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
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - April 23, 2011
From: Ellijay, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Invasive Plants
Title: Removal of Invasive Mint
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
The herb Mint is taking over my flower garden. How can I kill this out? Thank you,ANSWER:
Mr Smarty Plants and the Wildflower Center are really not into herbs, although many species of native plants are in the mint family. You must be giving them excellent conditions to thrive if they have become such a problem. Unfortunately, the choices on how to remove them are somewhat limited: keep digging, remove all runners and roots, repeat.
I checked for earlier questions that are somewhat similar on Mr Smarty Plants. The first one was on Removal of invasive Mints from a garden. It had pretty much the same answer that I just gave you. There was another question about Invasive Native Mint in Ohio; in this one they asked about mint in a pasture, so more aggressive solutions were noted, but it still appears quite difficult.
As noted in those answers – it is best if you want some mint, to grow them in pots to contain their spread. You can also join your local herb society and share your bounty with them. If you need more expert, local help, your Extension Office should be the Gilmer County Extension Office, right there in Ellijay.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Replacement for grass under non-native weeping willow from Yorba Linda CA
April 24, 2012 - What would be a good replacement for the grass currently growing under a weeping willow? Something requiring low maintenance, the problem is with mowing over and around the roots.
view the full question and answer
removing paper mulberry shoots from lawn
August 09, 2011 - Dear Mr./Ms. Smartypants,
I recently moved into an Austin home with the backyard taken over by paper mulberries. There were originally 2-3 large bush/trees, but now that I've removed them I realiz...
view the full question and answer
Invasive spreading weed in Michigan that looks like a small pine tree
July 29, 2013 - I have an invasive spreading weed in my gardens. It has black root system, comes up looking like a small pine tree. The green breaks off when you try to pull it.
view the full question and answer
Dog-proof grass from The Woodlands TX
April 26, 2013 - I am looking for a hardy grass that can tolerate female dogs urine. Zoysia was suggested but I am concerned about it being invasive. Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Why is Water Hyacinth an invasive plant and Pickerel Weed isn't in Metarie, LA?
May 28, 2011 - Water Hyacinth. Would you please tell me why the Eichhornia crassipes (non-native) vs. Pickerelweed (native) is invasive vs. non-invasive? What are easy identifiers for these aquatic plants? Th...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |