Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - March 18, 2009
From: Charlottetown, Prince Edw
Region: Canada
Topic: Invasive Plants
Title: Violets becoming invasive in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Answered by: Barbara Medford and Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Last Spring I planted several violets and by the end of the Summer they have become an invasion in my garden. I'm afraid that they will get into my lawn and cause a real problem. Any way of getting rid of them permanently before they get out of the flower beds around my house?ANSWER:
There are a number of different species of the genus Viola native to North America, but we are guessing that what you have is Viola labradorica (alpine violet), since it is native to Prince Edward Island.
The best approach is to let 'em spread! As wildflowers go, not many are prettier and more endearing than native violets. A lawn sprinkled with these little twinkling jewels sounds like a bit of heaven to us! However, removing violets takes perseverance. You must dig out the plants to remove all of the fleshy roots or else they simply resprout. Remove spent flowers to prevent seeds from maturing and spreading.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Ivy for wall cover in Dallas
August 03, 2009 - I am trying to cover older apartments with Ivy to create a beautiful exterior look, but after reading several articles on how the Texas Sun kills Ivy, I would like to know what plant can I use to crea...
view the full question and answer
Controlling Thermopsis rhombifolia (buffalo bean) in Mozambique
May 19, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty, Please,can you assist. We have
a plot on a dam in Mozambique. It has been invaded with Thermopsis
rhombifolia (we call it buffalo bean), it is very hardy and if you fall
in it or j...
view the full question and answer
Removing invasives plants in Adairsville GA
September 29, 2009 - We just moved into a new house and kudzu, greenbriar and poison ivy are trying to take over. I pulled what I could out of the trees, cut everything off at the base of the vine. I even tried digging ...
view the full question and answer
Controlling poison oak or poison ivy in Iowa
April 29, 2010 - We recently purchased a property that is VERY wooded and has been vacant for two yrs. with little upkeep previously. We have (we were told) l00 yr old poison oak vines hanging
from trees. We hired so...
view the full question and answer
Avoiding planting Indian Paintbrush in Hawaii because of invasiveness
March 01, 2007 - My daughter is living in Hilo, Hawaii. For her birthday, her boyfriend ordered her some Indian Paintbrush seeds. Trying to be sure she grows them correctly in a pot, she found instructions that say ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |