The leaves are hairy on both surfaces. Based in part on text from the 1998 Extension Master Gardener manual prepared by: Erv Evans, Extension Associate, Department of Horticultural Science, Moore, K.A., J. Neal, and L.K. Note: Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), an invasive plant of the Southeast, is often confused with two native vines in our area: Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) and coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). The fruit is an achene, which resembles a queens crown. Monitor and scout to determine pest type and population levels. Sandbur seeds catch on clothing and animal fur and the barbed burs can easily pierce the skin and cause injury to livestock and people. Remember that each time the soil is disturbed, new weed seeds are brought to the soil surface to germinate. Additionally, many common landscape weeds have means of self-dispersal. Cultural methods limit the introduction, establishment, reproduction, survival, and spread of specific weed species into areas not currently infested. CC BY-SA 2.0. 4. Clean equipment after each use because weed seeds can be moved on rototillers and mowers. Yellow nutsedge is the most commonly encountered sedge. CC BY 2.0, Harry Rose, Flickr Many weeds use the available resources more efficiently than other (often more desirable) plants. Crabgrass, for example, was among the first grains cultivated in Europe during the Stone Age and was probably introduced to the United States in fodder. Limit consumption to small amounts of one type of weed at a time to be able to pinpoint any allergic reactions. If greater than 80% of the soil surface is shaded, weeds seldom become a problem. State and federal laws regulate the presence of certain weed species in crop seeds. Selective herbicides control certain plant species without seriously affecting the growth of others. In addition, the plant may be toxic throughout its life cycle or only at certain stages. Selectivity results from the ability of some plants to deactivate or not absorb the herbicides or from a plants inherent insensitivity to the herbicide. When the leaves of both spurges are broken or injured they emit a milky white sap (similar to dandelion). It tolerates drought, alkaline soil, and gravelly soils. It is important to correctly identify any weed you plan to eat and also which parts of each weed are edible. During the second year, biennial weeds flower, produce seeds, and die. The best way to control bamboo is not to plant it in the first place. Purple nutsedge is usually smaller and deeper green than yellow nutsedge, has reddish-purple seed heads, and produces "chains" of tubers on rhizomes. The inflorescence is often the length of the entire plant. Some postemergence herbicides are temperature sensitive. Sedges (Figure 69) and rushes are also monocots. Nigella damascena 'Miss Jekyll Alba'. CC BY 2.0, Tony Fischer, Flickr
