$\"Scotch$ <\/a>

Scotch Broom was originally introduced as an ornamental and for erosion control.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 Invasive plants are non-native plants that negatively impact the natural ecology of an area by outcompeting native plants.\u00a0 Their presence affects the entire food web by depriving insects and other animals of food, cover and nesting sites normally provided by displaced native plants.\u00a0 Invasive plants may also adversely affect agriculture and other businesses important to our economy; as well as mar the beauty of our parks and natural areas.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 People are the main dispersers of plants; plants are often introduced unknowingly as unnoticed seeds on shoes, clothing or baggage.\u00a0 Many are introduced purposefully for use as food, culinary or medicinal herbs, construction materials, or garden ornamentals.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

$\"Himalayan$ <\/a>

Himalayan Blackberry, Rubus armeniacus, was introduced for its delicious berries.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The first line of defense against invasive species is education and prevention.\u00a0 The USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducts inspections at marine ports, border crossings and airports to prevent the introduction of pests, (insects, plant diseases, weeds, etc.), but it is not easily predictable which intentionally introduced plants will become a problem.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 Early detection, monitoring, and control are essential to prevent spread.\u00a0 Avoiding reintroduction is also important by prohibiting the sale of known invasives and educating eager gardeners to refrain from buying those plant species.\u00a0 Butterflybush, Clary Sage, Fennel, and Baby\u2019s Breath are examples of noxious weeds that are often still available to purchase.\u00a0 Many wildflower seed blends also include noxious weeds.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

$\"English$ <\/a>

English Holly, Ilex aquifolium, can sometimes be found in “pristine” wilderness.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0 There are two basic types of invasive plants of concern to landscape gardeners:\u00a0 Plants that invade disturbed habitats and plants that invade forests.\u00a0 Common in disturbed habitats are Himalayan and Evergreen Blackberry, Scotch Broom, Gorst, and Japanese Knotweed.\u00a0 In forests, the worst offenders are \u201cthe 3 Englishes:\u201d English Ivy, English Holly, and English Laurel\u2014after eating the fruit of these species, birds often transport and deposit the seeds in otherwise pristine wilderness areas!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Manual or mechanical removal (pulling, cutting or mowing), although hard work, is the best method of control.\u00a0 Not long ago I noticed a hillside of blackberries that had obviously been sprayed with an herbicide\u2014this hillside was right across the street from an estuary\u2014I cringed to think of how much of the herbicide ended up in Puget Sound!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Blackberries can be mowed with a brush cutter or you can hire some goats to eat them (goats bred for meat are best; they may, however, eat your favorite garden plants and the bark off of desirable trees!)\u00a0 Japanese Knotweed can be mowed as well\u2014the roots need to be grubbed out for both species, or cover the area with a sturdy landscape cloth to suppress regrowth.\u00a0 Either way, to quote Madeye Moody: \u201cconstant vigilance\u201d is needed to totally eradicate them!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I go on \u201cyellow flower patrol\u201d every spring to cut out Scotch Broom.\u00a0 Plants devote a lot of energy into flowering and fruiting\u2014this is the best time for cutting them– before they go to seed!\u00a0 They are also easiest to see when they are in full bloom. If neatness is not a worry, it is best to just leave the cut plant on top of the stubs to suppress new growth.\u00a0 To discourage recolonization of a cleared area by seedlings, amend the soil with biosolids and replant with native shrubs and grasses.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Some people paint the cut stubs of these woody species with an herbicide to prevent resprouting.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 For English Ivy, dig out as much as you can.\u00a0 At the very least, cut the vines that are climbing trees.\u00a0 By keeping it close to the ground, you can prevent it from maturing and producing fruit.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Check out the complete list of noxious weeds at the<\/span> Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0<\/a> \u2013and then \u201crally the troops\u201d to eradicate the invaders!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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