Pignut

Appearance

Pignut, sometimes known as Hogpotato is a native weed found in the Southwest (Morton and Meade Counties). This low-growing weak stem perennial grows up to 1 foot tall and reproduces from seed and underground tubers. The plant has deep roots on which develop nut-like tubers 1 - 15 inches below the surface and are difficult to remove from the soil.

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This plant is a legume with a tuft of leaves at the base. The flowers are of the pea-type, yellow or orange-red and about one half inch long. The pods are flat, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long and have several seeds.

Control

There are no biological controls approved for use on Pignut at this time.

Treatment

Cultivation should be 3 - 5 inches deep at intervals so as to permit the weeds to grow not more than 10 days after emergence of first plants. Don't exceed intervals of 3 weeks. Continue cultivation until plants have been eradicated or have been suppressed to such an extent that remaining plants may be more economically destroyed by other treatment, by hand cultivation or by approved chemicals. Small infestations should be grubbed out, taking care to remove all the tuberous nut-like roots.

For more information regarding this noxious weed you can either contact our office, or the County Weed Directors Association of Kansas, or go to the Kansas Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Control Website.