Palmer amaranth – contributed photo

An invasive weed called Palmer amaranth has been found in Iowa and identified in Washington County. Field agronomist Meaghan Anderson says now is the time to take care of the issue before it spreads further. The weed can harm crop yields in Iowa’s fields. Palmer amaranth has been confirmed in nine counties and is similar to waterhemp. Anderson shares it can be identified by the stem of the leaf, if that is longer than the leaf itself then it is likely Palmer amaranth. She adds though, the best way to identify it is a female plant at maturity. Cases of Palmer amaranth are isolated currently and now is the time to eradicate it. If you think you’ve spotted the plant in your fields contact Anderson or your local field agronomist.