Round 2 of “what’s so bad about exotics?”
I had not intended to become an activist, but it seems I just can’t help myself these days…
A couple days ago I came across a web page about invasive species and noxious weeds: wildflowerinformation.org/InvasiveWildflowers.asp.
I started reading it with interest, then concern. It basically says that it’s OK to plant pretty much anything that isn’t officially designated a Noxious Weed. So anything that isn’t specifically prohibited is fair game, and don’t let the moral tut-tutting of “self-appointed zealots”, who promote planting only natives, stop you from planting whatever you want!
Firstly, I am not some self-appointed zealot, but someone who spends a great deal of time out in the field recording plant information in Minnesota. It breaks my heart to see what damage invasive species, many of which are garden escapees, have done to our native ecosystems.
Secondly, there is a glaring omission that invalidates their conclusion.
I cannot speak for all states, but in Minnesota there are political reasons why some species–some known to be very invasive–will continue to be omitted from noxious weed lists, including reed canary grass, crown vetch, and bird’s-foot trefoil. It all boils down to money and the power wielded by the agricultural and nursery industries.
The truth is: It is irresponsible to promote gardening with species known to be invasive just because it failed to make an official list. They even said on the above page that garden escapees are often how problems like kudzu get started in the first place.
If they want to inform their readers about invasive species and noxious weeds, they should give the complete picture. To anyone who spends time outside the garden setting that page merely sounds self-serving as it stands now.
And in fact it is indeed self-serving!
It turns out that the wildflowerinformation.org domain name is registered to none other than their “recommended seed supplier”. Since they are selling seed for invasive species (and trying to hide that fact!), it’s probably safe to say they have no real concern for environmental impacts and money is their true motivation after all. Some of the worst things they are pushing:
- bird’s-foot trefoil
- chicory
- dame’s rocket
- oxeye daisy
- Queen Anne’s lace
Finally, I will mention that I tried to send these people an email expressing my concern over the content of their invasive species page. It bounced. I think that says a lot.
Don’t buy this crap, please.
Katy Chayka
Minnesota Wildflowers
Tags: invasive species
