How to Get Rid of Texas Sage

Texas sage (Leucophyllum frutescens), also referred to as Texas ranger and purple sage, is a native shrub of Texas. The compact plant has silvery to gray-green foliage and produces purple-colored blooms all through the summer and well into fall. The hardy, drought- and heat-tolerant plant has few pest- or disease-related issues. The most effective method of killing unwanted plants is to use herbicides, recommends Ohio State University Extension.

Things You'll Need

• Recommended herbicide
• Eyewash

Instructions

1. Buy products containing triclopyr, picloram, dicamba or 2, 4-D for use on Texas sage in early summer. Use glyphosate herbicide for use in August and September. You can also use imazapyr for getting rid of the shrub between June and September. Chemicals are sold under various trade names.

2. Spray the foliage of Texas sage with the appropriate herbicide. Foliar spraying is the most-used method of controlling shrubs up to 15 feet tall, according to Washington State University Extension.

3. Use soil-applied herbicides to get rid of Texas sage. These include hexazinone, bromacil or tebuthiuron. The chemicals are available under various trade names. Apply the herbicide evenly to the soil under the plants, and irrigate to let the chemical move into the root zone.

4. Avoid foliar spraying of herbicides on very hot days. Plants that are under drought stress respond poorly to herbicidal treatments. Do not saturate the plant entirely since this is not necessary and only results in waste.

Tips & Warnings

• Use safety precautions when using herbicides. Read all labels carefully, and avoid use on windy days to minimize chemical drift to non-target areas. Use soil-applied herbicides only as much as needed since these can persist in the soil for extended periods, affecting plant growth and seed germination in the future.

• Always carry a bottle of eyewash when handling herbicides in case of unforeseen emergencies.

References

• Texas Native Shrubs: Texas Sage
• Ohio State University Extension; Controlling Undesirable Trees, Shrubs and Vines in Your Woodland; Randall B. Heiligmann; 1997
• Washington State University Extension; Chemical Control for Woody Plants, Stumps and Trees; Scott W. Howard, Robert Parker; September 1995
• "Invasive Plants of the Upper Midwest"; Elizabeth J. Czarapata; 2005
• United States Department of Agriculture: Non-Removal Forest Stand Improvement Techniques