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weed/harmful plant for waystation? #867855

Asked May 10, 2024, 10:16 AM EDT

Over the last two years I've been trying to grow a little waystation/pollinator garden. This year I expanded the space. We tilled up the grass, then scattered several wildflower seed packets as well as planting some seedlings I started inside. There's one space that I've planted only echinacea seedlings, but there is another plant that has sprouted up as well. I've also seen it in my vegetable garden. The picture I've attached is of this plant that my google app says is Palmer Amaranth. I'm aware that sometimes "weeds" are beautiful and totally fine in a garden. However, If this is something that will choke out my echinacea or other wildflower babies, I want to stay on top of plucking it out. So I guess my question is two fold: 1) Do you recognize what this plant is? 2) Should I work toward removing it from the garden?

Oklahoma County Oklahoma

Expert Response

Yes, this definitely looks like an Amaranthus species, and as far as I can tell it looks like Palmer Amaranth. But, yes, you should do your best to control this noxious weed. Removing it before it can go to seed will help, and try not to disturb the soil as much as possible to avoid bringing more seed closer to the surface to germinate. 

David Hillock Replied May 13, 2024, 10:48 AM EDT

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