Weeds, NOT landscape plants, by Todd Hagenbuch

This time of the year, flower gardens throughout the area are in full bloom with all kinds of beautiful foliage.   Some of those flowers are annuals, some perennials.   Some are from seed, others grown from bedding plants, and others gifts from friends or neighbors.   Some are natives, some are introduced, and more importantly, some are actually noxious weeds. A noxious weed is any weed that has been determined by the State of Colorado to negatively impact or threaten our native or agricultural ecosystems.   Typically a plant that was introduced from Europe, Asia, or Africa, these weeds have abilities to out-compete our native plants, meaning they spread unchecked throughout our landscape.   Unfortunately, many of these plants are still being planted in yards and gardens throughout our area, and are sold by nurseries or seed companies and purchased by unsuspecting homeowners who are looking for spreading, low maintenance plants with attractive flowers.   While that’s exactly what they