Weed, Wildflower or Invasive Thug?
My children grew up dining on dandelions from the front yard. Weed or wildflower? Beautiful cutflower Queen Ann’s Lace, weed or wildflower? What do you harbor in your garden that might be considered a noxious weed to another? Bermuda grass is a staple in the southeastern lawn, but is considered a weed to others. But step up just a notch and it isn’t about the wrong plant in the wrong place it becomes the invasive thug. Taking over and killing the natives and messing up the whole cycle of life in habitats. Yes I harbor one of those in my garden, and I bet you do too. Some are easy to ID, others not so much. Gardeners are plant detectives, ferreting out the criminals, identifying and becoming judge and executioner. But what about those irresistible bad boys of the garden? The ones that steal your heart with their enticing beauty? Here are a few mug shots. Some will shock you and surprise you, others are your known garden criminals battled daily.
Yellow Flag Iris. Native to Georgia, on the noxious invasive weed list in other states, taking over waterways and killing out native plants.
Bermuda sod, great turf grass in Georgia, but is a common weed.
Flower stalks are from a Yucca 'Color Guard' fore front picture is some Artemesia 'Oriental Limelight' that I planted one four inch plant of 2 years ago!
IDK
This is a common Ipomea or Morning glory. Also native to Georgia but considered a weed to many.
I think this is Hairy Cluster vine, but I am not 100% positive.
I think this is a large Knotweed but not 100% positive.
I have narrowed this down to a yellow daisy. I was thinking it might be a Tagetes of some sort or a coreopsis, but can't find an exact match.
Small white aster. Native to Georgia, some consider it undesirable...sighs....
Polk Weed. Most parts are poisonous.
Polk Weed. Most parts are poisonous.
This is a common Ipomea or Morning glory. Also native to Georgia but considered a weed to many.
Sorell. This is another one that my children found in the dinner salad occasional. Gives a nice lemony bitter flavor.
Passion flower. The fruits are edible. Another native to Georgia, but considered a pesky weed to many.
Believe it or not this has been entered on some states lists as an invasive weed.
Believe it or not this has been entered on some states lists as an invasive weed.
Yes, Burning Bush is now on the noxious or invasive plant lists in many states.
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Asters are an important plant for bees in the fall.
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The yellow is sneeze weed, ID'd a few years ago by an old time Georgia native. It is easy enough to control in my yard and basically stays in one bed. The polk weed he said is edible if you boil it twice. I think I'll play it safe and keep it out of my diet! But I might try the sorrel in my salad.
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