University of Nevada, Reno Extension

06/15/2026

Don't let the delicate flowers fool you - Field Bindw**d has an impressive root system that can reach depths of 30 feet or more! Did you know it can survive underground for over 3 years? Read on for more facts and management tips on our w**d of the week.

Convolvulus arvensis - Field bindw**d

Stem:1- to 4-ft. long prostrate stems form a dense, tangled mat; plant may also climb.

Leaves: Alternate, arrowhead-shaped, 1/2- to 2-in. long.

Flower: Bell- or trumpet-shaped, white to pinkish, 1-in. diameter with two small bracts on the flower, stalk 1 in. below the base of the flower.

Root: Whitish fleshy taproot with numerous, long, lateral roots; root system can reach 20 to 30 ft. laterally; depth of the root system depends on soil type and soil moisture, but it can reach 10 to 30 ft. on deep soils; roots store food reserves, allowing the plant to survive underground for more than three years

Other: Perennial; reproduces from seed and root fragments; seeds remain viable for 50 years. Remarkably adaptable; can be found at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet

Control: Requires preventing seed production, reducing root energy stores, providing desirable plant competition and removal of top growth to prevent carbohydrate storage to the roots.
Dig, hoe or pull young plants; pulling mature plants is difficult due to the extensive root system; tilling, disking or mowing are NOT recommended, as plant will regrow from small
root pieces, and mowed plants will regrow.

Apply broadleaf-selective or nonselective herbicides on very young plants; herbicides are not effective on mature plants; preemergence herbicides can be used to manage the existing
seedbank.

Source (including images): Hefner, M. and Kratsch, H. Nevada Nuisance W**d Field Guide, pp. 73. University of Nevada, Reno Extension. 2021

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06/12/2026

Join us for this fun-filled community event focused on learning how to live more safely with wildfire. Kids can play games and meet firefighters. Everyone can learn more about wildfire risk and learn practical steps to protect your home, neighborhoods, and natural surroundings.

• Date: Saturday June 27, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Kahle Community Center, 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd, Stateline, NV 89449

Learn more at: buff.ly/DjDTSx8

06/12/2026

Join us for this fun-filled community event focused on learning how to live more safely with wildfire. Kids can play games and meet firefighters. Everyone can learn more about wildfire risk and learn practical steps to protect your home, neighborhoods, and natural surroundings.

• Date: Saturday June 27, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Kahle Community Center, 236 Kingsbury Grade Rd, Stateline, NV 89449

Learn more at: https://buff.ly/DjDTSx8

06/12/2026

We're proud to be a sponsor of the official state fair! Our 4-H State Expo is a part of the event, and you can also shop our College's fresh organic produce, local meat and fine wool apparel there as well.

06/12/2026

Today, on National Higher Education Day, we celebrate the power of higher education. From students achieving their dreams to research advancing innovation, higher education transforms lives and strengthens our region. Learn more about our University at unr.edu!

06/12/2026

University of Nevada, Reno is training Nevada firefighting workforce and educating communities on what they can do to help to reduce wildfire threat

06/12/2026

University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Living With Fire collaborates U.S. Bureau of Land Management and other agencies to train nextgen firefighters.

06/12/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate LGBTQIA2S+ individuals at the University of Nevada, Reno and in our community. Pride is a celebration, and a time to honor the history of those who have advocated for equality, while continuing to build a campus where everyone feels seen, supported and valued.

06/12/2026

Today we take time to recognize Memorial Day in remembrance of those who have given their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. We will forever remember and honor their sacrifice.

06/08/2026

Horsew**d is the w**d of the week! Another w**d whose seedhead resembles a dandelion, and like many w**ds, it can't be controlled by mowing. Read on for more facts and management tips.

Horsew**d - Conyza canadensis

Stem: Erect stems, unbranched at bottom, often branched at top; grows 1- to 5-ft. tall.

Leaves: Seedlings and rosettes start growing in winter or early summer; leaves are bristly or hairy, spatula-shaped, coarsely toothed, and grow in an alternate arrangement around a central stem; upper leaves become more lance-shaped or linear.

Flower: Inflorescence is branched with slender flower stalks; flowers are inconspicuous, daisylike, with white petals and yellow centers; forms seedhead similar to dandelion, but significantly smaller; flowering and seed production from late June to September.

Root: Shallow taproot.

Other:
Winter or summer annual; reproduces from seed.
Seeds are windborne and can spread to distances of 1,500 ft. or more from the plant source.
Leaves and flowers contain terpene, which is irritating to the nostrils of horses.

Control:
Preventing seed production is essential for control.
Dig, hoe or pull young plants; mowing when in bud stage will prevent seed production, but the plant will produce secondary stems that will also flower and produce seed.
Apply broadleaf-selective or nonselective herbicides on young plants; preemergence herbicides can be used to manage the existing seedbank.

