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Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board |
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Class C Noxious Weed
Baby's breath
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Other common names: Tall
baby's breath
Plant family: Caryophyllaceae
Year listed:
1988
Native to:
Europe
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Why is it a noxious weed? |
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Baby's breath is an ornamental species that has escaped cultivation to pastures and rangeland in some areas. Once established, it forms dense stands and is difficult to control. |
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How would I identify it? |
| General Description:
Leaves:
Flowers:
Stems:
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How does it reproduce? |
| Baby's breath reproduces by seed with each single plant averaging 13,700 seeds. Wind appears to be the most important dispersal agent. Most seeds drop to the ground near the parent plant, but if the seed capsules do not open completely, the seeds may be carried lengthy distances before being dropped. | |||||||||
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Where does it grow? |
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| Baby's breath can withstand considerable variation in both temperature and moisture; it is most aggressive in areas of low rainfall. | |||||||||
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What is the distribution in Washington State? |
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How do I control it? |
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General control methods: Cultural: Heavy and continuous grazing can suppress the growth of mature plants and prevent seedling establishment. Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator. Mechanical: The plants vigor is little reduced by mowing or clipping or by light or infrequent grazing. Biological: None known at this time |
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Are there plants that may be confused with (name of weed)? |
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For more information |
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Last updated August 26, 2008