University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Controlling buckbrush in pasture

Buckbrush is a common native weed in northeastern Nebraska=s rangeland, woodland, ravines and along streams. It is a perennial forb that reproduces both by seeds and rhizome.

Plant description

Rhizome is a horizontal creeping root system growing in the top 2-12 inches of soil. Rhizome can access soil moisture from a deeper profile at a much better rate than fibrous roots of pasture grasses, giving buckbrush the competitive advantage over grass, especially during dry years.

Buckbrush plants usually start growing in sparse groups (patches or clusters) and then spread further if not controlled. Its stem is erect, 2-6 feet tall, brownish, somewhat smooth and with many branches. Leaves are opposite, elliptic to ovate with pointed tips. Like many other plant species, the overall growth and development depends on the amount and timing of rainfall.

In Nebraska buckbrush can flower from July to August, with greenish-white to purple flowers. Buckbrush can provide forage for deer early in the season and its fruits are an important food source for upland gamebirds, wild turkeys and songbirds. Buckbrush has no value to livestock because of its low palatability.

Control

Ranchers need to control buckbrush because heavy stands can reduce grass production as much as 80%, especially in dry years, and the plants have no value for livestock forage. Control can be achieved through one of several means. Goats and sheep can reduce stands considerably if kept confined in the area. Single mowing of new 1-2 foot tall plants also can reduce buckbrush populations, especially in dry years. Additional mowing will be needed in wet years. Mowing also can help remove previous years growth to prepare the site for broadcast applications of herbicides.

Herbicides are the most effective tools in providing season long control. Herbicide application should be conducted when the new growth is 6-12 inches tall. The list of effective herbicides and their rates per acre includes: 2,4-D-Ester (2-3 qt/ac), Grazon P+D (1-2 qt/ac), Telar (1.0 oz/ac); mix of Cimarron (0.25 oz ) with WeedMaster (16 oz); mix of Cimarron (0.25 oz/ac) with RangeStar (16 oz/ac), and Cimarron (Ally, Escort) used alone at 0.5 oz/ac.

Stevan Knezevic
Extension Integrated Weed Management Specialist
Haskell Ag Lab, Northeast REC

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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