Invasive Plant Control (Hungry Valley SVRA)

The Invasive Plant Control Project at Hungry Valley SVRA focuses on controlling invasive exotic plants in the native grasslands area. The two invasive plants of significant concern are the Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria dalmatica) and the Yellow Star Thistle (Centaurea solstitialis). Both species are on California's A-Rated Weed List and pose an imminent threat to the grassland habitats at the Park.

Facts About the Dalmation Toadflax
 Often forms large colonies which choke and take over native plants
 Highly competitive for soil moisture
 Plants with 10-15 stems can produce up to 500,000 seeds

Facts About the Yellow Star Thistle
 First recorded in California in 1869
 Has infested nearly 8 million acres in California
 Poisonous to horses causing the "chewing disease," a fatal nervous disorder
 Has a rapid growth rate forming dense infestations
 May produce allelochemicals which prevent growth of competing species

One of the implemented programs to control the invasive species in the Park, involves spraying the weeds with herbicide. Biocontrol is used in the grasslands area by the California Department of Food and Agriculture in an effort to control the Toadflax problem. In addition, UC Davis has selected a Toadflax infested plot and is experimenting with different concentrations of herbicides.

After battling these invasive plants for several years, it has become apparent the Park's grasslands are highly susceptible to these invaders. The Invasive Plant Control Program will need to be maintained annually in order to have any chance of success in eliminating these invasive species, and over time, research will prove which method works best.