Beware of Stinknet: An Invasive Threat in the Sonoran Desert

At first glance, this small flowering plant doesn’t seem all that menacing. You see a cluster of green stems adorned with bright yellow flowers. But then, there’s that unmistakable scent, and suddenly it hits you—this is Stinknet, notorious as the Sonoran Desert’s most unwelcome invasive weed.

Once its seeds take root, Stinknet flourishes, often at the expense of native wildflowers and other desert greenery, siphoning off valuable water and nutrients. It has the potential to transform vast areas, systematically replacing beloved natural plants with its unremarkable tan stems.

But the problems don’t stop there. Drystinknet, a variant, is highly flammable, heightening wildfire risks. Plus, when burned, the smoke is harsh and can trigger serious allergic reactions. Quite a mess, really.

Fortunately, there’s still an opportunity to curb Stinknet’s spread— and you can play a part. “Stinknet is a winter annual plant, thriving only in the cooler months of winter and spring,” notes Ellie Schertz, Invasion Species Program Coordinator at Pima County Conservation Lands & Resources.

The Conservation Lands team has partnered with several groups, including the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum and Tucson Audubon Society, to raise awareness about the perils of Stinknet. They’re hopeful that information can spread faster than the plant itself.

To help inform the community, they’ve created a series of short videos. These cover topics like identifying Stinknet, safely removing it, reporting it, what an “invasion curve” entails, and how this plant affects the fragile desert ecosystem.

The county offers various resources for those interested in combating invasive species, including the well-established volunteer group, Sonoran Desert Weedwackers, who regularly organizes removal events, primarily in Tucson Mountain Park.

The best way to halt Stinknet’s encroachment is by meticulously removing and disposing of any weeds you encounter. “This year has been particularly dry, so look for Stinknet where moisture accumulates, like washes, irrigation spots, or along roadsides where rainwater collects,” Schertz added.

Stinknet is fairly easy to identify, thanks to its distinctive look and smell. When removing it, grab the whole plant by the base, place it into a sealed bag, and toss it in the trash to hinder seed dispersal.

Using gloves is advisable to avoid skin irritation, and a face mask might be useful if you’re dealing with a heavy infestation or are particularly sensitive. Larger, established cases might require treatment with herbicides by certified professionals.

Finally, if you spot Stinknet, it’s important to report it at the designated site to help monitor its spread.