NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota
State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
August 20, 1998
Hortiscope
Ron Smith, Extension Horticulturist
North Dakota State University
Q: I received these pink flower seeds in a mixture.Can you tell me what kind they are? (Kulm, N.D.)
A: The very good sample you sent (thanks!) is of Salpiglossis, or painted tongue. The contrasting veination in the bloom is the clue. They make a good cut flower!
Q: Enclosed is a leaf from our "beta" grape vines that looks kind of ragged. Is this caused by a disease or insects? (Absaraka, N.D.)
A: The ragged appearance of the leaves appear to be flea beetle damage. Control is most effective when Sevin is sprayed on opening leaf buds in the spring.
Q: Enclosed is a sample of grass from my lawn that is a darker green than the rest, and it seems to be taking over the other grass. I would like to get rid of it, but I'm not sure how. Also, I have an old stump from a lilac bush I sawed off to the ground to try and prevent suckers, but it hasn't worked. There are also suckers on my maple tree. What can I do to get rid of these? (Hillsboro, N.D.)
A: The samples you sent were definitely not crabgrass or quackgrass, but annual ryegrass. This, and crabgrass, are not worth controlling at this time of year. Next spring, around the time lilacs flower in your area, apply a premergent herbicide listed for crabgrass control from the enclosed circular on lawn weed control—for example, Pendimethalin ("Weed control in North Dakota Lawns"—H1009).
And, speaking of sprouts from a lilac stump, try "painting" the leaves and cut stumps with Roundup. It will likely take a couple of years, but if you persist you'll win—I promise!
Do not do the same thing with your maple tree. The only option you have at this point is to cut the suckers back!
Q: Enclosed is a sample of a plant that is growing on the west side of my apartment. It smells like skunk, and I am not sure if it is worth saving or not. (Rocklake, N.D.)
A: You have mint growing. And whether or not you want to save it is up to you. The plant can become invasive and take over a bed in a couple of years.
It is an excellent source for making teas, flavoring drinks, etc, and the local honeybees simply love it! So it is not all bad!
Q: Enclosed are two samples of pine trees that are showing some pinkish color. Can you tell me what is wrong with them and how to make them look healthy again. (Bison, S.D.)
A: No evidence of disease on either of the samples. There was some minor spider mite feeding injury, but nothing to worry about. There is a possibility of exhaust fume damage, depending on where sample was taken—otherwise no pathogens.
Q: My peony has seed pods with one to two seeds in each. Do plants grow right from the pod or do they need to be frozen for a while? (Brainerd, Minn.)
A: Remove the seed from the pod and sow in early October. If the seed is viable, something (a small peony) should show up next spring!
Q: I would like to know what kind of tree I have enclosed. The berries are very good for making jelly. (Prairie City, S.D.)
A: The sample you enclosed is from a chokecherry tree and the berries make really good jelly when they are ripe.
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Source: Ron Smith (701) 231-8161
Editor: Barry Brissman (701) 231-7866