Invasive Plants

Balance in the desert ecosystem is threatened by many invasive plants.  Sahara Mustard is perhaps best known, but there are many others that are equally problematic.

Sahara Mustard

Sahara mustard is an invasive non-native weed that is a significant threat to our desert plants and wildflowers. It is also a fire hazard. Use these resources to identify the plant to stop its spread.

Here is a list of other invasive plants found around the Morongo Basin and in the Mojave Desert.  Click each one to find a comprehensive guide on how to recognize and fight these invaders.  Many thanks to Pat Flanagan for creating these very helpful guides.

"The other mustard" - London rocket - Sisymbrium irio

Red Brome - Bromus madritensis ssp. rubes

Cheat Grass - Bromus tectorum

Bermudagrass - Cynodon Dactylon

Red Stem Filaree or "Storksbill" - Erodium circutarium

Fountain Grass - Pennisetum setaceum

Rabbit foot Grass - Polypogon monspeliensis

Mediterranean Grass - Schismus spp.

Tall Tumble mustard - Sisymbrium altissimum

Indian Hedgemustard - Sisymbrium orientale

Mediterranean Needlegrass - Stipa capensis

Puncture Vine - Tribulus terristris

Tumbleweed, Russian Thistle - Salsola tragus

Tree of Heaven - Ailanthus altissimus

Tamarisk, Salt Cedar - Tamarix spp.