COOLIDGE, Ariz. (AP) — It literally stinks that visitors to Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in south-central Arizona might not be able to use the attraction’s picnic area until May.
Monument officials announced Wednesday that the picnic area will be closed from March 28 through April 30 due to the density of an invasive and noxious winter weed called stinknet that can grow more than 2 feet (0.6 meters) tall.
The weed has a turpentine-like odor and can cause serious breathing problems as well as severe skin rashes.
Stinknet has bright yellow blossoms on narrow green stems. The blossoms are round and similar to the shape of golf balls, right down to the dimpled pattern.
Arizona Native Plant Society officials said stinknet explosively spread in Maricopa County during the wet fall and winter seasons of 2016, 2018 and 2019.
That led to heavy infestations on the north fringes of Phoenix and Scottsdale along with rapid movement southward to Casa Grande.
Germany's foreign minister visits Kyiv as Ukraine battles to hold off a Russian offensive
Scenery of Shigu Town, located by huge bend of Jinsha River in SW China
Beijing confirms recovering tourism during New Year holiday
China's Einstein Probe astronomical satellite captures its first in
Investigators return to Long Island home of Gilgo Beach serial killing suspect
China hosts 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium
Spain is in suspense waiting for Pedro Sánchez to say whether he will resign or stay in office
Pacers hit franchise playoff best 22 3
Israeli army says it kills over 130 militants in E. Rafah