Before 1850, Americans grew Dyer’s woad for blue dye; in the Great Basin, one infestation later grew from 12,000 to 150,000 acres in eight years

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Dyer's woad, once used for blue dye, has become an invasive species in the American West. This plant produces a high number of seeds and thrives in disturbed soils, making it hard to control. Control efforts require extensive knowledge of its lifecycle and persistent manual and chemical treatment. A recent study highlighted its ecological threat to native plants and livestock forage in Northern Utah.