Is This Invasive Plant Killing Wetlands?

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[@ravenregards]

Love your videos Adam. Also love your "non-aggressive and non-invasive" approach on the subject. Your demeanor is much needed in all areas of life. Thanks so much.

[@growingwithfungi]

Great video! Thank you! I live in Ireland and can confirm it certainly is not causing monoculture or any other problems in the wetland area where I live. 🌱💚🙏✨🔥

[@railway-share3820]

I live in England where I look forward to Purple Loosestrife each year. I live near various water systems and PL is found in occasional clumps here and there. It adds its beauty to the riverside flora and does not impact on other plants. Thanks for a balanced view on this attractive plant.

[@micah_lee]

I feel like it is unfair to compare its great attributes in its native ecosystem to not being a noxious plant in exotic ecosystems. I am not saying that it is a bad plant wholly by saying it is invasive. Personally I think it can be overstated BOTH ways! As Adam obviously teased out, many many people are overstating the harms of PLS in the US yet I think you could also overstate the benefits of it in the US. It is however good that you can talk about the benefits in England and how you look forward to it. It is a beautiful plant!

[@sheldon740]

Most of what grows in the US came from Europe and other countries as well anyhow. Google is information, and information isnt knowing.

[@sheldon740]

@@micah_leewe are the most invasive life form, wreaking the most havoc

[@teedot2791]

@@sheldon740 Really? People like you are the reason people in this world hate each other. We are not the problem. We are loving, creative, intelligent beings who have done incredible things on this planet. But yea, hate humans, hate yourself. As for me, I'll continue to appreciate God's most amazing creation and not downgrade myself or any other human because of attitudes like yours.

[@folsterfarms]

I love the depth of the research you put into your videos. We have learned SO much from you over the years. Thank you for your disciplined and informative videos!

[@spectatrix5003]

Here in Europe, Lythrum was used as a medicinal plant. It seems to have some healing properties and is - for instance - believed to help with diabetes type 2. it was even used to help cure cholera during last century’s epidemics, and also in the kitchen to make sugar take on a purple colour. Certain parts of the plant were eaten by way of vegetables, too. Besides all that, I think it really looks very beautiful! - So, thanks a lot for the valuable and interesting information on this underappreciated plant, Adam!

[@petesfeeder]

I've found through direct experience many of the " biologists" involved in my local wetland research and "protection" don't know poop from apple butter. There also seems to be an invasive problem of greasy palms and back slappers. Thank you for sharing. Much love

[@stompthedragon4010]

Greasy palms and back slappers.. yep. The plant has medicinal and culinary application.

[@gerardjohnson2106]

Yes and same with virologists in the "scientific?" community regarding covid. Greasy palms and back slappers. Lots of greased palms there.

[@dr.venuswilliams7556]

Correctly said, thank you!

[@annep.1905]

Yep. You know another plant that is claimed to be invasive, Soapwort or Bouncing Bet (saponaria officinalis) is highly useful for washing just about anything - clothes, bodies, floors..... Of course, you can also use de-husked horse chestnuts.

[@anappealtoheaven852]

I want to like this several times 😎

[@katehenry2718]

This invasive plant has sat in a one foot square bit of my garden for 30 years. It is a healthy plant that blooms well and I am pleased with it. If it will not invade farther than one foot plot how can it be "invasive"? I've seen specimens beside the road ditches but in those same 30 years, they have not expanded. So wet or dry-ish, I dispute "invasive". I've tried to scatter its seeds in my garden and got NOTHING. So I'd say Lythrum is a difficult plant. LIly of the Valley however, will send roots under the sidewalk. Good thing I like those too.

[@inharmonywithearth9982]

"A weed is only a plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered" Ralph Waldo Emerson. The invasive list is written for USDA by Monsanto's herbicide toxin men. To sell herbicide. The theory of invasive has been debunked. A great book I read about invasive theory THE NEW WILD by Fred Pierce.

[@micah_lee]

The theory of invasive plants has not been debunked unless you take a unfair viewpoint on it.

[@DaimyoD0]

@@inharmonywithearth9982 Roping the very existence of invasive species into your Monsanto conspiracy theories? That's a new one.

