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Sneezeweed. Anne Holmes, artist<\/p><\/div>\n
Sneezeweed is easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun. It prefers rich, moist soils and is intolerant of dry soils. Avoid over-fertilization which may cause plants to grow too tall and need to be staked. The large and numerous daisy-like, yellow flowers of Helenium<\/em> autumnale<\/em> can provide welcome color in late summer and autumn when many other blossoms have disappeared. Word of caution: the leaves, flowers, and seeds are poisonous to humans if eaten in large quantities, causing gastric and intestinal irritation, which can become fatal. Good news is that deer tend to avoid this plant.<\/p>\n Upcoming Event<\/strong> Research ecologist Steve Norman will discuss the biological attributes and habitat of our most problematic non-native invasives of Asheville\u2019s urban forests, greenways and stream banks. He will lead participants on a walk to visit nearby patches of invasives, focusing on how they can be recognized and managed by citizen scientists. Norman is a research ecologist with the US Forest Service in Asheville where he monitors forest change over the short and long term, using everything from historical records to cutting-edge space technology. He\u2019s particularly interested in how invasives take advantage of disturbances such as wildfire and development. A resident of Western North Carolina since 2007, he is an avid hiker, cyclist, gardener and long-time supporter of the Botanical Gardens at Asheville.<\/p>\n
\nInvasive Plants of Asheville: Their Ecology & Control with Steve Norman<\/strong>
\nSunday, August 20, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet at the Garden\u2019s Visitor Center (Outdoor Class)<\/strong>
\nNon-native invasive plants are an increasing threat to Asheville\u2019s urban landscape\u2014including the Gardens\u2014with problematic species including trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants. While most arrived through the nursery trade and escaped from cultivation over the last 150 years, others were deliberately planted for practical reasons before we realized that their benefits came with tradeoffs (such as kudzu!).<\/p>\n