This time of year, our conservation volunteers are on the hunt for Youngia japonica, commonly known as Hawksbeard.

Youngia japonica is native to southeast Asia, grows easily, and spreads fast, making it a high priority for our team to remove from natural areas. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette, and the flowering stalk can be anywhere from less an inch to several feet off the ground. The composite flowers are small and yellow and can turn to seed even after being picked! To remove, pull the plant by the root and dispose of it in a sealed receptacle, like a trash bag you can close. On the go and don't have time to pull weeds? Break off the flowering heads of the plant and dispose of them in a sealed receptacle. Do not leave pulled plants or flowers on the ground; the flowers will continue developing to seed and spread. Our volunteers like to use old flat head screwdrivers to loosen the roots from the dirt. Photos: Rese Milkereit