As harbingers of stunning butterflies and moths, these colorful Orange and Black Caterpillars not only capture the eye but also serve as intriguing subjects of ecological importance. Get ready to delve into fascinating patterns they exude!
19.09.2023 - 07:05 / gardeningknowhow.com / Mary Ellen Ellis
The black swallow wort plant is a vine native to Europe that has become invasive in parts of the U.S. It was intentionally brought here as an ornamental vine but now wreaks havoc in many ecosystems. Learn how to identify this problematic vine and control methods to help eradicate it from your area.
Black swallow wort vine has been declared invasive in much of the Midwest and Northeast U.S. Check with your local extension office to find out if it is a problem in your area.
As with most invasive plants, the primary problem with black swallow wort is that it outcompetes native species. It does this in several ways, including by tolerating a variety of conditions. It grows in both sun and shade and tolerates a variety of soils.
Black swallow wort also spreads and reproduces prolifically. It spreads through both rhizomes and seeds, producing thousands of seeds for every square meter. Each seed produces up to four embryos. These strategies give it a major advantage over many native plants. The rhizomes spread and can help a plant cover a large area quickly.
As a vine, black swallow wort can form dense, low-growing mats. It can also grow up and around other plants and strangle them. This gives it one of its common names, “dog-strangling vine.” Another strategy the vine has for outcompeting native species is allelopathy, meaning that it produces chemicals that harm other plants in the area.
That black swallow wort can outcompete and literally smother native plants is a problem. Another major issue with this invasive plant is the harm it causes to the already beleaguered monarch butterfly.
Monarchs solely lay eggs on milkweed; black swallow wort is related to milkweed and resembles it. Studies have found that monarchs mistake it for
As harbingers of stunning butterflies and moths, these colorful Orange and Black Caterpillars not only capture the eye but also serve as intriguing subjects of ecological importance. Get ready to delve into fascinating patterns they exude!
Oak Tree Leaves Identification, Benefits, and Uses – Learn to distinguish the subtle nuances of oak leaves, unlocking the door to a world of botanical wonders.
Winter in North America is typically an uneventful time of year for plants, when growing slows or stops and when most plants go dormant. Because of that, average winter weather has very little negative impact on a landscape’s health. Extreme winter weather anomalies, however, can do some serious damage. Heavier than average precipitation, significant and sudden drops in temperature, longer than normal durations of freezing temperatures and winds—these occurrences can injure, if not gravely harm, our valued plants.
Hi GPODers, this is Joseph, your GPOD editor. Fall is here in my Indiana garden, which means bulb-planting time! I’ve been going through old pictures looking at some of my favorite bulbs and scheming which ones I need to add to my new garden. Here are some things I’ve got on my list. What are your favorite bulbs? Send in pics! I’d love to share them on the GPOD.
Is that grand tree sitting just next to the house a menace? Fungus on a tree might indicate that it is. It is important that homeowners, arborists, and landscapers recognize the signs when a particular tree may present a hazard. There are different types of fungi on trees, so tree fungus identification is the first step.
It can be hard enough finding suitable shade plants, and choosing the best plants for shady slopes is even harder. The plants need to be be sturdy enough to cling to a slope and also tolerate low light. They are out there, though, if you know where to look. Erosion control shade plants may be bushes, grasses or low groundcovers, and should be adaptable to the site conditions.
In the enchanting world of butterflies, where colors blend into a kaleidoscope of natural artistry, there exists a striking and captivating creature that demands your attention – the Black and Yellow Butterfly. With wings adorned in bold ebony and brilliant gold, this winged marvel dances through gardens and meadows like a living masterpiece!
Black Tulip Varieties – the dark gems that have captivated horticulturalists and flower enthusiasts alike. These enigmatic blooms defy the conventional pastel palette of spring, offering a dramatic flair that’s akin to finding a black diamond in a sea of colorful gems. If you’re yearning to add an element of surprise and sophistication to your garden or floral arrangements, look no further!
With Winchester and its medieval cathedral at its heart, Hampshire is a large county south-west of London. Of its attractions, Highclere Castle, home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the filming location of Downton Abbey, draws the crowds, but there is much more to this enchanting region besides.
Discover the fascinating world of Black Snakes with White Stripes – creatures that combine striking aesthetics with vital ecological roles. Whether you’re an avid herpetologist, a nature enthusiast, or simply curious about these unique reptiles, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next. Read on to uncover the enigma surrounding these beautifully striped reptiles and learn why they deserve your attention.
Montes & Clark has teamed up with The English Garden to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a dinner party bundle, worth £126.
Step into the enchanting realm of Red Mushrooms, where folklore meets science and culinary delight meets potential danger. These vibrant fungi are far more than eye-catching additions to the woodland floor or your local grocer’s shelf. From their roles in ancient rituals to their modern-day medicinal applications and culinary uses, they have captivated human imagination for centuries. Intrigued? Keep scrolling to unearth the fascinating world of red mushrooms!