Find space for windflowers
The article on poison hemlock in Tuesday’s Observer-Reporter highlighted the dangers of invasive plants, which often escape from gardens.
However, a second photograph of a valuable native plant would have been a helpful addition. Many well-meaning people may end up pulling out the closely related Queen Ann’s Lace. Queen Ann’s Lace is a host plant to native pollinators and butterflies, including the swallowtails. It is easily identified by its hairy stem, since hemlock has a smooth, hollow stem, which often has purple spots.
Also, Queen Ann’s Lace dries into a bird’s nest shape and hemlock remains flat. I would encourage people to find space in their yards and gardens for windflowers (or “weeds”) that draw so many beneficial native insects. Gardeners, farmers and “Mother Nature” will thank you.
Kathleen Smith
Canonsburg