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Managing Invasive Weeds & Vines in West Virginia — IPM Guide

Practical, science-based steps to identify, slow the spread, and control invasive species without making them worse.

Invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed, tree-of-heaven, kudzu, and poison hemlock spread quickly and can harm native ecosystems. This WVU Extension guide summarizes integrated pest management (IPM) practices — prevention, mechanical methods, and chemical options — and provides species-specific strategies to manage invasive weeds safely and effectively.

Download the Full IPM Guidebook (PDF)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Basics

Invasive weeds often colonize disturbed ground and spread through seeds, roots, or fragments. Cutting or mowing alone can worsen infestations. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines prevention, timing, and mechanical and chemical controls for long-term success.

General IPM Guidelines

  • Prevent spread: clean tools, vehicles, and soil before moving between sites.
  • Time herbicide treatments for late summer–fall when plants move nutrients to roots.
  • Combine methods: cutting plus targeted herbicide often required over several years.
  • Always follow herbicide labels and WV regulations.

Invasive Weed Profiles

Tree-of-Heaven ( Ailanthus altissima)

Quick Facts: Rapidly sprouting deciduous tree that spreads by seeds and root suckers. Avoid cutting alone—it triggers regrowth.

Identification: Tall tree with large compound leaves, smooth gray bark, and foul-smelling leaflets when crushed. Common along roadsides, railways, and disturbed soils.

Control: Use basal bark treatments (triclopyr + oil) for stems under 6" DBH, or hack-and-squirt/glyphosate for larger trees from mid-July through October. Do not girdle or cut without herbicide treatment. Recheck annually for resprouts.

Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)

Quick Facts: Shrub with silver-backed leaves and red berries. Forms dense thickets that crowd out native plants.

Identification: Multi-stemmed shrub with silvery leaf undersides and small fragrant flowers in spring. Fruits are bright red and dotted with silver scales.

Control: Grub young plants in spring; apply foliar glyphosate or triclopyr on regrowth in late summer. Persistent stands need follow-up for 3–5 years. Avoid soil-residual herbicides near desirable vegetation.

Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)

Quick Facts: Thorny shrub with arching stems and long-lived seeds. Spreads quickly through pastures and fencerows.

Identification: Pinnate leaves with 7–9 leaflets, backward-curved thorns, and white flower clusters in late spring. Produces abundant red rose hips that persist through winter.

Control: Mow or cut repeatedly for several years to deplete root reserves. Use glyphosate, triclopyr, or aminopyralid according to label directions. Treat regrowth 12–18 inches tall for best results. Monitor sites for new seedlings.

Kudzu (Pueraria montana)

Quick Facts: Extremely fast-growing vine that smothers trees, power lines, and structures. Requires multi-year control.

Identification: Twining perennial vine with hairy stems, large trifoliate leaves, and purple, grape-scented flowers in late summer.

Control: Cut early in the growing season to weaken roots, then apply systemic herbicides (glyphosate, triclopyr, or picloram) to late-season regrowth. Repeat annually until crowns are eliminated. Avoid soil disturbance that can trigger new sprouts.

Roundleaf Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

Quick Facts: Twining vine with orange berries that strangles trees and shrubs. Also called Oriental bittersweet.

Identification: Woody vine with glossy round leaves and bright orange fruit capsules that split open to reveal red seeds. Commonly climbs and girdles trees.

Control: Cut-stem or basal bark herbicide treatments with glyphosate or triclopyr during active growth (mid-summer through fall). Remove vines from trees after they die back to prevent damage. Avoid leaving fruiting vines on site.

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia spp.)

Quick Facts: Bamboo-like stems with heart-shaped leaves. Spreads by tiny root fragments that can regrow from disturbed soil.

Identification: Hollow, jointed stems resembling bamboo; large, triangular leaves; and creamy white flower clusters in late summer. Common along streams and roadsides.

Control: Cut in June, allow regrowth, then apply glyphosate or imazapyr in late summer–fall. Repeat annually for at least three years. Avoid digging or moving contaminated soil. Reseed treated areas with native grasses and wildflowers after herbicide intervals.

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)

Quick Facts: Highly toxic biennial with purple-spotted stems. Spreads by seed and roadside disturbance.

Identification: Tall plant (up to 10 feet) with hollow, ridged stems mottled with purple spots. Fern-like leaves and umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers. All parts are poisonous.

Control: Remove before flowering while wearing gloves and mask. Mowing or hand removal before seed set can be effective for small infestations. Use 2,4-D, dicamba, or glyphosate spot treatments per label. Manage seedbank for 3–6 years.

Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)

Quick Facts: Annual grass with shiny midrib and seeds that persist in soil for 3–5 years.

Identification: Delicate, sprawling grass with lance-shaped leaves featuring a silvery midrib. Found in shaded woods, lawns, and roadsides.

Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicide (pendimethalin) in early spring. Use selective grass herbicides or glyphosate for existing stands in late summer. Mulch or hand pull small patches before seed set. Reseed desired vegetation to compete with regrowth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will cutting an invasive kill it?
No. Many species resprout from roots or fragments. Cutting without herbicide or follow-up can worsen infestations.

When is the best time to apply herbicides?
Late summer to fall, when plants move sugars to roots. See the profiles above for species-specific timing.

Are all herbicides safe near water?
No. Only aquatic-labeled formulations (e.g., Habitat®, Shore-Klear®) are approved for use near or over water. Always read the label.

Important Safety and Legal Information

Disclaimer: Always read and follow the product label before using any herbicide. Mention of specific products or trade names does not imply endorsement by WVU Extension. Use of pesticides must comply with all federal and state regulations.