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Posted 12 August 2008. Crop Management. Updated Plant and Weed Guides Available from MSU Extension Publications Montana State University. extn.msu.montana.edu Bozeman, Montana (July 23, 2008)--Three revised publications from Montana State University Extension are available to help the public identify both noxious weeds across the state and preferred plants for Montana landscaping.
"Montana's Noxious Weeds" is an 80-page spiral-bound pocket guide that categorizes 32 of the state's most destructive noxious weeds by color and identifies their degree of establishment. Clear color photos, 110 in all, depict plants in the field, and written details of each plant help confirm weed identification. Integrated weed management options and potential toxic effects for each weed are also listed. The guide, available from MSU Extension or the Montana Weed Control Association, includes addresses and telephone numbers for Montana's county weed districts. The guide costs $4, which includes shipping and handling, from MSU Extension. Call (406) 994-3273. However, through a noxious weed trust fund grant, the books are available for $1.50 plus shipping and handling from the Montana Weed Control Association. Call (406) 684-5590. "The Montana Planter's Handbook: Tree and Shrub Selection Guide" has been extensively updated in 2008. The 68-page revised resource for landscaping projects includes information on how to plant, choosing plants for Montana-specific conditions, and detailed growth, habit and cultivar information for more than 200 species. Limitations of each plant are listed, as well as aesthetic and adaptive characteristics, and ease of transplanting certain varieties. The guide covers information on coniferous trees and shrubs, broadleaf evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs, and vines -- with plants indexed by both common name and scientific name. The guide is available from MSU Extension for $10. In an effort to educate those that use Montana rangeland and keep it protected from invasive weed species, Extension partnered with Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to print the brochure "Weed-free Rangelands and Wildlife Habitat." The brochure includes photographs and detailed descriptions of six noxious weeds to help identify them. It also includes instructions to mark the location of weeds and alert the landowner, county Extension agent or local weed district office. Brochures are free from MSU Extension and a downloadable version is available at msuextension.org/publications. More gardening information is available at the Garden Guide: gardenguide.montana.edu and more publications are available for download or order at extn.msu.montana.edu. Two sound bites, one 18 seconds and one 24 seconds, to go with this story are available on the web. MSU Extension horticulturist Cheryl Moore-Gough says the Tree and Shrub Selection Guide is especially helpful given Montana's harsh growing climate. Moore-Gough says the Tree and Shrub Selection Guide is organized by plant characteristics. Contact: |
