Utah Weeds

I got a laugh out of a young man last Saturday who was looking for a book with illustrations of our local weeds. He decided to use the Internet and copy off some photos. Later, I asked him if he was doing okay and finding what he needed. He said there was one he couldn't find and explained to me that it was a tall little purple flower and showed me some photos that sort of looked like it. He said his wife was dealing with it in their yard and they wanted to know how to get rid of it.  I knew immediately that it was the dreaded grape hyacinth because I have been dealing with them for years. Do not thank anyone who gives you some of these to plant in your yard.  They multiply like crazy and if you even drop a bulb somewhere (like on your lawn) it will grow.  Trying to dig them up only seems to give the ones you missed a new lease on life and they energize.  If you have a spot where nothing will grow and you like little purple flowers-  this is a good plant to try - just be aware it does have the urge to move where it isn't wanted.  I am having the same problem with elephant garlic - it behaves exactly the same way but the bulbs grow deeper and are harder to dig up.

If you are wondering about some of the weeds in your yard, here are some sites that will give you a little more information. 

Utah Weed Control Association http://www.utahweed.org/weeds.htm
Weeds and Wildflowers http://www.rootcellar.us/wildflowers/contents.htm
Department of Agriculture http://plants.usda.gov/java/noxious?rptType=State&statefips=49
Utah State Extension http://extension.usu.edu/weedweb/nweeds/NW.htm