Monthly Archives: July 2018

Water Hemlock is a common poisonous native plant

Posted on July 30, 2018 by tedmanzer

We’ve all heard the story of how Socrates was forced to drink a potion containing poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). All parts of it are toxic, and the plant is relatively common in many places including this region. Plants are deathly … Continue reading →

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Mullein is a useful drought tolerant weed

Posted on July 23, 2018 by tedmanzer

Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is that tall fuzzy leaved plant that many people confuse with lamb’s ear. Once plants begin to flower, the two bear fewer similarities. Mullein has taller flower stalks with yellow flowers and those of lamb’s ear … Continue reading →

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Signs of summer

Posted on July 23, 2018 by tedmanzer

How do we know when it’s summer? Each locale is different, but certain sights, events or smells remind us of different seasons, and summer is no exception. For me, once I see the smoke of the wheat fields, I’m satisfied … Continue reading →

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Putting up hay brings back memories

Posted on July 14, 2018 by tedmanzer

It was hot sticky dirty work. In rural areas it was also one of the few ways teenagers could earn spending money in the summer. Those who have put up hay in the heat know what I’m talking about. Baling … Continue reading →

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Virginia creeper is another aggressive native vine

Posted on July 10, 2018 by tedmanzer

Last week I profiled trumpet vine, a ridiculously aggressive woody vine. This week belongs to another nemesis, and it’s also marketed as an ornamental. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is that vine many people confuse with poison ivy. It has leaves … Continue reading →

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Some native plants sound good but have huge downside

Posted on July 10, 2018 by tedmanzer

I walked around my yard recently and realized certain plants are taking over my landscaping. Most of the culprits are woody vines. Most are also native species and natives are all the rage right now. Just because a plant is … Continue reading →

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