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The “Canada Thistle” (Cirsium arvense) did not come from “Nigella” (Ranunculaceae) who has its flowers embedded in thread like foliage, is 8 to 10 inches high and is called “Love In A Mist” in some places and “Devil In A Bush” in others as well as “Persian Jewels”. The striped seed pods are often used in winter bouquets. It will seed itself if you don’t deadhead.
Have you eaten a “Jerusalem Artichoke”? It isn’t from
“Tomatoes” were exported to “Cabbage” leaves have been used for years to ease hurting knees or elbows. Find a big leaf, dip it in hot water to soften for shaping then fasten it in place with a wrap. “Hakonechloa macra” (Golden hakon grass), also called “Japanese Forest Grass” has been declared the 2009 perennial of the year. I have had it for several years as I wanted a grass that liked shade. It has grown very slowly for me but that may be because its write ups say it does not like clay soil, which is where I have it. Recommendations call for moist, humus rich, well drained soil. It has narrow yellow blades with green stripes and arches over rather than growing upright like other grasses. I have it where it “flops” toward a path under the “Cottonwood Tree” and I fill in the spaces with painted “Caladium” bulbs that like the same soil and need to be kept damp but not wet.
“Poison Ivy” is native Nebraskan. Deer, game birds, and wild
turkeys eat the seeds, fruit, and leaves.
Very few animals are affected by urushol, the oil that causes skin
poisoning in people. It spread by seeds and rhizomes and is found in
pastures and rangelands throughout Have you had a very sturdy vine trying to conquer your yard? The “Honeyvine Milkweed” (Asclepiadaceae) suddenly appears climbing on anything it can find up to 6 1/2 feet long. It leaves a long pod that produces many seeds as well as spreading by rhizomes. Every year I find them in a number of places in the yard. It is also known as “Sand Vine” or “Climbing Milkweed”. A number of them on one plant can smother its victim. It will not appear until the ground is quite warm but when it does, it grows very rapidly. “Chicory” (Cichorium intybus) is a plant usually thought of as a weed but grown for its blue flowers in some yards. It is a perennial that spreads by seeds. Later in the early fall there are areas along the roads that are very blue and pretty. Our pioneers dried and roasted the roots for their coffee. It doesn’t do well in cultivated fields so will be found in lawns, pastures, and road sides. Be careful when dealing with the plant as some people are allergic or get that way after more exposure.
“Joepyeweed” (Eupatorium) is also listed as a weed in “Weeds
of Nebraska and the Is there such a thing as a “tame flower” or are they just the ones who have been remodeled by plant breeders? Copyright 2009 |