by Jonathan Rich in Crime, Environment and Open Space, Pedestrians
Posted on July 7, 2011 at 9:05 am
Last Modified on July 16, 2011 at 10:02 pm
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WANTED (DEAD!)
Black Swallowwort (AKA “dog-strangling vine”) is one of the most aggressive invasive weeds, and has spread throughout Somerville. Armed with seed pods that look like jalepeno peppers, and grappling-hook-like roots, this pest is LETHAL to the monarch butterfly population.
You can help limit its further spread by removing the seed pods before they release their wind-borne seeds. Seed pods should not be composted as they can ripen after being picked.
The plants are particularly fond of chain-link fences, but can be found in any sunny spot. If possible, dig out the plant (pulling will leave roots capable of regeneration).
This Sunday, July 10, has been designated a Black Swallowwort eradication day by the Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation and associated groups. See the following web site for further information: http://www2.cambridgema.gov/CWD/pod_patrol.cfm
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I found that I could stop them a little by mulching but Black Swallowwort are NASTY!
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Sorry I missed Eradication Day, but wanted to add another motivation. These plants are closely related to milkweed, but are poisonous to monarch caterpillars. The butterflies are fooled into laying their eggs on the swallowwort, so their babies die. This is an actual threat to monarchs, according to a site devoted to their survival.
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What is the best way to destroy the seed pods so that they will not germinate?
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Great information about how to eradicate this:
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/cylo1.htm
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