I’ve always been a fan of milkweed! It’s not just beautiful, but it also brings the bees and butterflies right into your garden.
The problem? Only if you don’t grow the real milkweed. Look, there’s a plant that looks exactly like the milkweed. The only difference? One’s a garden hero, and the other’s a nightmare.
It’s invasive and if you let it slip under your radar, it’ll take over faster than you can blink.
Well, you know what they say, time is of the essence, so I’m here to show you exactly how to spot them and send them packing for good! But first, let’s uncover the culprit!
Swallow-Wort & Black Swallow-Wort Are The Sneaky Invaders!
First things first, swallow-wort and black swallow-wort are the kind of plants you don’t want to underestimate.
They’re native to Europe and Asia, but they’ve made their way to North America, where they’re, unfortunately, causing big problems.
These plants grow super fast, and what starts as a seemingly innocent addition to your garden can quickly turn into a full-blown disaster.
Why You Shouldn’t Let Them Into Your Garden?
Why should you be wary of swallow-wort and black swallow-wort? For starters, these flowering vines are semi-aggressive, meaning they’ll slowly take over your garden, outcompeting native plants that pollinators rely on.
Even worse, they pose a danger to monarch butterflies, who rely on milkweed for food. You see, the larvae that monarch butterflies lay on milkweed won’t survive if the plant is swallow-wort, as it contains toxins that are harmful to them.
It’s crucial to act fast: identify and remove them before they take over and harm the delicate balance of your garden.
Is It Milkweed Or An Invader?
Milkweed and swallow-wort may both have attractive flowers, but the similarities stop there!
The true milkweed thrives in zones 3-9, whereas swallow-wort prefers zones 4-8 but can often spread beyond its range.
Now, let’s talk flowers. Both swallow-wort varieties boast dark purple or pink blooms, similar to milkweed, but milkweed flowers are usually a bit more star-shaped and come in a broader range of colors, from pink to white.
The leaves are another key clue! Milkweed has pale green, matte leaves, while swallow-wort’s leaves are shiny, dark green, and much more slender.
Last but not least, you should take a look at the seed pods. Milkweed’s seed pods are hard to miss: they’re big, rounded, and covered in soft, silky hairs that help the seeds float away with the wind.
When they ripen, the pods open with a satisfying pop, sending seeds drifting across the garden.
In contrast, swallow-wort’s pods are much smaller and smoother, often remaining closed until disturbed. They’re more elongated and firm to the touch, lacking the fluffy, airy texture that milkweed pods are famous for.
The plant in your yard isn’t milkweed? Let’s get rid of it, then!
Say Goodbye To Swallow Wort & Black Swallow-Wort With These Tips
Always start by removing the seed pods before they open!
These pods are actually your enemy because they’re ready to send hundreds of seeds into your garden if you’re not careful.
Next, dig out the plant completely, and don’t just trim it back! Mowing is a no-go, as it encourages the plant to spread even faster.
If all else fails, herbicides can do the trick, but you need to be careful if you decide to use them. Remember that chemicals can harm butterflies and other pollinators.
The last step is to dispose of any plant material in a sealed bag to prevent it from coming back.
Ready to reclaim your garden from these invaders? Now that you know how to identify and remove them, take action and enjoy the beauty of native plants once again!