Yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) stirs up a lot of passion for some people, usually very negative. It is one of the plants we get the most questions about, either because it is spreading like crazy or because it has mysteriously shown up someplace unexpected. I suspect it also gets lots of attention because of its distinctive green and silver leaves and its tendency to grow in large, unbroken patches in forests. The bright silvery evergreen leaves and dense, sprawling growth are part of yellow archangel’s attraction as an ornamental in shady beds or hanging baskets. Unfortunately, this is not a plant that stays put. Stem pieces, roots and seeds all help this plant spread beyond where it is planted.

Even though yellow archangel is too widespread to require control in King County, we do try to spread the word to gardeners to avoid planting it near natural areas and to keep it contained where it is already growing. In 2016, the Washington State Department of Agriculture added yellow archangel to the quarantine list so nurseries no longer sell it in Washington. In time, this should help reduce the new infestations and allow us to catch up and control the ones that are already here. King County land managers are working hard to reduce it where they can, but this is often a multi-year effort.

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Noxious weed control field assistant openings at King County.

King County’s noxious weed control program is hiring several seasonal field assistants. April 8 is the closing date for applying. There is one seasonal career service position and several temporary positions open, ranging from 8 to 5 months of work. The positions will primarily support the riparian weed control projects as well as other invasive weed control work on private and public lands. The positions are full time during the season of work and the pay range is $23.49 - $29.78 Hourly. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans. Job duties include field work, weed control, weed surveys, data collection, mapping, crew supervision, landowner communication, public outreach and other project assistance. The work sites are varied including riverbanks, woods, wetlands, lakeshores, urban and rural properties, and more. There is some office work and considerable outdoor work. This is a fun but challenging job working with a great team. Please help us spread the word quickly because the job closes on April 8.

Job Announcement

Learn about noxious weeds at upcoming classes in April and May.

Spring is when our attention turns to weeds. Plants are popping up everywhere and it’s hard to know if it’s a good thing or a disaster waiting to happen. If you enjoy learning and are curious about noxious weeds and invasive plants, you might be interested in one of the following classes happening in the next month or so (click on the Read More link below for all the details).

Sunday, April 7, 11 am-12:30 pm, Free Garden Lecture – Noxious Weeds 101, New Redmond Community Center, 6505 176th Ave, Redmond Washington

Monday, April 15, 6:30 pm-8:30pm, Noxious Weeds and Invasive Plants in King County, Renton Library, 100 Mill Ave S, Renton WA 98057

Wednesday, April 17, 10 am-11 am, Noxious Weeds of the Past Five Years, Webinar, Hosted by Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC)

May 1, 8 and 15, 8 am-4:00 pm, King County Noxious Weed Control Seminar, Kent, Kenmore and Preston sessions (click on link below for locations)

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Report noxious weeds in King County with phone app King County Connect.

Did you know there is an app for reporting noxious weeds directly to the Noxious Weed Control Program? If you spot tansy ragwort or poison-hemlock or giant hogweed or any other noxious weed growing somewhere in the county, you can do something about it quickly and easily. Just download King County Connect from your friendly app store (either Apple or Google Play). The app will take you through the simple steps of taking a photo, selecting the weed (or choosing unknown), letting us know if you want to be contacted, and then submitting the report. As soon as you submit it, the report shows up on our web map and we can see the photo and location. If it’s not a regulated noxious weed (meaning the state law does not require control), the data will help us learn where different weeds are growing in the county and can help us plan how to start tackling some of those widespread invasives. If it is a regulated noxious weed in King County (meaning control is required), we will verify the species and work with the property manager or landowner to make sure the weeds are controlled. If using an app is not your favorite, you can also report the weeds through our mobile-friendly web form. You can access both the form and links to download the app by clicking the link below. 

Report-a-Weed/Get the App