We commonly select for specific weeds in agricultural systems because of the neccessary managment practices. Cultivation, fertilization, irrigation, weed management, etc all can affect the weeds in a given field. Some weeds prosper under high fertility, high disturbance, and regular irrigation and tend to be very common in ag fields. Other species do not do as well in those conditions and are found in roadsides, field margins, or non crop areas.
Similar issues can occur with our selection of ornamental plants. Some plants are values as ornamental plants becasue they are very adaptable and easy to grow, can escape cultivation and become weedy in various ecosystems. Here is a link to an article in a magazine called High Country News about the problems that some natural areas have with escaped ornamental plants as invasive weeds. http://www.hcn.org/issues/43.6/todays-garden-plants-can-be-tomorrows-invasives
When chosing ornamental plants, homeowners and landscapers should consider researching the potential invasiveness of the plant. A lot of states have something similar to the California Invasive Plants Council (Cal-IPC) "don't plant a pest program" and provide a list of recommendations of less invasive plants for the home landscape. http://www.cal-ipc.org/landscaping/dpp/ A quick google search also turned up this link for a similar program for western Washington: http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/education/Western_Garden_Wise_Web.pdf
Apr 25, 2011
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