It’s easy to get hooked on flowers that are easy to grow, especially those that seem to be refreshingly trouble-free. Unfortunately, some of these qualify as noxious weeds, and their rapid growth causes a multitude of problems. These undesirable plants reduce habitat for wildlife and native plants, alter riparian areas, and cause problems in agricultural lands. Colorado Noxious Weeds are illegal to grow, even though they may be available on the internet and in some “big box” stores. Following are three Noxious Weeds to watch out for, and native and non-invasive alternatives you can grow in their place.
Noxious Weed: Purple Loosestrife. Here are some good alternatives:
Mojave Sage (Salvia pachyphylla) – Plant Select®, 2005: Mojave Sage is an intensely aromatic, evergreen foliage with great substance. The silver-green leaves set off persistent flowers. The City of Lakewood has named Mojave Sage as the official city plant.
Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus) - The tall showy spikes of intense blue-purple flowers last for over a month in late spring. Penstemon strictus is one of the longest lived, most easily grown of the Penstemons.
Noxious Weed: Dame’s Rocket. A good alternative is Pink Wild Snapdragon (Penstemon palmeri), a heat tolerant beardtongue, native to NM and AZ. One of the few fragrant Penstemons, it blooms with gigantic spikes of large, light pink flowers in early summer. Must be grown in sandy or gravelly soils, not in tight clay. Best in a dry location.
Noxious Weed: Bouncingbet. Good alternatives include:
Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata) – This annual will grow two to five feet tall. Bees and insects enjoy the nectar from the blossoms, and seeds are often consumed by morning doves.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) – Available in a variety of colors, a favorite in many Colorado gardens.
For a full list of Colorado' Noxious Weeds, go to: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1174084048733