[@samuelhmullins2170]

Many study connoisseurs require lots of silver platter content [youtube] for anti-propaganda details, whether more than one plant species [cattails] + more than 1 animal [marsh wren] are force-killed by colonialistic evolutionary supremacists, similar to Waldo Ralphing Alcohol Dependent Emerson and Fred Pierce book The New Wild. #1) Un-stupefied :: Weeds are plants out of place. So why can’t horticulturists HARVEST THEIR medicinal stenches in rotten carcass europe ? [ Spiritually speaking ] Why is not a trans-Atlantic Continent enough proof against governments of mis-Helps? Grace is opportunity for Progressive-Repentance to amend errors, and not for accelerating complacency. My own speech ignorance foresees forgiveness from the weaker NON-injurious vessel thereby adequate conversation of a good wife to read hearts more appropriately for conversational heart seeds to peacefully self-examine along with understanding others more accurately. Because unknowns behind unknowns are not appropriate omits in the dance of life’s algebraic, similar to aphasia, variables. Who can know this video-man Ralph’s intention until I myself squeeze courage to forget all this video’s philosophy-satire bullshit and evaluate myself as inventoried for claiming my family-home-unit for manifesting democracy regardless of global ignorance about bible scriptures? Concerns important more than usual, usually mire me down into anxieties. # 2) Un-stupefied :: Merely to coverup for nothing godly nor Graceful for Royal Eurotrash presiding over the Old World to attackingly monopolize manipulation at this North American Continent?

[@tinymetaltrees]

Where I live the redwing blackbirds prefer the cattails over the nearby loosestrife. The goldfinches like both. I get the impression that it is most successful in “distressed” areas, while it seems less successful in less disturbed areas. The biggest patch near me is almost solid loosestrife but every few years the power company absolutely destroys the area (part of our local nature trail🤦‍♂️) both mechanically with chainsaws for any shrub/tree that has managed to grow back from last time, and with chemical defoliants which poison every damn thing, because powerlines go overhead. The loosestrife is the first thing to rebound back to life and fills in the fastest. It’s on my morning walk route and its full of wildlife (on unpoisoned years). I see tons of insects and bird, even deer and the occasional fox or coyote. I like to watch the bees and wasps at the loosestrife patch and regularly note more varieties than I can identify and I even get to see a sphinx moth every once in a while. There is definitely less milkweed though and you will see monarch butterflies searching through the loosestrife for the lost milkweed patches that their progenitors laid their eggs on. One thing: although the destruction/poisoning has gone on for years, a while back (maybe 2005-ish) the hummingbirds never came back after that year’s round of destruction. I’m curious if they don’t like the increased amount of loosestrife and thay’s why they don’t come back. I used to watch the males fight over big patches of solomon’s seal nearby that they would declare as their territory. The solomon’s seal rhizome survives the poison and the loosestrife but I never see the hummingbirds anymore at that location.

[@stompthedragon4010]

I did a little research. It has both medicinal and culinary applications. The franken scientists are destroying everything natural.

[@dedetudor.]

Poor hummingbirds. I appreciated your comment and observations.

[@inharmonywithearth9982]

This channel might interest you. It is about the corruption of the agencies and toxic sprays kzbin.info/www/bejne/fouziZSNic-Vg5I

[@michaela.wilson8264]

I don't get their hiding comments here 😸😃🍿💕

[@dasja9966]

Fun fact: in the Netherlands cats tail is the common name for loosestrife.

[@mountaingirl2129]

Thank you Adam, for making a video for Purple Loosestrife. I once read that Purple Loosestrife was imported to America when the European Honey Bees were brought here, because it was the honey bee's favorite plant! It is true, the honey bees flock like crazy to this plant's pretty flowers. I have a sensible natural rule: "If the Honey Bees give a plant their thumbs up, it should never be put on a plant extermination list!" I love this beautiful purple plant : )

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

Well stated Adam! And a very wise statement on adult thinking, which we all need to improve. And of course blaming plants or animals for our decline of natural environment is laughable in the light of many square miles of development each year with needless malls and stores. Thought indeed is needed but most of all protecting what remains. Kind Thanks and Many Blessings! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@Lovereignsupreme]

Thank you for saying so🌿🌸

[@samuelhmullins2170]

Fixing domesticated cats, strays, and human selves NON-injuriously is responsible mercy upon all other species and human selves. Being a non-customer is easiest path into adversity therefrom occultic addiction profiteers. Doom Merchants have no other experience, faith, or plan-assisting voluntary 🥈 2nd opinionaters, except “getting people stupid, stupider, worse, & worser sabotaging committees of know it alls”. I continue purging out religious ignorance within me and around my neighbourhood. I will overcome all you plagiaristic arrogants when building an experienced minority to sensibilitate planets, beginning with un-breaking my home & life’s business into faith-wise democracy, and all on this side of the cemetery/morgue.

