Weeds

WEEDS-County Project Only
There will not be a state fair exhibit.

For all Posters, Notebooks, and Display Board:

It is recommended/suggested that all posters, notebooks, and display boards include a reference list indicating where information was obtained, giving credit to the original author, to complete the 4-H member’s exhibit. This reference list should/might include web site links, people and professionals interviewed, books, magazines, etc. It is recommended this reference list be attached to the back of a poster or display board, be the last page of a notebook, or included as part of the display visible to the public. A judge is not to discredit an exhibit for the manner in which references are listed or a lack thereof.

 

Exhibit Requirements

Division 1 (May do 1 to 2 years)

  1. Collect and identify 15 different weeds from the common and/or invasive plants of Indiana. Your collection of weeds must be taken from the list of common weeds in publication 4-H 247-W. Be aware that some weeds may be more prevalent at different times of the year. Each specimen should show flower and/or fruit, leaf, stem, and root characteristics, all of which are necessary for complete and accurate identification.
  2. Press weeds (see page 4, 4-H 247-W).
  3. Mount each individual weed on 8 ½ " x 11" poster board by either taping or gluing the plant to the poster board.
  4. Cover the poster board containing the plant specimen with cellophane or clear sheet plastic or put it in a plastic sheet protector. Place the pages in a three-ring binder (punch holes of adequate size to allow easy turning of the pages in the binder).
  5. Label (label size, 1 ½ " x 2") each weed as to:
    • Name of weed (common and scientific names-remember to italicize or underline scientific names)
    • Where found (lawn, garden, pasture, etc.)
    • How it reproduces (seed and/or underground root parts)
  1. Answer questions on record sheet 4-H 247A-W, and put a copy of the record sheet in your notebook.
  2. In year two, exhibit a different set of weeds, not repeating the ones from year one.

Division 2 (May do 1 to 2 years)

  1. Collect and identify 5 noxious and five poisonous weeds of Indiana. Your collection of weeds must be taken from the list of noxious and poisonous weeds in publication 4-H 247-W. Be aware that some weeds may be more prevalent at different times of the year. Each specimen should show flower and/or fruit, leaf, stem and root characteristics, all of which are necessary for complete and accurate identification.
  2. Press weeds (see page 4, 4-H 247-W).
  3. Mount each individual weed on 8 ½ " x 11" poster board by either taping or gluing the plant to the poster board
  4. Cover the poster board containing the plant specimen with cellophane or clear sheet plastic or put it in a plastic sheet protector. Place the pages in a three-ring binder (punch holes of adequate size to allow easy turning of the pages in the binder).
  5. Label (label size, 1 ½ " x 2") each weed as to:
    • Name of weed (common and scientific names--remember to italicize or underline scientific names)
    • Where found (lawn, garden, pasture, etc.)
    • How it reproduces (seed and/or underground root parts)
  6. Answer questions on record sheet 4-H 247B-W, and put a copy of the record sheet in your notebook.
  7. In year two, exhibit a different set of weeds, not repeating the ones from year one.

Division 3 (May do multiple years)

  1. Collect and identify 15 different weed seeds from mature plants from the list of common, noxious, or poisonous weeds in 4-H-217-W. Five of these weed seeds must be taken from the list of noxious weeds in 4-H 247-W. Be aware that some weeds may be more prevalent at different times of the year.
  2. Clean the seeds and separate from the fruit (See page 3 of 4-H 247-W).
  3. Place one tablespoon of the dried weed seeds in a plastic zippered bag.
  4. Mount the plastic bags on poster board (22" x 28"). Mounting must be made to exhibit the poster in a horizontal position. Place your name, county, and club name in the lower right corner of the poster.
  5. Label (label size, 1 ½ " x 2") each weed seed as to:  +Name of weed (common and scientific names-remember to italicize or underline scientific names);  +Where found (lawn, garden, pasture, etc.); and

+Annual, biennial, or perennial.

  1. Answer questions on record sheet 4-H 247C-W, and attach a copy of the record sheet to the back of your poster.
  2. In each consecutive year, exhibit different seeds, not repeating the ones from the year before.

Manual: 4‑H 247-W                    Record Sheets are in manual.

Reference:  NCR 607 Common Weed Seedlings of the North Central States   Cost:  $8.50

The Extension Office has a copy of each of the following references (not available for purchase):

  Indiana Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets ‑ Purdue Extension WS‑9

  Weeds of the North Central States ‑ NCR‑281/B‑772 ‑ Illinois Extension                         (Rev 11/14)

 

Click to Print Record Sheet