Native Plants
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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
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Thursday - May 12, 2005
From: Belfast, ME
Region: Northeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Invasiveness of non-native gooseneck yellow loosetrife in Maine
Answered by: Damon Waitt
QUESTION:
I live in Maine, and purple loosestrife is invading our habitat. It outcompetes native species. Does gooseneck loosestrife have the same damaging qualities?ANSWER:
According to USDA Plants, gooseneck yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides Duby) is an ornamental perennial from Asia and is introduced to the Continental US. According to this source, this species does not appear to be currently listed as an invasive or noxious weed. That said, absence of information about invasiveness is not proof that it is not or won't become invasive. In some cases invasive ability is shared by related species or genera. However, relatedness among species or genera is not a good predictor alone.More Non-Natives Questions
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Information about non-native Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
June 23, 2009 - Hello, I have been trying to identify a shrub that has been in my backyard for many years, and I happened to come across your website. I was able to identify the plant as Night-Blooming Jasmine, but t...
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Why are there gnats in my houseplants?
July 22, 2009 - I have flying brown gnats in my house plants. Can you tell me why?
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Pruning of non-native oxblood lilies from Austin
March 27, 2014 - My Oxblood Lilies flowered quite late last Fall. Their foliage is still very green. Can I cut it down now or do I have to wait until it goes brown?
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