Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
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Last month we learned about how the cut-flower industry can be a pathway for new invasive plant introductions. A good example of a plant that got its start in the Midwest through this inroad is baby's breath, Gypsophila paniculata. Baby's breath has become a problem across the northern and western U.S. and is listed as a noxious weed by California and Washington. It is known to occur in Minnesota, but the exact distribution is unknown. The Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Committee (MISAC)...
There are many different ways that plant, insect, and disease pests can enter Minnesota. The particular method of introduction for a pest is called a pathway. This month, as folks go to the florist to get Valentine's Day arrangements, it is an appropriate time to explore the cut-flower industry. This is a potential pathway for noxious weed introduction. Most people would not think of a floral arrangement as being a possible source of a new weed infestation, but this can and does occur. There...
December's Weed of the Month is Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). This species is a specially regulated plant on Minnesota's Noxious Weed list. Japanese barberry is a 3- 6 foot tall shrub which is covered with sharp spines. Its small, round leaves are borne in clusters along the stem. Small, yellow flowers in summer turn to reddish-orange, oblong berries which dangle from the leaf nodes. The landscaping cultivars have highly variable leaf coloration-including purple, green, gold, and...
February's Weed of the Month is about the poisonous ornamental plants that may be found growing in Minnesota community gardens. Some poisonous plants commonly grown in gardens have specific parts which are safe to eat (like tomatoes or other nightshades), while other plants are entirely poisonous. We will focus on plants which are wholly poisonous. The most common of these in Minnesota are castor bean, jimsonweed or Datura, and foxglove. Castor bean plant, or castor oil plant, (Ricinus...
