Invasive Weeds
1-16 Pictures
Toadflax (2008-07-01) I thought I had found an exciting new flower. To my dismay, it turns out to be an invasive weed named Toadflax (a relative of the Snapdragon).
Toadflax (2008-07-01) Toadflax used to be included in the Scrophulariaceae family. It is now in the Plantaginaceae family.
Goatsbeard (2008-07-01) The distinctive globe of a salsify (goatsbeard) in the Churchill field.
Salsify (2008-07-01) The Wikipedia article says that Goatsbeard is an invasive weed. The flower planted itself in our garden this year and we didn't pull it up.
Houndstongue (2006-06-02) Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is a biennial plant that came from Europe. The seeds spread through burrs. It is toxic to animals and is considered an invasive weed.
Seeds (2006-05-18) A healthy grove of an identified species growing along the Bowman Trail.
Houndstongue (2006-06-14) Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is an invasive weed. The plant spreads through burrs. It is common is the disturbed soil along trails.
Houndstongue (2006-06-14) Houndstongue (an invasive weed also known as Cynoglossum officinale) is found along trails and the Mill Creek Road.
Dandelion (2006-06-14) Dandelion (Taraxacum) is a member of the Asteraceae family.
Bee at Work (2006-06-14) A bee busily working to help this Dandelion spread in the Wasatch.
Donkey Spurge (2006-03-30) The Wasatch is now covered with Donkey Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites). This is an invasive weed that is wiping out local wildlife.
Mullein (2006-07-20) Woolly Mullein in the Wasatch Mountains. Wikipedia says that the plant is native to Europe and is an introduced species in the US.
Mullein (2006-07-20) Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is found throughout the US. I was disappointed to learn that is an introduced species.
Goathead / Puncture Weed (2006-08-18) Salt Lake's streets and sidewalks are lousy with Goathead (Tribulus terrestris). This is an invasive weed that has punctured many a bike tire. It is also known as Puncture Weed.
Convolvulus (2008-08-22) This beautiful flower was growing in the lawn of the Eastwood Playground. I think it is in the Morning Glory family. Golly, I wish I had some growing in my lawn.
CheeseWeed (2010-06-05) Cheeseweed (Malva parviflora) is a member of the Mallow Family from North Africa or Asia.
1-16 Pictures
Invasive Weeds Mankind does not receive high marks in the steward of the land category. Everywhere we travel, we seem to bring with us our weeds. This gallery will include images of invasive weeds that I come across in my travels.
The first Europeans to settle in the new world considered everything on this Continent a weed. As such, people of European descent spent centuries importing European varieties of plants while ripping up native plants. Gradually, people began to realize that the true nature of weeds has more to do with the ecosystem and not the nature of the plant in question.
When you move a species of plant into a new ecosytem, you change the balance of the system. Often the plant has no natural predators. Even worse, often the animals in an area are unable to digest the invasive species.
Context: Nature
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