Can you ID this plant - Ask Extension
I might have planted this last year on my slope. This year it's everywhere. Before I pull it, I want to see if it's a native or a perennial. My Google...
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Can you ID this plant #875172
Asked June 28, 2024, 7:33 PM EDT
I might have planted this last year on my slope. This year it's everywhere. Before I pull it, I want to see if it's a native or a perennial. My Google lens identifies it as centaurea Montana, or mountain cornflower. When I looked that up on the Minnesota wildflower website it suggested pulling it because it's weedy and invasive. It has not flowered yet
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello, happy to help.
It could very well be that it's Centaurea montana, but a colleague thinks it could be Monarda fistulosa aka Wild Bergamot or Wild Bee balm. Rub the leaves. If you smell a strong herbal scent like oregano, it's Wild Bergamot.
If the leaves don't have a scent, she also commented that since you planted the entire slope last year, you might wait to see how tall they get and what the flowers look like before pulling them.
Good-luck!
Thank you! FYI it doesn't have a scent but I will wait to see what comes up!