[@samuelhmullins2170]

Anti-self regulators worship methods at sinslave factory plantation.

[@ewelina3803]

So true

[@northernappalachiaschool6665]

So happy to see you talking about this (and getting such positive feedback in the comments). Have you looked into Matthew Chew's work? Highly recommend his work for folks wanting to dive deeper on this topic. I suspect a large part of the positive contributions of Purple Loosestrife is due to its bioremediation effects on water quality.

[@TheBellmare]

My Canadian Auntie informed me about this plant over 20 years ago, and I appreciate your explanation very well!!

[@davidfiekowsky4892]

Here in the Hudson Valley NYS there is NO doubt that some local wetlands are overrun completely by L. salicaria. It also is found scattered as just another plant in areas I forage without overrunning or changing things. Here the worry for me is garlic mustard, which is destroying some favorite spots for morels.

[@takashimono]

Nice work, Dr. H.! Many species get blamed for problems that show correlation rather than cause/effect; the old joke being, there are more pregnant women on streets with sugar maples...therefore sugar maples cause pregnancy in women. Thanks for showing us the research-based information!

[@ulnoohiker8983]

Once again thank you for such an in depth look on this subject. One thing I noticed in most of vudeos sot of thus plant, was the wonderful presence of the bees as they danced amongst the plants collecting the nectar. I honestly believe that if this flowering plant can act as a benefit to the bees, then let us welcome this non-indigenous settler as we have welcome the rest of the European settlers that have emigrated to these lands.

[@micah_lee]

It will benefit the bees that like it, but not all bees are generalists. Some are specialists and won’t use this plant. So, though it helps bumblebees cuz they are generalists it won’t help every bee

[@bookswithatwist-vanvelzerp9262]

@@micah_lee I saw honey bees on it - yes not all are generalists .... this one seems to appeal to at least 2 I saw in JUST this short video --- diversity over mono-culture is really a key for the pollinators - Not arguing - just expanding on your point Micah :)

[@TheParot161]

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to do original source-material research and putting it together in a clear and concise way. I think in todays world most of us (me included) default to quoting what we read somewhere, without going to original scientific source materials. A cautionary tale for us all.

[@awakenacres583]

Excellent video! I have this feeling about other “invasive “ species too. I let a large portion of our land go undisturbed invasive species included. Each year I see more and more diverse species of flora and fauna. Nature has a way!

[@kosakim]

Thank you for this excellent, well researched video. I was one of those people who thought purple loosestrife was a scourge of our wetlands. I have learned a lot today. Very much appreciated!

[@cathydaniels8957]

Me too.

[@danedeturk9708]

I remember in Michigan in the late 90’s / early 00’s purple loostrife was aggressively invasive but by the mid 2010’s it was kind of an after thought; I’ve seen it on occasion and it seems like it has its own niche corner in the ecosystem. I do know back when it was really bad, MSU released beetles / weevils that feed on it so maybe that helped knock it back.(?)

[@jessicaumlor7979]

That's where the flood of weevils came from? We didn't have any loosestrife where I was, but I remember a lot of weevils a few years back and thought it was odd that there were so many. Possibly that's why, interesting!

[@pauldietz1325]

Yes, there were two species of PL pests that were introduced. Before that, you'd see big swaths of the stuff at places like Montezuma National WIldlife Refuge in New York. Now, patches appear here and there, but if they get too large/persistent they get clobbered. So now PL is just another more or less well behaved plant.

[@tristanhallett4793]

This is something I've been wondering for a long time. I was seeing all the headlines about purple loosestrife but whenever I actually visited wetlands in my area loosestrife was always a very minor component to the plant populations. Good to see there's been some studies done on the topic. Great video!

[@sassy6292]

Excellent presentation. I have a glossy buckthorn invasion happening in my forest. I was in the process of controlling the situation so it wouldn’t choke out my forest. It has been two years of exhaustive culling by various means. My forest was completely decimated by hurricane Fiona so my efforts were somewhat in vain. I was absolutely shocked by the devastation that the hurricane created. Anyway, my plans have changed a great deal and so onward I go.

[@budcatliver]

Adam's narratives are always informative, evidence-based and objective -- very refreshing to be able to tune in and know that he won't be preaching, only educating! Thank you for all you do, Adam!

[@cockatielnation5425]

Thinkng? Adult? Changing our minds? How totally quaint! I love it!

[@excitingleopard6976]

Great video! I recall reading about L. salicaria years ago in the illuminating book, "Weeds: In Defense of Nature's Most Unloved Plants" by, Richard Mabey. More recently, I've also perused the rather outdated Ontario publications about loosestrife and the hot spots of angst seem to be virulent in large-scale farming lands. This makes sense, as purple loosestrife grows tall enough to throw shade on field margins and has a root structure that's excellent at pulling water and nutrients both horizontally and vertically away from crop roots. It could be that the aggressive listing as a detriment is derived more from its potential for crop yield loss than ecological destruction.

[@christinebuckley451]

Nature knows what it is doing. It is humans that tries to constantly control and screws everything up, instead of the deep heart-knowimg connection with being one with animals and nature, in my opinion. Much love Adam! 💜

[@iartistdotme]

As an adult, the beautiful color is very striking and may be why some think it is taking over as they didn't really notice it before. Thanks for presenting both sides and helping me grow.

[@dianepesut337]

Thank you (as always) for your professional feedback. Purple loosestrife grows in my backyard along the Delaware river and I needed a better understanding of this plant

[@stacyrosa6672]

I transplanted one of these from the roadside, before I knew that it was considered invasive. I have struggle with whether I should remove it. This one plant has been growing on the edge of my small pond for at least 5 years. It blooms every year, but it has not multiplied at all. I appreciate the information, and I think I'll keep my loostrife!

[@vaughnz.8824]

As Oscar Wilde once noted 'The truth is rarely pure and never simple.' . Nature to a human very often seems 'wild', but there is as often as not an order many are unable to recognize. We just tend to see it as a lack of tidiness.

[@sagopalm279]

didn't know it was invasive. I see it sometimes when I go kayaking and always thought it was really pretty.

[@b_uppy]

Thank you. As a permaculturist I get that the landscape has already been altered by man, and that it has been changed before the intro of invasives. While I am advocating differently from saying 'we should introduce new species,' there is a reason why some species are rampant, and that is because we created holes in the environment where these easilyfit in...

[@lemongauche]

And the greatest hole created here in north america is the eradication of traditional land management.

[@b_uppy]

@@lemongauche Traditional land management meant a lot of really big game went extinct. It wasn't that perfect...

[@AdaptiveApeHybrid]

💯

[@lemongauche]

@@b_uppy Very true. Still a way better score than our current batting average for species extinction and habitat and biodiversity loss - let alone human skills & land interaction loss.

[@b_uppy]

@@lemongauche Many solutions are skewed for the corporate conglomerates to profit. That's why I think a person really needs to do research. I saw a presentation by my local Extensuon service where a lot was skewed as 'invasive' when it was introduced by people. We then had chemical ag addicts spraying in waterways, etc causing problems that way...

[@SustainableBackyardNetwork]

So glad you've addressed this topic! Tao Orion in her book "Beyond the War on Invasives" was the first counter voice I'd heard. It's disturbing how eager to create opposing sides we humans seem to be, instead of considering the more "nuanced and complex" viewpoint. Luv ya, Adam!

[@matthewgrallert1603]

Thank you. In a lane filled with non native species it’s helpful to hear that its not always a disaster. Should we work to limit the introduction of non natives yes probably in most cases. Are they all harbingers of doom? Not likely.

[@micah_lee]

I do think it is more beneficial to talk about bringing back native plants rather in any case! Land management practices have caused us to lose many in the landscape both that and invasive like that we cut our yards etc

[@ScottWConvid19]

This is one of your best videos to date. You present a larger spectrum of data that stimulates thought and curiosity. We really don't fully understand how nature's ecosystems adapt, change and exist and to think that our limited observations can be conclusive is not only folly but can also be dangerous when laws are enacted to further disrupt the balance of these systems. Change is a constant

[@bill8985]

Great videos. And I get your point! But here in Massachusetts, entire wetland basins near my home were completely overwhelmed by L. salicaria. I live along a (small) river - and the loosestrife was crowding out my native lobelia and others. Over the years, and with patient manual control (i.e. pulling the loosestrife,) I now have a much more diverse riverfront (a few common rushes but also plenty Joe-Pye and many other plants I haven't yet bothered to identify.) Lots of happy hummers, butterflies and bees. (Loosestrife does, though, makes great honey...) p.s. I grew up in PA, so your videos give me deep nostalgia for the woods of PA. Thanks so much for your great posts!

[@sapelesteve]

Excellent video Adam! I always learn something about nature from watching one of your videos. Thanks for posting and hope that you are doing well! 👍👍

[@70sfred1]

When I listen to,you I learn so much more about my surroundings plus I am a fellow Yinzer from Eastern Ohio and you remind me of home!

[@amyhoang9140]

I think I spotted a small bush on the side street in the city where I live. I am also in rhe northeast. I had to stop and admire the purple flowers every time I pass by. The plant is beautiful to me. My first time seeing the plant.

[@kbjerke]

Very interesting. Thanks, Adam! I always suspected that Purple Loosestrife was getting an undeserved bad reputation!

[@8packK]

Glad to see you uploading more regularly! love your videos Adam! keep up the good work! :)

[@barrywarren4221]

I believe it is a beautiful plant in bloom, it grows all around here in Southeast Pa. If you really think about it , just about all plants were invasive plants at one time or another through earths history. I always enjoy your videos. "Thanks"

[@MacehuaAtStonehaven]

Smart young man. I was yelling at my phone at you until you told both sides. I've had the plant here for years and some years and they don't always show up every year.

[@virginiabryce9564]

Good for you! I had thought the case was overblown for a long time. Thanks for putting the "other side" out there!

[@templarfarmer7755]

Your awesome Adam because you bring the balance! Thank you, and maybe next you can tell of this plants medicinal value and all it offers.

[@don55s]

BRAVO!! Thank you for the informative "other side" of the story. Relatively new subscriber and very much enjoy your content.

[@JD-mn8cx]

Thank you for encouraging a different more subtle perspective on this topic. Very well done.

[@mateo77ish]

So timely this video came out. I’ve only been noticing purple Loosestrife for a month or so and love seeing it along with black-eye Susans and Goldenrods along the highway. Some folks will cultivate them in their yards, and the flowers get so big and full. Thanks for the vid.

[@galedavis3198]

Thanks Adam, it’s nice when someone is intelligent enough to give us the facts. Who needs fake news from the drama folks?

[@921mic]

Thanks for this Adam

[@patricialeonard9622]

The only loosestrife I’ve seen here in Missouri is the type sold in nurseries, which I have in my garden. It has never spread from the locations that it was planted. We have a stream/creek that runs through our yard and I have never seen it growing there either. What I do see taking over the woodlands is Japanese Honeysuckle. It’s my nemesis.

[@davidkottman3440]

I just saw 2 large showy patches of loosestrife yesterday along MO Hwy 156 east of LaPlata, I didn't know what it was until watching this video

[@patcoleman]

Thanks so much for this Adam. I've been meaning to look this up for a long time because my observations in a local marsh have been, as you've suggested that purple loosestrife may not always be detrimental.

[@chelinfusco6403]

Excellent video. Thank you Adam.

[@KIIDKYAAS]

Great advice Adam, as always Thank you. I've seen the warnings about loosestrife on Canadian news media and it became a sort of cause celeb for some well-meaning environmentalists in the nineties pulling them up and burning the roots, that kind of thing. It still is very abundant along the north shore of Lake On. not so much when you get into the Canadian shield. They even went to the extent or were talking about importing a certain beetle that controls the spread from Europe. I don't know whatever happened to that idea but I never thought that to be a wise move!

[@kevinkelly1529]

Keep in mind that there are many other factors to consider. Nature is not static and is constantly adjusting. Conservation Biologists such as myself have worked for the past 30+ years to help to curtail the problem. Biological controls in the form of various beetles and weevils have been released to help control purple loosestife. In some of the cases where purple loosestrife has not become a big problem it is partly a measure of the success and effectiveness of efforts to control its spread. I am not in favor of hyped-up outrageous headlines, but I know that they are often used in order to promote awareness of a problem that would otherwise be ignored. Overall, since the 1970s ecologists and educators have done a pretty good job at making the public aware of real and potential environmental problems. And public awareness is a very good first step. Having spent 31 years working in the field and studying invasive species I can tell you that I have seen places where there were hundreds of acres of purple loosestife creating a near monoculture, and other places where it would occasionally appear as a background species. I would be very slow to criticize studies that indicate it is a problem, and I would be equally slow to criticize studies that indicate that it is not a problem. Studies done in different locations resulting in different conclusions are not necessarily diametrically opposed to each other and one does not cancel the other. But rather they both can be uniquely informative regarding the conditions under which they were conducted. Lastly, I would like to point out that with nearly every invasive species I have ever studied, we will witness a relatively slow increase in the population to a point where a sudden dramatic increase in numbers will occur. And this is followed shortly afterward by a crash in the population and a stabilization of the numbers. The point at which an impact study is done along this timeline will generally result in vastly different conclusions!

[@TheCanadianrockies]

Thank you for the informative video, Adam! I live in Quebec and this plant is on my land.

[@claytonwassilak3448]

I would love to hear you talk about reed canary grass and phragmites. I appreciate your ability to look at these plants from both sides of the argument! Thank you

[@maraujo600]

Excellent video! and a perfect example of how we can take something from nature and apply that attitude to other aspects of our life.

[@DavidJVMusic]

Great words! Keep spreading full truths!

[@hedovein3540]

Excellent report. I'm in Ontario. Keep up the good work!

[@charlieboutin3341]

Really appreciate your work Adam. Thank you! Best wishes from Texas. 🌱🌲 👍👍✌️

[@vonnapier860]

Very well said 😊. I love your videos and have learned so much from you. I would love to hear you talk about the history of kudzu and vinca/periwinkle vine.

[@chantalrochon3566]

That info is priceless. Thank you for this inspiring video ✌🏿✌️✌🏼✌🏾🌻❤️

[@riverbender9898]

Thank you Adam, for a sane consideration of this issue.

[@turtlegardentours]

Thanks for unbiased research. Purple loosestrife is a haven for pollinators when it’s in bloom in my garden.

[@stevemcbride]

I very much appreciate your objective approach to topics and your "public service" message that we should apply critical thinking to all areas of life. Keep up the great work!

[@frankmonroe8320]

Your unbiased comments are refreshing.

[@jeff6899]

One of the best youtubers for accurate knowledge throughout the plant kingdom !🤗🤗 Yes, We need both sides of the story. Having said that, it is almost always better to both plant & favor more NATIVE species...whenever possible ! Video watcher might note that flower "seems to" mimic a small bug insect with 2 small eyes & a face outline, perhaps as a further pollinating insect attractant

[@loribarnes9114]

Thanks Adam for talking about a plant that grows in my yard. I have been fighting it 10 years, until an even worse enemy came in. It's an invasive vine with white flowers and it's taking over my yard. Has anyone ever studied how purple loosestrife affects the soil?

[@stompthedragon4010]

Is the vine wild morning glory?

[@michaela.wilson8264]

Maybe clematis?

[@susanlippy1009]

If the leaves are more arrow shaped than heart shaped it is bindweed. Morning glories have a heart shaped leaf. Both plants can be an issue. I tend to just clear them off any areas I don't want them and ignore them everywhere else. I've found the wild grapevine to be more damaging than either of the former. That grows out of control!

[@sarahmihuc3993]

Sounds like bindweed, which is also taking over my yard... It's native, but very aggressive and will kill other plants.

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

I remember back in the 90’s we were really worried about Purple Loosestrife here in Ontario. I remember that just driving around you could see areas where it was taking over from other wetland plants. I believe they studied and introduced an insect that eats it. Now you don’t see too much Purple Loosestrife around.

[@twofishes8846]

Why I subscribed, even though it takes me hours to decipher your articulate above-average biology linguistics; at 2:18 in, espoused solid clarification, lack of (ad nauseam) "feelings"... Sir you're a tribute and inspiration about "organic life" and the true meaning of survival of the fittest! (all feelings aside)

[@verdantpulse5185]

Thank you. Botanist here, by training, but not employment. I've long noticed that people dislike purple loosestrife first and find reasons afterwards. It starts as 'it wasn't like this when I was a kid', and ends as 'this is evil' on the thinnest of pretexts. Big stands of it aren't seen here (Hudson valley) any more, as dodder loves it.

[@dandavatsdasa8345]

Another Interesting & Informative Study!

[@captainmidnite93]

Almost gone are the giant stands of my childhood 'toy' - cattails - pushed out by the purple meanie. Who's my age from upstate NY and doesn't remember happily clubbing your fellow campers with exploding cattails, trying to smoke them like cigars, making your first bush meal from the tater tasting root? Cornell freed their version of the Kraken on the invader in the form of beetle thingies in late '80's but, alas the mega stands of cattails at my childhood haunts have all but disappeared.

[@tg242ovlov]

Great stuff as always👍

[@realrussclarke]

You are awesome Adam! Great video

[@timothybond100]

You keep me well informed, in a time of disinformation. Keep up the excellent work my brother. Thank you

[@liabobia]

Adam: (tons of useful information) Bluejay in the background: AAAehh! Eaannhh!

[@derrickjent8039]

This video has encouraged me to take a deeper look at how invasive plants are affecting my land. I have a 90 acre woods in KY that has substantial amounts of Autumn Olive, Kudzu, Privet, Stiltgrass... I spend an enormous amount of time trying to confront these issues. Now I will spend some time studying the true effects they are having on species diversity and land health. Thank you!

[@micah_lee]

I think you would rather have a native ecosystem than those plants you mentioned. Though it is good to consider what you are doing. Keep at it. Reevaluating isn’t a bad thing but whatever small benefits kudzu has is wiped out when it covers your trees and kills them

[@noname-rv7yh]

Thx for this. I saw it out in my field and instantly remembers this video thumbnail. Glad it’s not as bad as i thought!

[@blackrocks8413]

Thanks, I like those that question some of the information and dig for more answers than just those answers lying around the surface.

[@doricetimko332]

Thank you for sharing both sides of this story.

[@fayprivate7975]

Well, that is certainly a new way of looking at Purple Loosestrife, along with an important message in learning not to be judgmental but to look at all sides.

[@rosannahvonmoritz7324]

Beautifully said 💜💜💜

[@francoislatreille6068]

Thank you, I got hyperfixated on purple loosestrife this year because I'm seeing it everywhere and I wasn't sure what to think. It's such a pretty flower, but it has this aura of dangerosity. This video falls on point, and helps greatly with my reflections! I'm going to leave it be now

[@micah_lee]

Plant native!😄

[@francoislatreille6068]

of course! I'm not talking about planting loosestrife, I'm talking about leaving it in the wild

[@gray5627]

This is good information. I have been taught purple loosestrife is a noxious invader. It is good to hear another side to the story. Thank you very much for sharing. :-)

[@spencerbass7142]

Great video, interesting topic.

[@carolynschreiber7316]

Adam, you are a gem! So much information presented clearly. Any chance Japanese stilt grass has the same problem in the media as purple loosestrife?

[@inharmonywithearth9982]

YES. I promise you! All of my animals live for that grass! It grows in heavy shade that was barren ground before it grew in. It is tender and delicious. I have made videos of the way my horses, turkeys, goats, deer, chickens actually chose it over other grasses. The USDA invasive list is made by Monsanto herbicide cartel. They lie about plants so they can use government funds to market their products and profit from agencies spraying them. The FWC is ruining Florida waters with these toxins. There are lots of very useful edible plants on their invasive/ noxious plant list. Figs, peaches, and a whole bunch more. Who gave them the right to chose what our natural areas can grow before they get a nuke of their non biodegradable TOXIN? Here is a very good guy that makes videos of the Florida Wildlife Agencies spraying endangered bird nests and stuff with their poisons kzbin.info/www/bejne/fouziZSNic-Vg5I

[@michaela.wilson8264]

@@inharmonywithearth9982 right just to sell a product, horrible stuff 🙄 gulf-for-sin-ate.

[@TheMountainbobcat]

Im 60+ now in age, and this plant was brought to my attention when i was in my mid-teens. I remember the plant in thicker stands. Now, that I still look for the plant it seems to be less stands of. I have a stream that flows through my property and oddly enough there is only one small clump that has not moved or increased in size, so im seeing what i think is a plant dyeing out in my area, the hudson valley, slowly but non the less.8/4/22

[@ellenorbovay5226]

Very interesting video! It looks like a very attractive flower, I don't recall seeing it here in San Diego County, but we have something very similar, which blooms in the mountains and is gorgeous.

[@timm4500]

Another great video from this channel, one of the best reasons to be on KZbin.

[@runningwoods]

Thank you so much Adam 😊👍 I really enjoy your channel. You are very knowledgeable of these things and you know what your talking about 100% Right on these things 😊👍👍👍 Your the only one out here I've seen that really explains all about the plants you discuss and your identification is so spot on , I am suggesting and sharing your posts with those that are interested in learning and utilizing their knowledge to use these plants , trees , fungi for their excellent uses. Natural is the way to go. God put these herbs and other natural things here for use to utilize. People need to be full aware of endangered plants etc to not harvest from them. Also if only a few , let them go not to harvest so they can keep reproducing til there is enough to harvest and enough for the next generation to have too.

[@vikingskuld]

Hey I would like to know what health bennifits it gives. I have read a little on the net and it's just glancing the topic. So I'm curious as to what bennifits they give as medical plants. Thanks

[@elizaw3607]

Thanks Adam for sharing. I have the PL in my garden and sure I'm aware it's beautiful pollinators magnet invasive and also medicinal plant. I observed many native spices of butterflies and bees around it's pink flowers. It's more busy spot for them compared to the anise hyssop. So grateful scientists are trying to see how the nature really works. I'm trimming the spent flowers on regular basis and then cut it down leaving 1 feet tall stems for bugs habitat in the fall. That way seeds won't spread more. I guess everything comes with some observations and logic.

[@j.leonard2987]

This is great Adam. Thank you for your informed and in depth video. Would you consider a similar video on the impact of free-roaming house cats (felis catus) on songbirds?

[@bookswithatwist-vanvelzerp9262]

Interesting connection - I used to be totally against outside cats (not having a cat) I got an old farm house and got a mouser .... he goes in and out when he pleases - and I have never seen him with a bird - I have seen him with chipmunks and mice often. He is even great around day old chicks and totally ignores the chickens no matter their age or size. I am wondering if I was all snooty about this topic and in error.

[@lantrick]

I've observed far less purple loosestrife in my area in southern NH. recent years and WAY more smooth buckthorn. Smooth buckthorn is much more disruptive to the native understory , at least here anyway.

[@seneca114]

Thanks, Adam, for the wonderful video. You've demonstrated once again the importance of carefully considering an issue at hand, rather than blindly taking things on faith. Not everything is so black and white, especially in nature, e.g., "bad plant vs good plant", as we are often led to believe. As you mentioned in your video, humans are often too quick to blame invasive plants, animals etc., for problems that were mostly caused by the humans themselves. Like an independent journalist, you always consider complex issues from different sides and do a lot of your own research, which I very much appreciate and admire.

[@natejansen892]

There are a lot of wetlands in Michigan where I live. I see purple loose strife and ditches more often. It provides roadside beauty that I don't mind

[@pamjames2161]

I have it in my front garden. It’s gorgeous!

[@ruthannap6446]

Thank you for explaining the varying opinions and research on Purple Loosestrife. Years ago I was looking for taller flowers for my perennial garden. I found purple loosestrife at several of the garden centers I frequented. It was being sold as a garden plant, so I bought one, and enjoyed it because it did very well. When I found out it was an agressive invasive plant, I sadly pulled it out. I did see it growing wild but never in large patches; mostly a few plants at most. I felt guilty that I’d happily grown it, and I was surprised (and horrified) the garden stores sold it. Thanks for alleviating some of my guilt! I really do hope it’s found a home here and is living peacefully in its new surroundings. Adam, have you done any research into the spotted lanternfly? Cute bugs, but they’re terrible! Has anyone figured out how to kill them without massive amounts of chemical sprays? They are annihilating trees in our woods and covering my one rosebush. I’m so upset about this latest invasion. I’m in NJ. Anyone else have these? And how are you coping with them?

[@inharmonywithearth9982]

I took pictures of the beautiful lanternfly here in Arkansas Ozarks 10 years before it was supposed to have arrived. It had magnificent red on it. Nobody could identify it. It has caused no harm here and I have not noticed anymore. The droughts we have each summer have hindered life forms and I suppose they dont survive dry weather or possibly birds are discovering their culinary possibilities?

[@jefflockwood-weed]

Great video! I have long contended that every organism exists where it is most suited. In niches or voids, where it promotes a more balanced system. At some point in time, there must be an introductory period in every organisms transition to a particular location. To fill a void. Ecosystems evolve.