Training: how to spot purple loosestrife and other semi-aquatic invasives, and best practices for control
July 24, 2026 | Agriculture, Governor's Cabinet, Organizations, Executive, Colorado
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Workshop instructors led a field-focused overview of semi-aquatic, list-A species, emphasizing visual keys, lookalikes and practical control steps for field crews and land managers.
"A really good distinguishing one is that purple loosestrife is always gonna have a square stem," said Emily McGrath, the CDA early-detection and rapid-response specialist, describing identification cues (square stem, opposite leaves, dense terminal spikes of pinkish flowers) and advising crews to look downstream from known infestations for recruits. McGrath stressed the importance of multiple identification cues and recommended genetic confirmation when hybrids or similar species are suspected.
Presenters reviewed disposal recommendations (landfill or incineration; do not compost), and control approaches: early detection and rapid response for small populations, mechanical removal of rhizomes/seeds for limited areas, and chemical application guided by updated CSU recommendations and aquatic-approved labels when appropriate. They urged crews to keep detailed pesticide application records, use qualified supervisors for aquatic applications and to submit site records and shapefiles to EDDMapS or to CDA for bulk upload.
The session included look-alike comparisons (native winged loosestrife, swamp milkweed, various mints and willows) and practical tips for field identification and safe, compliant treatment.
"A really good distinguishing one is that purple loosestrife is always gonna have a square stem," said Emily McGrath, the CDA early-detection and rapid-response specialist, describing identification cues (square stem, opposite leaves, dense terminal spikes of pinkish flowers) and advising crews to look downstream from known infestations for recruits. McGrath stressed the importance of multiple identification cues and recommended genetic confirmation when hybrids or similar species are suspected.
Presenters reviewed disposal recommendations (landfill or incineration; do not compost), and control approaches: early detection and rapid response for small populations, mechanical removal of rhizomes/seeds for limited areas, and chemical application guided by updated CSU recommendations and aquatic-approved labels when appropriate. They urged crews to keep detailed pesticide application records, use qualified supervisors for aquatic applications and to submit site records and shapefiles to EDDMapS or to CDA for bulk upload.
The session included look-alike comparisons (native winged loosestrife, swamp milkweed, various mints and willows) and practical tips for field identification and safe, compliant treatment.
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