A couple of years ago, I noticed a number of seedlings growing underneath my burning bush in the front yard. They start out looking like sunflower seedlings so I ignored them for the most part, thinking they were sunflowers from winter dwelling birds enjoying a treat while in the protection of the shrub.
You may not be familiar with the name burning bush, but I can guarantee that you've seen one. They are very popular in corporate landscapes because they're so hardy. The leaves turn a wonderful crimson red in fall. The stems are sort of square shaped, as compared to traditionally round ones.
The seedlings really started to take root last year, so I took corrective action. I pulled them out, one by one, until the numbers were greatly diminished. Any leftovers quickly burned in the sweltering August heat.
This year, I noticed the seedlings were getting tall very quickly. I decided to do a search for burning bushes in Missouri to see if other people were experiencing the same problem. MOBOT recently put this shrub on their list of invasive plants because of the seedlings it can produce.
It seems that the problem isn't widespread, yet. I don't know if it's the micro-climates, or the maturity of the shrub that causes the seedlings, but I decided it had to go. We live in a rural area and the last thing I want to do is contribute to the desecration of the woods from a nasty invasive shrub. The shrub in my yard was about 6' x 6'. And that was after pruning at least 2 feet in every direction each spring.
Eric jumped at the opportunity to assist me. Of course this meant using a power tool and the four wheeler. He made quick work out of cutting down the shrub and then gave it a few yanks with a pull strap wrapped around the stump and attached to the back of the four wheeler.
I now have a huge sunny planting area in my front yard, which I think I'll fill with tomato plants and some other vegetables, flowers, and herbs.
If you have a burning bush in your yard, please consider removing it and replacing it with a more Missouri-friendly shrub. If you need any suggestions, just ask.
We had a different version of the Burning Bush. There was a house on a corner lot on Fyler close to my/your Uncle Donnie's house that had a big dead shrub on the corner of the front lawn. Once a year in the Spring, the little old lady who lived there would change out the artificial flowers she had wired to the dead branches to bright fresh ones for the faded ones that had been up all year. We HAD to call it the Burning Bush.
ReplyDeletehmmm, I'm a bit surprised by this. we have several BBs and there are very few seedlings. Perhaps a different variety.
ReplyDeleteOn a relate note, I checked out the invasive plant list, and was shocked that Bush Honeysuckle is not listed. There are "cutting parties" at area parks for these. I'm trying to eradicate them from our yard and it's quite a chore. Check out this link: http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/15700.pdf ToddM
The burning bush seedlings increased in population each year. The one we had was probably here for 15 years. Just huge.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised about honeysuckle not being on the list too with the intiatives all over STL to get rid of them. I have one in the back that I need to clear while it's small.