
Springtime in the Appalachian Mountains is always an explosion of colors. Small wildflowers seems to erupt from every mountain hollow. It seems like when you blink a new life appears before you. Vetch isn’t a native species but it is one that has adapted here. I do sometimes wonder if it’s capable of supplying a full range of micronutrients and phytochemicals for the wildlife that is native we’ve learned so much about our world since the days when learned people who had the best intentions brought so many alien species to North America. But it is sometimes used as fodder for livestock and it does fix nitrogen in the soil. The honeybees aren’t native here either but we do seem to consider them important to the balance of nature. And they do seem to enjoy the brightly colored pea like flowers of the Vetch along with the native bees and other pollinators. I was once advised by a marketing expert that I should probably not publish as many weeds but I to be honest I think that I have a different definition for what a weed is. The common aspect is that a weed is an undesirable plant growing in an inconvenient environment. And when I look at my forest with tree of heaven sprouting hither and yon I have a tendency to see their point. That particular tree is one that if I could completely remove from North America I would. I find no redeeming qualities in it whatsoever. However, that’s not true for every species. The deer on my mountain seem to enjoy the European clover, apples and even the Asian vetch that grows in the ditches and fallow fields. So the question becomes if it’s undesirable to whom? But I digress. The truth is that with a few exceptions like tree of heaven most of the alien species do offer at least some benefit.
Good night friends and be blessed throughout your days.
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Agree that in a perfect world we would not have the invasive weeds. They are in Alaska and crowd the native ones. Some people have weed ridding parties to dig up and destroy the invaders. Enjoy your blessings! ❤️
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Thank you ♥️,
I don’t think that we’ll ever be rid of them all. The most destructive here is the Kudzu. It can wipe out all the native plants within hundreds of acres. Even a heard of goats can’t completely destroy it.
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You are welcome ❤️ Most weeds have a medicinal use but I prefer the native plants!
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I’m one who prefers the Native plants as well. But if there’s a use for the invasive species then I say it’s more motivation to pull it.
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