Vertical Tabs
- Sticky sage is a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae).
- Sticky sage is an attractive member of the mint family, bearing the family’s classic zygomorphic flowers and square stems. Most conspicuous towards the end of the summer, this perennial produces yellow flowers along tall, three to four foot-long stems. (2)
Leaves
Leaves are up to three inches long, oppositely arranged, with toothed margins and spear-shaped bases. Sticky glandular hairs cover both sides of the leaves— and the plant as a whole. (3)
Flowers
Flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, yellow, and arranged on foot-long inflorescences. Flowering occurs early to late summer. (2)
As a relatively new invader, the ecological impacts of Sticky sage are not yet fully known. In dense infestations this Eurasian native is capable of diminishing plant diversity and changing community composition by outcompeting natives.
Biological Control
There is no biological control agent available at this time.
Manual or Mechanical Control
Pulling / Digging Up: Seedlings and young plants have shallow roots - pulling is easy and very effective. Better established individuals have underground runners which, when fragmented can produce new plants. Populations should be monitored for at least 3-4 years after pulling to ensure the seed bank is exhausted. (3,4)
Mowing: Mowing may prevent flowering of this species, greatly reducing seed set. However, this method of management is unlikely to eradicate sticky sage as established individuals have an extensive underground system of runners, capable of producing new plants. (3)
Girdling: Not applicable
Prescribed Fire: No information available
Prescribed Grazing: No information available
Soil Tilling: Tilling is not a recommended method of control as sticky sage’s underground runners, when disturbed, can produce new plants.
Mulching: Mulching may inhibit the germination of seedlings but is only feasible in garden settings or on small occurrences of this species.
Solarization: No information available
Hot Foam Spray: No information available
Chemical Control
The pesticide application rates and usage herein are recommendations based on research and interviews with land managers. When considering the use of pesticides, it is your responsibility to fully understand the laws, regulations and best practices required to apply pesticides in a responsible manner. At times, the pest you seek to treat may not be on a pesticide label, requiring a 2ee exemption from NYSDEC. Always thoroughly read the label of any pesticide and consult the NYSDEC or a licensed pesticide applicator with questions.
Foliar Spray: A springtime foliar spray of 1-5% glyphosate throughout the growing season is effective against this species. (4)
Cut Stump: Not applicable
Basal Bark: Not applicable
Stem Injection: Not applicable
Pre-Emergent Spray: Not applicable
Small populations of Sticky sage can be managed by hand pulling over the course of several years. For large, established populations and individuals, targeted use of foliar spray will achieve more rapid, effective control.
Post treatment monitoring
Controlled populations should be revisited for at least five years to ensure exhaustion of the seed bank.
Disposal Methods
Mowed, cut, or pulled Sticky sage can be composted so long as management occurred prior to seed production. Stems and rhizomes should be crushed, or allowed to dry out completely, before composting in order to prevent regrowth.
