
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.
In 2019 MBCA was part of an effort to get Saharan mustard designated as a top priority Target Weed for the Biologic Control Program of USDA-ARS in their 2020-2025 Project Plan. The effort was effective - the details are in this News Update.
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 MBCA board member Pat Flanagan for creating these very helpful guides.
A new invasive threat has appeared in the lower desert, in the Anza Borrego area. While it's apparently not yet found in the Morongo Basin, keep a lookout for Volutaria - "A new and noxious plant (that) threatens Southern California." Read this brochure from the University of California Cooperative Extension for photos and details.
In September 2019 the Desert Sun reported the spread of a new hybrid tumbleweed that can grow to six feet tall and weigh 13 pounds, creating a new driving hazard.

Be the first to comment
Sign in with
Facebook Twitter