Stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens) is an oily, sticky, intensely fragrant plant from southern Europe that has invaded California in recent times (since the mid-1980s). It is an annual plant that grows during the long dry summer. It is now rapidly expanding in open riparian or grazing areas of the state.
Stinkwort has found its way into Lake Cunningham Park, including areas adjacent to the native garden. Today a team of volunteers got to work removing this plant from areas next to the bike track and the peninsula opposite the picnic area.
Stinkwort is easily removed by pulling when young when it uproots easily. A mature plant has a tenacious taproot, and calls for a sharp weeding tool capable of severing the root just below the ground level. Once it flowers, it must be bagged and disposed off properly so as not to produce more seed and invade other areas.
