European Buckthorn

European Buckthorn

This invasive plant has been around for quite some time.  This plant was brought here from Eastern Europe and was used as a hedge and for landscaping.  There was a well-maintained hedge of this shrub on West Fourth Street in Spencer for years that...
Ornamental Asparagus

Ornamental Asparagus

Asparagus is an amazing plant.  It abounds along fence lines and in prairie areas and seems to be resistant to any chemical drift it may get in the country.  It produces a yummy crop of spears in the spring that can be harvested and lightly boiled,...
The Spikenard Population is Increasing!

The Spikenard Population is Increasing!

Should you be worried about this plant?  Heck no!  This tough perennial plant is finding a home all over the Iowa Great Lakes!  Golden Spikenard is being planted under the Burr Oak canopy in the Okoboji area and is becoming a common landscape plant.  Also known as...
Leaf Tatter on Shade Trees

Leaf Tatter on Shade Trees

Strong winds and thunderstorms have again done damage to tree leaves.  I took a photo of a cement pad by my garage that was covered with tattered shreds of leaves from strong winds and heavy rains.  I’ve had the north side or east side of my home covered with green...