How to identify Minnesota weeds: Photos and guidance to help crop producers identify annual grass weeds, annual broadleaf weeds and perennials.

Quick facts Invasive trees and shrubs are non-native plants that can reduce property values, damage the environment and harm human health. Native woody plants also can be aggressive when they spread ...

Quick facts Armillaria root rot causes poor growth, yellow to brown foliage, and eventual death of the tree. The fungus can infect many deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. Infected trees have ...

Cytospora canker is most common on Colorado blue spruce, but can affect all spruce trees grown in Minnesota. The disease is common on large mature trees. Dead or dying branches are scattered ...

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is an adaptable shrub native to Minnesota with hardiness and wide tolerance to a variety of soil textures, densities, pH levels and moisture conditions. Because ...

Rhizosphaera needle cast is caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii. The fungus survives winter on living and recently killed needles. In spring through early autumn, spores spread to new needles ...

Local food The Master Gardener volunteer program promotes sustainable techniques for growing local food on multiple scales and at various locations. Learn ways you can grow your own food no matter ...

Quick facts Ruminant stomachs have four compartments: the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum and the abomasum. Rumen microbes ferment feed and produce volatile fatty acids, which is the cow’s main ...

Growing common hackberry Hardiness zone: 3 to 9 Light: Full sun to partial sun Best soil properties for common hackberry Sandy loams to clay soils; tolerates otherSoil pH 6.6 to 8.0; tolerates ...

Branch symptoms Black knot galls are most noticeable during fall and winter after all the leaves have fallen. Knobby, swollen black growths called galls grow along the length of stems and branches. In ...

What to do if strangles occurs Isolate all the horses with symptoms to one area. Use separate tools and grooming equipment in the isolation area. Completely clean all feed, manure and bedding from ...

Bird's nest fungi Look like miniature bird's nests or cups. Shiny peridioles are nestled inside like eggs. Usually only 1/4 inch in height or diameter. Commonly light brown but may be white, gray, ...