Noxious Weeds of Mirrormont

Mirrormont's wooded, undeveloped land is a haven for invasive plants that spread aggressively, smother native vegetation, and are genuinely difficult to remove once established. Here are the species to watch for on your property.

English Ivy

Grows year-round and spreads easily between neighboring properties. As it climbs a tree, its leaves change shape and it begins to reproduce — eventually the weight can help topple the tree. Control by cutting and removing ivy at least six feet up the trunk and three feet around the base.

Yellow Archangel

Pretty yellow flower spikes hide an aggressive groundcover that smothers native plants. It spreads by seed and by runners, and even a single cut leaf can re-root — so cut material needs to be bagged and disposed of, not left on the ground.

Himalayan Blackberry & Evergreen Blackberry

Introduced in 1885, Himalayan blackberry is now considered one of the worst weeds on the Pacific Coast, forming thorny, impenetrable thickets over structures, fences, and other plants.

English Holly

Spread by birds that eat the berries. Removal is complicated by tough, J-shaped roots that tend to snap off rather than pull out. Take care to distinguish it from Mirrormont's native Oregon grape before removing.

Bindweed

Forms tangled mats and trip hazards, with roots extending up to 10 feet into the ground. Seeds can remain viable for more than 20 years, which is why bindweed keeps coming back.

Rough Chervil

Contains compounds that can cause skin inflammation in people and more serious effects in livestock — handle with gloves and caution.

Creeping Buttercup

A single plant can spread to cover roughly 40 square feet in a year, and its seeds stay viable for decades.

Get Help

If you'd like help identifying or managing noxious weeds on or near your property, contact the Mirrormont Park Stewards at park@mirrormont.org.

Full source document:

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