winter but will grow back in the spring. Why you need to remove it One reason that you want to do an American skunk cabbage removal is that is a non-native species that can out-compete native plants in damp habitats. It can also spread very quickly. How to remove it - Chemical control: You can treat the leaves effectively with herbicide but there are limitations as to which ones you can use near the waterways. You should use chemical applications between June-October. This is when the leaves are fully grown. The ground conditions are much drier. With each growing season, you may have to do multiple applications. You have to make sure that you have approval from the Environment Agency before you can use any herbicides near the water.
- Medical control: You can dig out the new seedlings, plants, and rhizomes by hand or machinery to be disposed of. You have to make sure that you get all the rhizomes out because of any fragments remain, they can regenerate and form new plants. This could cause the infestation to spread further. You then have to take all the plant material and destroy it by drying it out away from waterways or burning it.
Conclusion Although they may be pretty to look at, the dense stands and large leaves of the plant can have a shading effect on the smaller plants and cause extensive damage. This is why American skunk cabbage removal UK is important. If you can keep the younger plants culled, it can make a nice ornamental plant. It is a very popular plant in gardens because of its ability to grow in full light or shade and in different soil conditions. If the growth is not controlled, especially in the wild, the problems are just likely to increase. The initial invasions can expand slowly but once it is established, it can become a serious problem as it spreads rapidly. The recommended way to remove this invasive plant is by chemical control but since it usually grows in water, only professionals should try to eradicate the plant this way.
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