[MPWG] plant management advice

[Danna J. Leaman]

Hello Michael,

Responding to the "ecologically appropriate" part of your question:  some
years ago I went on the warpath against allergy-causing weeds on some
property in Ontario where there are a lot of native wildflowers, and did
some simple research on goldenrod.  What I learned is that we have possibly
13 species of goldenrod (Solidago species), some common, some uncommon to
rare.  I also learned that while goldenrod pollen can cause an allergic
reaction, the major culprit is the far less showy ragweed (interestingly
named Ambrosia) - the common species we have here is A. artemisifolia, but
there's a giant species (A. trifida) not very common here but possibly more
so where your parents have their property.  If you do go on a weeding binge,
this is probably what you should go after, not the goldenrods.

Have a look at Steven Foster and James A. Duke, 1990.  A Field Guide to
Medicinal Plants:  Eastern and Central North America.  Peterson Field Guides
Series.  Houghton Mifflin 40.

Danna J Leaman, PhD

Research Associate, Canadian Museum of Nature

Chair, IUCN-SSC Medicinal Plant Specialist Group

98 Russell Avenue

Ottawa, Ontario  K1N 7X1

Canada

Tel:  +1 613 235 7213

e-mail: djl at green-world.org

website:  http://mpsg.org

 

 

From: mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org
[mailto:mpwg-bounces at lists.plantconservation.org] On Behalf Of Batek,
Michael
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2012 3:27 PM
To: mpwg at lists.plantconservation.org
Subject: [MPWG] plant management advice

 

Hello,

My in-laws live on 80 acres on the periphery of a small town at the tip of
Seneca Lake and are interested in help with managing some of the land to
encourage growth of native wildflowers and medicinal plants (an Amish family
farms and grazes cows on some of the land). While relief is relatively low,
they have a stream running though their property. I'm guessing that an
interesting and diverse variety of plants could be grown. I've checked with
the county soil and water district, Cornell Extension, and still trying to
contact someone at the nearest Nature Conservancy and United Plant Savers;
however, I've followed the messages on this listserv and thought I would
give it a try. I'm trying to find an option that wouldn't require too much
work or financial investment on their part. Right now they are considering
having it sprayed to kill off the goldenrod and other "weeds."  Personally,
I was favoring a prescribed burn, but I don't know who does this around
here, if it is allowed or even if ecologically appropriate. Your guidance is
appreciated.

Thank you,

Mike

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