Native Wildflower Sings the Blues

Virginia Bluebells, © Bernie Kasper, sindianavisions.wordpress.com

Virginia Bluebell, also known as Virginia Cowslip and Mertensia Virginica, is being eliminated from the bottomland forests of our state by invasive garlic mustard.

An ephemeral perennial wildflower, Virginia Bluebell is native to 27 states and provinces (Wikipedia) and is abundant in the Midwest. But it is threatened in Michigan and “exploitably vulnerable” in New York, according to the USDA.

A 2004 report from Virginia’s Secretary of Natural Resources says: “Second only to habitat destruction, invasive species pose the greatest threat to Virginia and the nation’s native ecosystems.”

Ready to threaten back? To remove garlic mustard, grab the second year plant near the ground and carefully wiggle as much of the hook-shaped root out of the soil as possible, using a trowel if necessary. Dispose of garlic mustard in a tightly closed plastic bag or its seeds will be dispersed farther afield. ERC rid the Village of several large garbage bags of garlic mustard in the last two weeks.

Did you know one ERC member is an invasive species expert? Want to learn more about native and invasive plants? Join us at our meetings or contact us with questions.