Weed that smells like paint thinner takes over Arizona
Invasive plants can be just as destructive as animals and often go unnoticed until it’s too late. In parts of Arizona, the stinker (Oncosiphon piluliferum) it really stinks. The yellow noxious weed gives off more than just a foul odor; it also destroys native wildflowers essential to the ecosystem.
What is the stench?
Stinkhorn is an invasive annual weed. It grows during the winter and can then crowd out native plants and become a fire hazard during the summer. According to the University of Arizona, it is spreading in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties. It also spreads to Nevada, California, Mexico and Australia. It can grow in a wide variety of habitats, including yards, desert riparian areas, urban sidewalk cracks, and in disturbed and undisturbed soils.
It is still unclear exactly when and how he arrived in Arizona. The Arizona Native Plant Society estimates that it was through the soil or on a vehicle coming from California that the weed was first spotted in 1981. Introduced weeds like stinknet can go unnoticed until they become established and form populations. It is then often too late.
What does the stinker look like?
It is known for its golden yellow color. To the untrained eye, it may appear to belong in a field of wildflowers. It has spherical yellow flowers and dark green, carrot-like leaves. When allowed to grow unchecked, it will suck up all the resources of the area’s native plants and overtake them. It can produce thousands of seeds that can live in the soil for up to five years.
What does the stench smell like?
The short answer: really bad. Its odor is described as pungent and similar to that of turpentine. The smell is particularly pronounced when its leaves are crushed.
âThe smell is so strong it can give you a headache,â said Brian Shomo, natural resources director at the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Even though the smell is not pleasant, that is not what makes the stinky net dangerous. It is highly flammable and can fuel wildfires. Coming into contact with it can also cause rashes and breathing problems, just like smoke when it burns in a fire.
How to deal with the stench
If you see stinknet, take a photo and report it to stinknet.org. You can also check their map to see where this was reported.
After hiking near a stink net, be sure to clean your shoes and clothing thoroughly to prevent it from spreading. Also, don’t let animals run through stink nets.
If it’s in your garden, carefully dig the weeds from the roots, while wearing gloves, long sleeves and other protective clothing. Bag all the gear on the planet and dispose of it safely. Certain herbicides, including glyphosate and pre-emergent herbicides, are also effective against this scourge. As with any chemical product, always follow label directions and wear appropriate protection.
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