Plantidote of the Day 2012-02-27
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Mystery plant
Yes, another mystery plant, and it might be a tough one. This fern-like plant with little purple flowers was growing wild here (Zone 10, Southern California), so I brought one home and planted it in a shady spot in the backyard. That was two years ago. Now the offspring are turning up in potted plants all over the yard. I don't know how they got there, but they did it on their own. Spores maybe?
The stem in the center of the image above is a small avocado tree trunk, only about the size of my thumb. The flower is 1/2" - 3/4" across, very delicate little things. The scary-looking spines on the stem are actually soft and harmless. The plants remind me of something growing in an enchanted forest, mostly because they're so unlike most of the other Zone 10 vegetation. Any ideas about what these plants could be? (Click on the image for a larger view of the details.)
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Readers, please send twig (twig4now@gmail.com) images and stories for the ongoing Plantidote of the Day series. In exchange, you'll win undying fame in the form of a hat tip! Plants growing in your garden, your house, or neighbor's yard, plants from the forest or farmers' market, plants you preserved, plants you prepared (wine; cider; tea; dried beans), plants you harvested (grains; chanterelles), plants you picked (flowers), plants you dried (herbs), plants you covet or hope to grow someday. Herbal remedies, propagation tips, new varieties, etc.. And if you can, include some solid detail about the plant, too -- a story, the genus and species, or where you got the seeds, or the recipe, or your grandmother gave it to you. Or challenge us with a "Name That Plant" mystery entry ... And please feel free to add corrections and additional information in the comments.
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Comments
I know that plant well
It's a class B non designated noxious weed in Washington state. Herb Robert (geranium robertianum) is a ornamental" escapee" from cultlvated gardens.
Thanks, jerz!
I can see why it's a problem. The thing is so prolific (or whatever the word is) -- it just pops up everywhere. Unfortunately, it's pretty -- not like the wild cucumbers with the spikey fruit that looks like some sort of medieval weapon.
Guess it's time for some weeding!
Now it has a name...
Thanks for posting this. I pull this little devil out by the thousands...now I have a name to use as I curse it.
It has a stinky scent and adds to my disdain as I do battle with it.
Never saw this plant before moving to PNW
There were a few in a flowerbed. I thought they were cute. BIG MISTAKE! It is very prolific. The seeds stick to everything so it gets transported all over the yard. BTW another common name is Stinky Bob. :bigsmile:
Grrrr, I thought these plants were cute, too --
like something you'd find near a fairy ring -- and I'm not into fairies and all that woodland nonsense at all. They just look so dainty and precious. Well, those little suckers totally fooled me!! Once again, I am amazed at how clever plants can be.