Devil weed is considered one of the world?s worst 100 invasive species according to Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC), and is thought to have the potential to be extremely invasive to Hawai?i. The plant?s name comes from its leaves, which have three veins that look like a pitch fork. The shrub has pale purple, triangular shaped leaves with toothed edges. When crushed, the plant has a distinct smell of turpentine. The spread of this invasive plant is exacerbated by its tiny fruits, which have soft white hairs that can easily be carried by the wind and water, or eaten and spread by birds. The hairs may also attach themselves like Velcro to passing animals, including human hikers.

Read more about our program which utilizes volunteer dog-handler teams to detect this invasive plant.

http://www.conservationdogshawaii.org/projects/devil-weed-invasive-plant/