Knowledgebase

Cliff Pink, Fire Pink, Scarlet Catch Fly #866560

Asked April 30, 2024, 11:43 PM EDT

Hello, Cliff Pink, Fire pink, Scarlet Catch Fly is native to the eastern half of the US, apparently from Kansas to the east coast. I'd love to try growing it. Seeds are available online. Growing guides indicate it isn't fussy about soil type, and folerates heat and drought... But will it live in Colorado? Might it prove invasive?? (Missouri extension webssite indicates it's "not present/introduced" in the western USA.) Thanks, LB

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.   There is no indication that Fire Pink is invasive where it is a native plant, but we cannot find anything out about it in Colorado.  You might want to keep an eye on it in case.  We did find out that the main pollinator of a Fire Pink is the ruby throated hummingbird which is not found in Colorado.   One website mentioned that it does best in mildly acidic soil.  Colorado, however, has alkaline soil so this might be problematic.  You could certainly try growing Fire Pink here and see what happens.   Many plants from different areas have been planted here successfully.

Best of luck to you.  For our internal use only, we would most appreciative if you would provide us with your zip code (we don't need your address, however).

Ellen B and Janet P

Diagnostic Team Replied May 06, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT
80013

Thanks... so good to know!  I will stick with plants that our Anna's hummingbird will like.   (I've chosen Red Lantern columbine, Hotlips salvia, Major Wheeler honeysuckle and a second Red-bird-in-trees.)

   I have another question (background first):
   A neighbor dug some leafy spurge from a pasture and planted it as an ornamental. When I warned him it's invasive and the city could fine him. He planted bushes to hide it from the road. 
   Two years later he started trying to remove it (by tilling and digging).
   Now (5 years on) (plus digging annually) it covers the whole corner of the lot. 
   It has invaded the next door neighbor's lot.
   It has spread to a flowerbed 1/4 mile away at the corner of an adjacent subdivision.   
   I fear it will move to my lot.
   Could you please provide me with an English-and-Spanish-language, printable explanation of what leafy spurge is, how invasive it is (rate of spread and potential acreage involved), and how to eradicate it most effectively (using an herbicide)? 
   If the best herbicide to use requires professional application, please don't let that stop you from recommending it. (I'll pay for a pro on my neighbor's behalf, if that's what it takes.)
   I need that stuff gone before it invades my heavily-planted yard.
   Thanks,
Linda B



On Mon, May 6, 2024, 2:16 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2024, 11:36 AM EDT
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your question about leafy spurge. This can be difficult to eradicate, especially once established.

It would be helpful if you were able to send us pictures of the spurge so we can confirm it is leafy spurge. Please send pictures to this address.
 
<personal data hidden> 

"Regardless of the management system used, a combination of methods is essential to return leafy spurge-infested ground to a productive state. The key to control leafy spurge or any creeping perennial is to exhaust the root nutrient stores, causing it to collapse. Persistence is imperative to gain control."

Leafy Spurge - 3.107 - Extension (colostate.edu)
Unfortunately, we are unable to find a Spanish version of this document.

We hope this information helps you in your battle with spurge. We look forward to seeing your pictures.

Thank you,

Musetta and Becky






Arapahoe County Extension Replied May 08, 2024, 4:16 PM EDT

Hi Linda, 

For some reason we cannot find the photos you sent of the spurge.  Could you please send them back via this Ask Extension platform?  I vaguely remember seeing an email from you that was sent to our MG help desk, but that email has disappeared.  Sorry for the inconvenience.  

Thanks for you patience.  


Jeff C


Diagnostic Team Replied May 15, 2024, 6:48 PM EDT
Jeff,
   Ok, I think I finally created 1 or 2 small-enough Pics to send. Whew!
   Conversation is "Fire Pink" and subject is "Leafy Spurge in my neighborhood." (I hope I did it right. I'm technologically inept.)
   Thank you sooo much for taking an interest in this issue! 
   Linda B


On Wed, May 15, 2024, 4:48 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 16, 2024, 1:39 PM EDT

Hi Linda,

We have been reviewing this question to make sure we answered it for you. We see that it is in fact Leafy Spurge, and that they sent you a fact sheet, which is attached again below. There is unfortunately not a Spanish version.

Leafy Spurge Fact Sheet 3.107

If you have any other questions, please reach out.

Thank you,

Jessie A. and Kristen N.

Diagnostic Team Replied May 20, 2024, 3:44 PM EDT

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