Hi there,
I'm in the process of redoing my entire (but small) yard, with next to no money, and I'm aiming towards planting as close to a native restoration as I can get.
I've pulled up 100's of dandelions and tiny trees, but there are a few plants I'm not sure of, and I don't want to remove them until I know if they're native, beneficial or invasive.
That said, I'm going to post a few pics subsequently if you could help me ID these plants.
Thanks!
Carrie Anne
The plant by the box, looks like Solanum americanum, Nightshade.
The stems in your picture look woody. My solanum americanum has green stems. Is it a perennial where you live?
Easiest way to see if a plant is mint is by the stems. Mints have squared stems. Feel some of the older ones if it's square it's a mint or relative if not then no.
=) good luck.
First of all, I don't know any of the botanical names for plants - I just go by the common names. I don't think the plant looks like either mint or nightshade. However, I have only one kind of mint growing here and I know that there are several different kinds.
Either one, though, is an invasive weed as far as I am concerned - and nightshade is poisonous. For 50 years I've pulled both. I still get a few plants of nightshade each year and the mint grows all over my yard, lawn and gardens. I know some people plant mint but I would never recommend it.
I notice in the top right corner of your photo you have Creeping Charlie - that is another invasive weed. I brought a root home on a plant from a neighbor and now have it all over the place, in spite of pulling and spraying.
Mitzi
OK, it's not "Solanum americanum", because the stems are definitely woody, and it's not Mint because the stems aren't square.
Yes, it is perennial. I had an ex-roommate 4 yrs ago who planted very random stuff in this spot, and this is one of the items popping up right now. Debating whether to tear it out or let it be.
Thanks!
Carrie Anne
Any flowers to show?
nope, no flowers. and apparently, there are a couple of seedlings next to this growing also. both with woody stems while being very small. does anyone know if there's a variety of nightshade that can have woody stems?
my gardening friend thought it was nightshade too b/c of the dark purplish stems.
OK, it looks like this is nightshade, but a different variety. I believe it's Solatium Nigrum, Black Nightshade. Super poisonous and going into the compost asap.
http://chestofbooks.com/flora-plants/weeds/Manual-Of-Weeds/Common-Or-Black-Nightshade-Solatium-Nigrum-L-Deadly-Nig.html
Thanks everyone! You rock!
Carrie Anne
