Weeds
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)
- 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.
- Press weeds (see page 4, 4-H 247-W).
- Mount each individual weed on 8 ½ " x 11" poster board by either taping or gluing the plant to the poster board.
- 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).
- Label (label size, 1 ½ " x 2") each weed as to:
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- 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)
- Answer questions on record sheet 4-H 247A-W, and put a copy of the record sheet in your notebook.
- In year two, exhibit a different set of weeds, not repeating the ones from year one.
Division 2 (May do 1 to 2 years)
- 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.
- Press weeds (see page 4, 4-H 247-W).
- Mount each individual weed on 8 ½ " x 11" poster board by either taping or gluing the plant to the poster board
- 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).
- 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)
- Answer questions on record sheet 4-H 247B-W, and put a copy of the record sheet in your notebook.
- In year two, exhibit a different set of weeds, not repeating the ones from year one.
Division 3 (May do multiple years)
- 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.
- Clean the seeds and separate from the fruit (See page 3 of 4-H 247-W).
- Place one tablespoon of the dried weed seeds in a plastic zippered bag.
- 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.
- 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.
- Answer questions on record sheet 4-H 247C-W, and attach a copy of the record sheet to the back of your poster.
- 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)