The WEED, part I
Weeds, weed seeds, roots, rhizomes. Invasive species, noxious, and non-toxic. A few of our least favorite things as gardeners and horticulturalists, we can see weeds as a blight upon the land. But do we understand exactly what a weed is? Or how an invasive species is different from a weed?
We are known as Green Country in this part of Oklahoma, thanks to the many diverse, natural inputs of water and ecological variety. Hills and prairies with their inhabitants share in the rich soil and long growing seasons to make our landscape so special.
It is no wonder that even living in the cities, suburbs, and rural areas, we are concerned for the wellness of this land. Yet an immortal trumpet vine plagues our beds with suckers, (Campsis radicans) Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) grows in incredible stubborn density, alongside others that can outcompete native plants.
Understanding the role of the horticulturist and avid gardener in the reduction of invasive species is key to removing harmful foreign plants all while gaining a depth of knowledge regarding the weed.
A weed is understood as something typically growing as a nuisance, potentially threatening more desirable species, and usually difficult to eliminate. Weeds will also divert nutrients and sunlight to itself, decreasing the availability for others around it. There isn’t an exact manual on identifying weeds, as there are for clearly defined invasive species. This is because a weed is a weed in the eyes of the beholder.
The manicured space of a botanical garden is not free of weeds, rather a multi-faceted approach reaches towards the root of the issues. (pun absolutely intended) Teams pull unwanted volunteer plants, mulch, deadhead spent blooms, and water areas based on their need. In any empty space within the garden, an opportunity arises for a stray seed to germinate, creating a perfect place to grow underneath the canopy of other plants. But is it a weed?
Fellow plant sleuth, go forth and discover. Many gardeners know by experience what grows in their beds, and which they deem weeds. Weeds are consistent, in that once identified, it can be easy to remove the shoots without much thought.
A fair warning, I do not recommend pulling plants you do not recognize. An example, the Honeyvine milkweed (Cynanchum laeve). This plant began growing on a fence line with great vigor. Vining along, it became host to the Milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus). This type of milkweed is also a host plant for Monarch larvae. The preservation of diversity is of critical importance at Mosaic Gardens, and to remove a plant that acts as a host to unique, beneficial species is against my better judgment.
This conversation will continue with a look at invasive species in Green Country, and how permaculture systems can assist in the solution.
Mad love,
Pat
Sources and Further Reading
