Can someone please edumicate me as to what the pictured plant is? and It is growing prolifically near the 100 Mile House area (~4000 ft alt) and has all but taken over half of a friend's pasturing paddocks. Needless to say he wants shut of it... I am inclined to use glyphosate but suggestions are very welcome. Again these were actively grazed paddocks but are out of service until this plant is controlled or eradicated. It has been a very hot, dry and kinda wildfire-ish summer around these parts this year but this plant has clearly been in residence for some time by the look of it. Many thanks.
This resembles Astragalus cicer - Wikipedia --if that's the case, then no work is necessary as it is a non-bloat forage crop with good protein value. See: https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_asci4.pdf That's a tentative ID -- with members of the Fabaceae, I'd want to be certain before introducing livestock. Are there any photos from when it was blooming, or a verbal description of the flowering heads?
Thanks Daniel. I will ask about the flowers and post back. It is very much choking out the grass right now (such as it is!) but I suspect it might not do so well with more rain. It has been exceptionally dry this year in these here parts.
Yes, I just chatted with the property owner and the flowers were pale and creamy in colour. Looking at the pics and literature you linked it is definitely Milkvetch. I will explain it is a good thing. I actually heaved a bunch of it up quite easily but there is so much it would take a lot to thin it down. I suppose mowing might help control it?
Sorry for the delay... I agree, but the animals won't eat it apparently. Fussy horses. A couple goats would make quick work of it but a mower will do once the risk of sparks and fire subsides a bit. Once the rains return the grasses should re-establish their dominance and all shall be well again. I am told this is the first time they have noticed the Milkvetch but I have no doubt it's been there all along.
