Tag Archives: skin irritant

Pencil cactus is an interesting but poisonous houseplant

Posted on March 17, 2020 by tedmanzer

I get a lot of questions about poisonous plants. Many species, both interior, and exterior can contain poisonous chemicals. Most aren’t a major concern. In fact, many of our common houseplants are considered poisonous, but they are found everywhere. Often, … 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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Ragweed can be more than a fall problem

Posted on November 5, 2017 by tedmanzer

A few days ago I overheard someone complaining about goldenrod causing her allergies. I wanted to say something but felt it was prudent to keep my mouth shut. Uninvited conversations seldom end well. The truth is that goldenrod has very … Continue reading →

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Plants can’t get much more unique than the ginkgo tree

Posted on March 1, 2015 by tedmanzer

Some botanists call them living fossils. Ginkgo biloba is the only species remaining from a Division of plants that went extinct thousands of years ago. It is one of the most primitive plants still in existence, but it thrives in … Continue reading →

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