True forget-me-not, water forget-me-not
(Myosotis scorpioides)
Biological Category
Plants
NY Legal Status
Not Regulated
Species Type
Other Herbaceous
DESCRIPTION
True forget-me-not is a member of the Borage family (Boraginaceae).
An attractive, erect to creeping, rhizomatous perennial occupying marshy ground, stream banks and wetlands, true forget me not is most easily recognized in late spring, when a profusion of small pink and blue flowers open at the end of coiled, scorpion tail-like stems.
Note: Research for these pages was generated from citations listed. References for specific statements available upon request.
Leaves: Leaves are bright green, somewhat shiny, alternately arranged, simple, and with smooth margins.
Flowers: Flowers are blue and sometimes pink, approximately ¼” in diameter, 5 petaled, and open at the end of stems which slowly uncoil as the flowers bloom.
Native to Eurasia, true-forget-me-not was introduced to North America via the horticultural trade.
True forget-me-not is a denizen of moist soils and can be found along the edges of lakes, ponds, and streams, in wet meadows and floodplain forests.
True forget-me-not reproduces both sexually and vegetatively. The species spreads rapidly via stolons which root at the nodes, potentially outcompeting other native plant species occupying the same niche. Seeds are most commonly transported by water but could potentially be moved by waterfowl or small mammals. Little is known about true forget-me-not’s ability to form a long-term seed bank. Vectors include water, birds, and small mammals.
Little research has been conducted on the invasive potential and ecological impacts of true forget-me-not. The species’ ability to spread rapidly via rooting stolons enables dense, homogenous stands to form quickly, outcompeting other native plants and changing the structure and diversity of the habitats it colonizes.
There is currently no single optimal biological control agent in use against this species.
Pulling / Digging Up: Pulling by hand is an effective method of control as long as care is taken to remove all of the root. Pull before seed set to minimize germination in subsequent years.
Mowing: Not advisable. True forget me not generally colonizes wet areas where heavy equipment would be inoperable.
Girdling: Not applicable
Prescribed Fire: Not applicable. Areas infested with True forget-me-not are generally too wet for controlled burns.
Prescribed Grazing: Not advisable. True forget-me-not contains alkaloid components toxic to many grazers.
Soil Tilling: Not advisable. Tilling will fragment roots and stems and could encourage re-sprouting. True forget-me-not grows on moist, fragile sites prone to erosion.
Mulching: No information available.
Solarization: No information available.
Hot Foam Spray: No information available.
The pesticide application rates and usage herein are recommendations based on research and interviews with land managers. When considering the use of pesticides, it is your responsibility to fully understand the laws, regulations and best practices required to apply pesticides in a responsible manner. At times, the pest you seek to treat may not be on a pesticide label, requiring a 2ee exemption from NYSDEC. Always thoroughly read the label of any pesticide and consult the NYSDEC or a licensed pesticide applicator with questions.
Foliar Spray: Very little research has been done on chemical treatment of True forget-me-not. However, a 1% solution of glyphosate is effective at managing related species although repeat applications may be necessary. Infestations managed in this way should be revisited in 2-3 weeks to monitor for regrowth. Always read and follow all instructions on the herbicide label.
Cut Stump: Not applicable
Basal Bark: Not applicable
Hack-And-Squirt
Stem Injection: Not applicable
Pre-Emergent Spray: Not applicable
Waste material can be composted so long as management was completed prior to seed set. Any seed heads must be bagged and disposed of. All rooting stolons must be thoroughly dried and or crushed.
General management overview and recommendation: Little research has been conducted on best management practices of true forget-me-not. As with any other invasive infestation complex, large swaths of true forget-me-not are likely best managed via a combination of mechanical and chemical means. All managed infestations should be monitored to ensure exhaustion of the seed bank and to prevent reinvasion from nearby populations. Any new seedlings can be hand pulled or sprayed.
Post-treatment monitoring: Any infestations managed by chemical means must be revisited in 2-3 weeks to check for treatment efficacy. Infestations managed solely by mechanical or physical means will need consistent follow up treatment to manage re-sprouting. Due to the species tendency to colonize wet, potentially fragile soils, managed infestations should be intentionally revegetated and monitored for future seedling emergence.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Mehrhoff, L.J., J.A. Silander, Jr., S.A. Leicht and E. Mosher. 2003. IPANE: Invasive Plant Atlas of New England. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT.
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