Local Vegetation - Welcome to Clasen's Tractor Service

			Artichoke Thistle - Cynara cardunculus Artichoke Thistle is a state listed, aggressive noxious weed that infests much of Orange County. It has caused widespread damage to native plant communities and ecosystems and has rendered pockets of rangeland useless. It should be removed whenever possible to prevent further infestations. The plant stands 1-2 m in height and can be identified by large spiny leaves that form a rosette pattern. It displays large flowering heads with showy purple disk flowers. This extremely invasive perennial weed is commonly found in grasslands and hillsides. It’s leaves sport some very nasty spines. It is easily identifiable by it’s bright purple flower disks. In late summer it dies back and becomes a fire danger.
			Wild Fennel - Foeniculum vulgare This wispy perennial is similar to the domesticated herb found in gardens. It can grow up to 8’ high, dry out, and become fire danger.
			Wild Tobacco - Nicotiana glauca Found in disturbed areas, this is highly invasive perennial weed is also quite toxic. It is usually spindly in appearance with bright yellow elongated flowers.
			Giant Reed - Arundo donax This grass is one of the most invasive wild land pest plants known in California. It is commonly found in riparian (creek) areas.
			Black Mustard - Brassica nigra This annual herb is found on almost every disturbed hillside and vacant lot in Orange County. It is easily identifiable by its many small bright yellow flowers. When it has taken over a large area it provides a beautiful carpet of yellow. It only real danger is that completely dries out in late summer and becomes a significant fire danger.
			Caster Bean - Ricinus communis Native to the east Africa, the castor bean plant has become naturalized to all of Southern California. They are very common along creeks, riverbeds, and just about any area with sufficient moisture to sustain the vigorous growth. It is easily identifiable by its large seeds. They are usually bunched with each seed about the size of a nickel. The plant will typically grow from 10 to 15 feet in height. Keep in mind the seeds and beans are extremely poisonous, so keep children and pets away.
			Russian Thistle (Tumbleweed) - Salsola tragus A rounded, bushy annual, it stands from ½ to 3 feet tall. It became common throughout the western United States in the late 19th century. It is mostly found on disturbed lands and vacant lots.
			Bromus - The Bromus species are common grasses that emerge in spring. They can be found almost everywhere up to 10,000 feet. Bromus, like most grasses, is an annual that begins to dry out in early summer until it becomes a significant fire hazard.
			Wild Oats - Avena fatua Wild oats is an annual weed, reproducing by seed. In the mature plant, the stems are smooth, erect, and grow up to 150 cm (4 ft.) tall. The leaves are similar to tame oats. The head is an open panicle and the spikelets usually contain 2-3 florets (up to 7). The panicle may contain up to 250 seeds, ranging from black, brown, gray, yellow, to white.
			Lemonade Berry - Rhus orata This large shrub gets to 4-5 feet tall and can spread to 15 or more feet across. It is native to the slopes above the coast.

Clasen's Tractor Service 10878 Cherry Ave. Cherry Valley, CA 92223