Source (including images): Hefner, M. and Kratsch, H. Nevada Nuisance W**d Field Guide, pp. 90 University of Nevada, Reno Extension. 2021

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06/01/2026

Russian Thistle - aka tumblew**d - is the w**d of the week. As dried w**ds break off and tumble through the landscape, they drop pesky seeds, so it's important to prevent their growth and spread. Read on for more facts and management tips.

Salsola tragus - Russian Thistle

Stem: Bushy plant 1.5- to 3-ft. tall; multibranched stems are usually striped with red or purple.

Leaves: Young leaves are soft, green, fleshy and lack spines; mature leaves are short and stiff, with sharp spines at the leaf tip.

Flower: Small, green or pinkish-red, inconspicuous; form in leaf axils; blooms late summer to fall.

Root: Taproot.

Other:
Summer annual, reproduces by seed; also known as tumblew**d.
Common w**d in disturbed soils or bare areas.

Prolific seed producer; seeds are spread as mature plants break off at ground level and tumble across the landscape, dropping seeds as they roll.
Dried plants are very flammable and increase the risk of wildfire.

Control:
Preventing seed production is essential for control.
Avoid disturbing the soil; plant desirable vegetation that will compete.
Dig, hoe or pull young seedlings; remove plants prior to formation of seeds.
Cattle and sheep will graze young plants.
Apply broadleaf-selective or nonselective herbicides on very young plants; herbicides are not effective on mature plants; preemergence herbicides can be used to manage the existing seedbanks.

Source (including images): Hefner, M. and Kratsch, H. Nevada Nuisance W**d Field Guide, pp. 114 University of Nevada, Reno Extension. 2021

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05/28/2026

Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that can build up in any home. You can’t see it or smell it — but exposure can cause lung cancer, and research links radon to childhood leukemia and even stroke.
The only way to know your home’s radon level is to test.
✔️ Testing is FREE
✔️ Testing is EASY
✔️ Testing protects your family

Find out where to get a test kit at: bit.ly/48f25ia

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05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Take a look at this stunning drone view of the our University of Nevada, Reno Fallon Experiment Station, where our Extension team is planting h**p and sorghum directly into winter cover crops.

This research is part of a long-term effort to explore the viability of a sustainable industrial h**p industry in Nevada. By integrating these crops into cover-cropped fields, we’re gathering data on soil health, water use, crop performance, and overall production potential in Nevada’s unique climate.

From the ground to the sky, every angle shows the promise of innovation, stewardship, and the future of Nevada agriculture. 🌾

Learn more about our Agricultural Risk Management Education Programs!
https://extension.unr.edu/risk-management/default.aspx

05/26/2026

It's our w**d of the week! Did you know Prostrate Knotw**d can inhibit the grow of nearby plants? Read on for more facts and management tips.

Polygonum aviculare - Prostrate Knotw**d

Stem: Prostrate, 1- to 3-ft. long, branched, wiry and enlarged at each joint; seedling stems grow upright.

Leaves: Hairless, alternate and lance-shaped to oblong, 1/2- to 2-1/2-in. long and 1/8- to 1/3-in. wide; silver papery sheaths at each node; leaves can have a bluish-green cast.

Flower: Tiny, five-petal, pink flowers with green centers occur in clusters of one to five flowers at leaf axils.

Root: Shallow taproot.

Other: Annual.
Will grow well in salty, infertile soils and hard, compacted soils; it is drought tolerant and produces chemicals that inhibit nearby plant growth; withstands heavy foot- and vehicle-traffic.

Control:
Preventing seed production is essential for control.
Maintain health, competitive vegetation; it does not grow well in the shade of other plants or under thick mulch.

Hoeing, rototilling and hand-pulling are effective, but may be difficult in compacted soil.

Broadleaf-selective and nonselective herbicides are effective; preemergence herbicides can be used to manage the existing seedbanks.

Source (including images): Hefner, M. and Kratsch, H. Nevada Nuisance W**d Field Guide, pp. 108 University of Nevada, Reno Extension. 2021

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05/20/2026

Last day for our pop-up online plant sale, sale ends May 21 @ 12:00 pm.
All plants are 15% OFF.
Buy online. Pick up this Thursday, May 21 from 5-6 pm at River Fork Ranch (381 Genoa Ln, Minden).
https://PlantPopUp2026.eventbrite.com

Douglas County, Nevada
University of Nevada, Reno Extension Master Gardeners

05/19/2026

Did you miss out on the Native & Adaptive Native Plant Sale last weekend? No worries, we are having a online pop-up market. Shop online and pick up on Thursday, May 21 at River Fork Ranch from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Buy your plants here: https://PlantPopUp2026.eventbrite.com

05/19/2026

Seniors spend more time at home — is your indoor air safe?

Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can become trapped inside houses. Even short-term exposure can contribute to major health problems, including increased risks for lung cancer and stroke.

The only way to know your radon level is to test.

Stop by your nearest UNR Extension office to check out a free radon monitor.

👉 Take action today and help protect yourself or a loved one.

(Note: Nevada is not listed among the states that require or recommend school radon testing, according to a recent overview of school testing laws.)

Visit us at extension.unr.edu/radon/mitigation.aspx

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