A new invasive grass capable of drastically reducing the carrying capacity of range land has been detected in the north Valley Creek area of the Flathead Reservation, according to tribal officials.
Medusahead, with bristles that resembles the mythic monster’s head with snakes for hair, has caused great concern among researchers. The spread of Medusahead may be curtailed by diligent landowner reports to weed-control officials.
Rob McDonald, communications director with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, made the announcement last week hoping to raise awareness about the weed and encourage more reports among residents so that the invasive grass can be addressed.
The Eurasian grass was found in southwestern Oregon in 1884 and has been discovered in 17 Western states in the past decade. Medusahead spreads rapidly through native grasses where perennial vegetation has been destroyed or depleted by newly graded roads, livestock loafing areas, grazing, invasive species, or where fires cleared an area. The weed is virtually inedible, offers little value for livestock and wildlife due to its high silica content, and it prevents other plants from germinating. Medusahead may replace cheatgrass.. Healthy native plant communities are less susceptible but not resistant to medusahead colonization.
Medusahead takes advantage of deep soil moisture yet produces seed two to three weeks after cheatgrass. Medusahead appears matt-forming due to its ability to cover an area to the detriment of other plants. At the end of its growing season Medusahead seeds remain attached to stem unlike many other troublesome weeds.
Medusahead has rapid fall germination and root growth throughout the winter. It reduces water availability for more palatable pasture and range grass and forage. This invasive grass creates abundant litter that does not decompose easily, reducing the ability of other species to sprout and grow. Medusahead can significantly reduce the livestock carrying capacity of infested rangeland..
“Please be on the lookout for this plant along dirt roads, utility corridors, and other disturbed sites, especially in the Valley Creek, Jocko, Ravalli and Dixon areas,” McDonald said.
Anyone who detects the plant is encouraged to contract the CSKT Lands Department at 676-2700, Ext. 1240; Lake County Weed Control at 883-7330; Sanders County Weed Department at 826-3487; or Missoula County Weed Control at 258-4200.