Very tough to eliminate. I covered a small patch for more than two months. It was gone when I removed the cover but it has reappeared in the same spot this year. Should I cover again or spray? There is a huge patch near the apartment complex south of the Tigard Library that is probably the source of the other plants along the trail.

Reporter
May 3, 2009, 2:13 p.m.

Hi!

Hmmm... In looking at the photo I do not see any Italian arum, a very common and pernicious pest where I live in Yamhill County. That said, aassuming there is Italian arum at the site, you are correct - it is a totally frustrating plant to control. This is because it grows from a bulb and seemingly no amount of herbicide or solarizations appears to be able to deplete the plant's energy to re-sprout. I have tried everything I can think of to control it and every year it keeps popping up in the spring, seemingly no worse for wear.

As with your other reports, I'll pass along your info to the Tualatin SWCD at (503) 648-3174 for a site visit. That said, as you can guess I am not too optomistic that Italian arum can be successfully eradicated.

Thanks again!

Vern Holm
May 7, 2009, 1:06 a.m.

Whoops. I sent the wrong photo. I'll try to send the right one when I'm at my home computer. It is Italian Arum however. For a smallish patch in my yard is it worth trying to dig up the bulbs?

Reporter
May 7, 2009, 6:29 a.m.

Hi!

You can sure give it a try, but you really gotta be carefel and get EVERYTHING out. I tried digging and, yuppers, there some were back again! I even have some growing in the crotch of a very old bib leaf maple and have been pulling the leaves off for years and the sucker keeps coming back. Aaarg.

FYI, for some folks IA causes a skin reaction, so if you are digging, wear gloves and don't touch your eyes.

Still, best of luck to ya. I will check and see if the folks in New Zealand (where IA is a huge problem) have come up with anything new.

VH

Vern Holm
May 7, 2009, 7:21 a.m.