Written collaboratively by Eric Jones, Philip Rozeboom, David Vos, and Jill Alms.
Absinth wormwood is a difficult-to-control, noxious weed in South Dakota. Spring herbicide applications are effective when applied to absinth wormwood plants in late spring and before plants turn “white.” Now is the time to consider fall applications for absinth wormwood control.
Why Use Fall Herbicides?
Perennial weeds, such as absinth wormwood, begin to transport assimilates and nutrients down to the roots in the fall to survive the winter months. An herbicide application in the fall can be more effective by killing the underground plant material since the herbicide will translocate with the nutrients.
Fall control of absinth wormwood is usually best after a mowing or spring herbicide application where regrowth has occurred. Mowing may need to be implemented prior to fall herbicides to ensure the droplets land on the weeds and are not intercepted by grass or other vegetation growing in proximity. Mowing large, flowering absinth wormwood plants will significantly reduce seed production. If areas of absinth wormwood are small and isolated around the landscape, spot spraying is a viable option over a broadcast application.
Effective Herbicides
Effective herbicides for absinth wormwood control in the fall include, but are not limited to: 2,4-D (may require retreatment in the spring), aminopyralid, dicamba, glyphosate (non-selective; this herbicide can kill desirable plants in proximity, so it is best used for spot treatment), and picloram. Consult herbicide labels and the SDSU Extension noxious weed management guide for product trade names, use/use restrictions, and use rates.
Environmental Considerations
Environmental conditions can influence absinth wormwood control with herbicides in the fall. Adequate soil moisture will likely aid in the effectiveness of the herbicide application, as the plant should be growing actively. Herbicide effectiveness is decreased under drought conditions. Killing frosts occur in the fall in South Dakota and can reduce the effectiveness of a prior herbicide application. If a frost occurs before the treatment, wait at least 24 hours to determine if the foliage is killed (symptoms include necrotic [brown tissue] and wilted tissue) or survives. If the plant foliage is killed, do not apply the herbicide, as it will not be absorbed; if the foliage survives, herbicide can be applied if temperatures are to remain above freezing.
Similar to fall-only herbicide applications, spring-only herbicide applications may not provide effective control alone. Effective noxious weed management plans should utilize both spring and fall herbicide applications. Fall herbicide applications are also a good time to make notes on what other weed species are present and where the problem areas are in the landscape. Making detailed notes early can improve weed control in the spring by purchasing the most effective herbicides and applying them in the correct places.
