WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — There’s a new invasive weed in Whatcom County called Goatsrue and it is currently found in only three counties in Washington State.
Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board has issued an alert advising Whatcom County residents to check their property for the presence of Goatsrue and, if found, report it.
Goatsrue contains an alkaloid which is poisonous to sheep, cattle and humans. It is capable of displacing native and beneficial plants and destroying wildlife habitat. The plants have been known to overtake wetlands and marshy areas and are also found in open fields and along roadsides.
Each plant can produce up to 15,000 seedpods and seeds which can remain viable in the soil for 5 to 10 years.
Goatsrue is identified by the following.
- Herbaceous perennial plant
- Pea-like flowers in pink, purple, and white from June to October
- Grows up to 4-6 feet tall
- Upright stems are hollow with a deep taproot
- Alternate leaves with 6-10 pairs of leaflets
County residents are asked to report locations of Goatsrue to the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Program by calling 360-778-6234.
