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Apr 7, 2014 1:07 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Tara
NE. FL. (Zone 9a)
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I just proposed information to be added to the database for Cat's Claw (Macfadyena unguis-cati)

Would like to have added as a warning...The invasiveness of this plant. Can such a thing be added to the miscellaneous section?

My apologies, in advance, if it was already there and I missed it!

Thanks
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Apr 7, 2014 1:28 PM CST
Plants Admin
Name: Suzanne/Sue
Sebastopol, CA (Zone 9a)
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You can add it as a comment to the entry, that way you have room to add as much info as you want.
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Apr 7, 2014 1:47 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Tara
NE. FL. (Zone 9a)
Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Organic Gardener Garden Sages Birds Frogs and Toads Dragonflies
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Thanks Sue, appreciate it! Smiling
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Apr 7, 2014 1:48 PM CST
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Name: Dave Whitinger
Southlake, Texas (Zone 8a)
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Definitely put a comment in there warning about its invasive nature.

I've thought that somehow having invasive information in the database would be helpful but so far I've been unsure how to go about it. It's an issue that brings out a lot of emotions in some people, and it's also fairly subjective. One idea I've had was to at least include a checkbox for the various federal and state databases. That way, there's no subjectivity. For example, there is the Federal Noxious Weed List. Checking off that the plant appear in that list does not seem subjective or uncertain to me.

Food for thought.
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Apr 7, 2014 2:10 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Tara
NE. FL. (Zone 9a)
Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Organic Gardener Garden Sages Birds Frogs and Toads Dragonflies
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Mmmm, I agree! Thumbs up
I actually know a woman here in Fl. that adores this vine. Glare She doesn't consider it invasive at all! Glare To each their own I guess! Shrug!
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Apr 8, 2014 8:16 AM CST
Name: Lin Vosbury
Sebastian, Florida (Zone 10a)

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I agree that the "comments" section is probably the best place to add information regarding the invasive tendencies of plants. Many plants that are noxious, invasive and hard to control here in Florida may not be so bad in other areas of the country/world.
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Apr 8, 2014 9:36 AM CST
Name: Deb
Planet Earth (Zone 8b)
Region: Pacific Northwest Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level
I agree that invasiveness varies (often widely) from state to state. An example is Buddleja davidii which is an escaped invasive on the west and east coasts, but not so much a problem in the heartland (Class C Noxious Weed here in Washington). But, I'm now finding nurseries are offering sterile cultivars which is a great option in my opinion (I've wanted a Buddleja for years but it really is a problem in Washington so I've held off). It seems a yes/no check box might be incomplete information unless perhaps it also included a link to the plant itself on the USDA web site for further research.

Or simply utilizing the comments section also works, and would seem to encourage further discussion, particularly regarding regional differences.
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Apr 10, 2014 12:58 PM CST
Name: Deb
Planet Earth (Zone 8b)
Region: Pacific Northwest Million Pollinator Garden Challenge Garden Ideas: Master Level
On further thought, and after poking around the database a bit, perhaps it would be useful to add a check box of "May be invasive - please check your regional USDA website, review the comments section, and plant responsibly," or something along those lines. That would perhaps spark more comments about how invasive a plant is in different regions without the "OMG, do not plant this, it should be banned from the planet" tirades. I rather find those unhelpful, particularly when I know a plant is better behaved in my locale.

(The "May" could be emphasized, perhaps with an underline or bold.)
I want to live in a world where the chicken can cross the road without its motives being questioned.
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Apr 10, 2014 1:38 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Tara
NE. FL. (Zone 9a)
Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Organic Gardener Garden Sages Birds Frogs and Toads Dragonflies
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A very well thought out proposal Deb! Green Grin! I couldn't agree with you more! I was thinking that something along that line would be helpful in the misc. section. Thumbs up I must admit that I don't always look at others comments when reading the plant database. *Blush* Shame on me....
Last edited by terrafirma Apr 10, 2014 1:42 PM Icon for preview
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Apr 19, 2014 5:44 AM CST
Name: Glen Ingram
Macleay Is, Qld, Australia (Zone 12a)
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We have excellent Federal and State lists of invasive plant. As well, local governments usually have very useful lists too. Some plants of course are listed weeds of varying danger and attract heavy fines and compulsion to eradicate them. From what I can see it is the same in the US. Yes, use these.

I have also noticed that these days popular gardening magazines are now very aware of any potential problems and quick to point them out for particular gardening zones. The major contribution we can make is to continually avoid dumping garden waste in native vegetation.
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