Tag: Invasive plants

With nearly 200 bioactive compounds, sea buckthorn berries, often mistakenly confused with invasive common buckthorn, are a nutritional powerhouse used for centuries in traditional medicine and modern culinary products. This guide will distinguish between the two and show you what can you do with buckthorn berries safely and effectively.

While considered an invasive species in many regions, the autumn olive shrub produces a prolific amount of tiny, red berries that are perfectly edible. This guide explores which parts of the plant are safe for consumption, focusing on the highly nutritious fruit and its uses.

According to foraging experts, the invasive wineberry is a safe and delicious wild edible with no poisonous look-alikes in North America, but proper identification is key. The question, "Can humans eat wine berries?" is a common one for foragers due to their striking resemblance to wild raspberries and their prolific growth in many areas.

Despite its status as a common garden weed, the Asiatic dayflower (*Commelina communis*) is not known to be toxic to humans or pets. However, this plant is frequently confused with highly poisonous species, leading to unnecessary concern.

Originally introduced to the United States in 1876, kudzu can grow at a remarkable rate of up to a foot per day during peak season. Despite its reputation as a relentless, smothering invasive species, nearly every part of the kudzu plant is edible and can be a sustainable food source for those who know how to prepare it.

Sea buckthorn berries contain over 190 bioactive compounds, including rare omega-7 fatty acids, and are celebrated for their nutritional value. But what are buckthorn berries good for, and is this true for all species? It's crucial to understand that the beneficial sea buckthorn is a distinct plant from the invasive and toxic common buckthorn.

While catmint is celebrated for its beauty and resilience, some varieties, like Nepeta mussinii, can become floppy and spread vigorously. Knowing what are the disadvantages of catmint is crucial before adding this perennial to your landscape.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the import and interstate transport of kangkong (water spinach) is federally prohibited without a permit. This is because the plant, scientifically known as *Ipomoea aquatica*, is officially classified as a federal noxious weed.

First introduced to the United States in the late 19th century and later promoted for erosion control, kudzu has now infested millions of acres, earning it the nickname 'the vine that ate the South'. As a result, many are left to contend with its devastating drawbacks, prompting the critical question: what are the cons of kudzu?

Despite sometimes being referred to as 'Japanese arrowroot,' kudzu is fundamentally different from true arrowroot, which is most often derived from the *Maranta arundinacea* plant. This common mix-up often leads to questions about their distinct origins, forms, and culinary applications.