Marestail/Horseweed in Bramble Plantings
Return to Weeds
Marestail or horseweed (Conyza canadensis) is a biennial broadleaf that can reach heights of 3 to 6 feet. Seeds germinate throughout spring and early summer; plants mature and set seed the same year. Late-season plants overwinter in the rosette stage. One plant may release 20,000 seeds; seeds disperse by wind.
Marestail growth habit top view.
(Photo: Robert Videki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org)
Marestail side view of growth habit.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Marestail flowers.
(Photo: Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, Bugwood.org)
Management:
- Shallow cultivation.
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent seed germination.
- Burn-down herbicides during seedling or rosette stages destroy young plants.
- Glyphosate-resistant marestail is becoming more common.Herbicide-resistant populations should be confirmed by a county Extension agent or the Weed Science Society of America.
