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March Weed of the Month: Locoweed

Posted on March 5, 2017March 5, 2017 by Mel

Common Name(s):

Locoweed
Milkvetch
Poisonvetch
Astragalus

Scientific Name:

Astragalus L.

Description:

Life Span: Annual or Perennial

Origin: Native

Season: Cool

Growth Characteristics: An erect to prostrate forb, with stems that are mostly hairy and leafy. Astragalus species found in Arizona fit into three different categories: 1) Those known not to be harmful to livestock, of which Cicer milkvetch is the only one; 2) Those harmful to livestock which produce teratogenisis and embryonic death, known as locoweeds; and 3) Those that accumulate selenium and thus cause damage to livestock, called Milkvetches. Locoweed starts growth in late fall, winter, or early spring. Milkvetches emerge from late April to June. Reproduces from seed.

February Weed of the Month: London Rocket

Posted on February 5, 2017October 5, 2018 by Mel

Scientific Name: Sisymbrium irio
Common Name: London Rocket
Also Called: Rocket Mustard and Tumble Mustard; (Spanish: Mostaza, Pamita )
Family: Brassicaceae, Mustard Family
Status: Introduced from Europe.
Duration: Annual
Size: Up to 2 feet or more.

London Rocket is an aggressive weed in Arizona and elsewhere, but quickly dies out when the hot temperatures arrive. The plant responds well after fire, and its abundance and rapid growth following the Great Fire of London in the 1600’s resulted in its common name, London Rockets.

Do remember that when talking about plants, there are many different uses that can be employed depending on the type. There are even some very effective forms of natural health solutions that area herbal. If you would like a good online source of information, you can check here to learn about medical herbs.

January Weed of the Month: Redstem filaree

Posted on January 5, 2017March 5, 2017 by Mel

Common Name(s):

Storksbill
Redstem filaree
Alfilaria
Filaree
Redstem storksbill

Scientific Name:

Erodium cicutarium (L.) L’Hér. ex Ait.

Description:

Life Span: Winter annual

Origin: Introduced

Season: Cool or Warm (dependant on climate)

Growth Characteristics: A low and spreading 2 to 5 inch tall plant, growing from a central taproot. The stems are leafy and hairy. Flowers February to May, and plants usually dry up and disappear quickly after maturity. It is one of the first plants to germinate in late fall or spring. Reproduces from seeds.

Flowers/Inflorescence: Borne on hairy stalks in umbrella-shaped clusters. Flowers vary in color from pink to purple.

Fruits/Seeds:Each seed is tipped with an elongated tail, which coils spirally at maturity, assisting the pointed seed in penetrating the soil.

Leaves: Finely divided as on a carrot, hairy, and very delicate. In early growth stages, the leaves form only a basal rosette, but later appear on the stems as well.