Jane's weed problems

Mike Rummerfield mikerumm@gmail.com
Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:29:53 PST
Jane doesn't give herself enough credit in her struggle to control weeds.
Where you live, think of your worst weed nightmare (or at least one of
them) - thats cress/bittercress (Cardiname oligosperma) in the Pacific
Northwest; a plant of small stature, but with a daunting proclivity to
reproduce itself.  When ripe, its seed capsules explode, scattering seeds
up to several yards away from the mother plant.  It has been reported that
each bittercress plant is capable of producing over 5000 seed, most of
which can germinate within 2 weeks after being dispersed.

They come up everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE in great numbers.  They prefer
cool, moist conditions in sun; shade or heat may slow them down, but
neither stops them.  I don't know what does, except desert conditions or
constant (read endless), enduring, consummate weeding.  Here, if the cress
is pulled and left on the soil surface it will usually reroot overnight,
unless it is hot, sunny, and windy.

Good luck, Jane.  I feel for you and everyone that has to deal with this
little devil, or your own devil weed.

Mike Rummerfield
Onalaska, Washington USA



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