The Parasitic Weed Threatening San Juan Clover
A local farmer warns neighbors of a strangling weed that threatens to wipe out clover fields across the island.
Henry Swapp of Henry Island writes to the Islander regarding 'dodder,' an obnoxious parasitic weed that is fast taking hold of clover fields in San Juan. While mowing this summer, I came upon several patches, one of which nearly stopped the scythe, being a solid mat four inches thick. It is a dangerous weed, as it has the clover nearly smothered out. It is impossible to mow close enough to kill it, but by taking a hay fork and striking in a half circle close to the ground, it breaks it from the clover. It is an easy and sure way to get rid of small patches. Where there is a large area to be treated, I think kerosene spraying would answer the purpose best. Some of my neighbors were inclined to think light of it at first and have let it run to seed; where it was neglected, the ground is bare, and I question if the clover will come up again. If it does, the dodder will be there to cling to it like an octopus. I think it is to every farmer's interest to keep down such a pest.
“If it does, the 'dodder' will be there to cling to it like an octopus.”
Invasive species management remains a critical issue for Washington's agricultural economy. The 'dodder' weed mentioned here is still a persistent threat to modern alfalfa and clover crops, requiring constant vigilance from regional farmers.
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