Forget-me-not When Pulling Weeds

Day 240: No matter how cute or pretty you think they might be, the fact is that three-quarters of the eight species of Myosotis found in Washington are non-native. In fact, the two native species both have much smaller flowers than the Forget-me-nots familiar to most of us. The six offenders are subtle and sneaky invaders. You might be tempted to leave a few in your garden beds for colour, not noticing that after the blooms have disappeared, tiny burrs stick to your socks and bootlaces when you brush against the stems. These "hitchhikers" detach as the barbs dry out and become brittle, dropping at their leisure to create new settlements for their kind. Forget not the Forget-me-nots when you're pulling weeds, and be sure to bag them because the seeds can mature even after the plant is uprooted.