Instead of houndstongue try planting Sphaeralcea coccinea, called Scarlet Globemallow, pictured here. Scarlet globemallow requires little water and dry soils that are light, gravelly limestone or sandy clay soils.

Justice Miller courtesy photo

As we all know, spring is right here knocking on our doorstep. Some may even say it is already here due to the warm days and, dare I say, all that wind! Some folks may be starting to think about getting their gardens together or have possibly already started. It started in my household this weekend. Gardening can be almost therapeutic for those who enjoy it as a “by yourself” project, or a great bonding moment between those who admire each other’s company. Gardening can even fill bellies if you plant foods such as lettuce, spinach, peppers and tomatoes. It can also be quite beneficial for the environment. Planting flowers can attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

According to the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council, there are 31 listed noxious weeds, in the state and Sublette County Weed and Pest has an additional six. Many of those species within the list could have potentially been brought to the United States as ornamentals for one’s garden. To avoid introducing noxious or potentially noxious not currently listed, I would like to provide you with some native species as an alternative that are just as beautiful, if not more!

One species listed as a state-designated noxious weed is Leucanthemum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy). Oxeye daisy is a short-lived species of forb that came from Europe roughly 200 years ago. This forb has a big yellow center with white petals like a daisy. Oxeye daisy can be found in crops, lawns, gardens, waste areas and roadside ditches. It can grow in many kinds of soils as long as they are moist. Oxeye daisy is a noxious species because it grows in dense stands, outcompeting other plants and seeds within the stand. It is also unpalatable to animals.

Instead of planting oxeye daisy, try planting a species of Erigeron or fleabane. According to the NRCS Plants Database, there are 66 native species of fleabane. These species of fleabane can be either annual or perennial forbs and have adapted to survive in harsher climates from the sagebrush steppe to high alpine ecosystems. It does not require a lot of water because most species prefer drier soils. Fleabane flowers can be anywhere from white to pink and even blue depending on the species.

Another species that is listed as a state-designated noxious weed is Cynoglossum officianle or Houndstongue. Houndstongue is a biennial flowering plant that starts life as a small clump of leaves called a rosette, and in its second year of life, grows out with stems and flowers. Its flowers can be a deep red or purplish. What makes this species so problematic is that its seeds have barbs that act like Velcro and stick to your clothes and animals. Houndstongue likes wetter areas. Houndstongue also contains an alkaloid that can cause liver failure in horses and cattle.

Instead of houndstongue try planting Sphaeralcea coccinea or Scarlet Globemallow. Scarlet globemallow requires little water and dry soils that are light, gravelly limestone or sandy clay soils. Scarlet globemallow can grow up to 16 inches tall with bright, scarlet-y orange flowers. It is also a preferred species by moths and butterflies.

This is only a small description of a couple of examples, but there is so much more to choose from out there. If you have any questions about noxious weeds versus native flowering species feel free to contact the Sublette County Conservation District at 307-367-2364 or stop by our office at 217 Country Club Lane here in Pinedale. Or contact our friends at the Sublette County Weed and Pest.