The immigration of spotted knapweed to the Western United States and Canada has caused many unwanted invasions. Spotted knapweed was first introduced in Canada from Eurasia in the late 1800's and quickly spread through out the United States. Soon to be found in 14 Western states including all counties in Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming ("Spotted Knapweed" Plant Ecology 1+). The "accidental introduction" was thought to be mixed with some alfalfa seeds or on a ship that was coming over to America ("Spotted Knapweed" Virginia 1+). As any person may see this weed spreads very quickly and is often hard to identify.

This plant has an appearance of a wildflower, but it is really a disturbing weed. Spotted Knapweed has stems that are 1 to 4 feet tall ("Noxious Weeds" 1+). The stems are covered with fine hair, and their flowers are pinkish purple and often white. "The seed head bracts a

Spotted knapweed has many negative effects on farmers their land and animals. "Spotted knapweed demonstrates aggressive growth in disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste areas, but also in undisturbed areas in dry or moist rangelands knapweed may release chemical substances which inhibits the growth of surrounding vegetation" (Noxious Weeds" 1+). "It has also become established in the Northeast, where it infests overgrazed pasture." Animals that are "grazing" tend to pass over the spotted knapweed and eat more "native grasses and herbs" ("Spotted Knapweed" Virginia 1+). Spotted Knapweed "infests more than 4.5 million acres in the state, costing tens of millions of dollars in control costs, displacing native vegetation, wildlife, and livestock" ("Spotted Knapweed" Spotted Knapweed 1+). On a more positive side spotted knapweeds flowers produce "great nectar for domestic bees" ("Spotted Knapweed" Plant Ecology 1+). With all the controversy that farmers and people have !

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"Yellowstone County Weed Department." Yellowstone County Weed Information: Spotted Knapweed Online. Park 1. 6 Nov. 2000.

In conclusion, there are many different negative aspects of spotted knapweed on farmers and the land surrounding. For however way this exotic weed made its way in to the America it was a big mistake. Many problems have risen from all the contrary spotted knapweed has caused. W

Some common words found in the essay are:
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