A weed, or not a weed? Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is a native herbaceous perennial that can grow 4 to 9 feet tall. It is considered to be an agressive plant by some because of its ability to self-seed and become weedy in nature. While an adaptable type of plant, it does prefer a medium moisture, well drained site in full sun to partial shade. It does prefer and will perform better in a consistently moist soil, it can tolerate short periods of drought.

Brightly colored flea beetles feeding on stonecrop (family Crassulaceae) in southwest Ohio were first reported in the BYGL in 2011. The leaf and stem damage caused by both the adults and larvae was so severe on Orpine (Hylotelephium telephium (synonym Sedum telephium)) ‘Autumn Joy’ it was difficult to identify the plants as sedum.

I was outside strolling through the Drapescape enjoying the colors and scents of flowers, when suddenly, I noticed there appeared to be spots on the leaves of the peonies.  I just had to take a closer look, of course, being the plant diagnostic devotee that I am!   The symptoms were so classic and marvelous that I had to take a few moments to just admire them!  This disease is called a plethora of names, like peony blotch, red spot, stem spot, leaf blotch disease and finally, peony measles!  The causal fungus, Graphiopsis chlorocephala, was formerly known as ...

On October 1, 2020, I posted a BYGL Alert titled, “Are Oaks Raining Tribbles?”  The Alert focused on small, fuzzy, reddish-brown to deep-red leaf galls detaching from oaks in Ohio, primarily in the northern part of the state.

It’s well documented that a wide range of enemies of insect pests are fueled by nectar. Many beneficial insects wear two hats by serving as both plant pollinators and enemies of other insects. In other words, an effective long-term pest management strategy is to simply plant flowering plants that provide nectar.

I posted a BYGL Alert earlier today about dramatic insect pollinator activity on Late-Flowering Thoroughwort (Eupatorium serotinum, family Asteraceae). I didn’t mention in the Alert that lurking within the flower clusters were numerous Jagged Ambush Bugs (Phymata spp., family Reduviidae) intent on snagging a few plant pollinators.

I commonly snap pictures of plant pollinators, but I can’t recall ever revisiting a specific plant because of its strong attraction to insects. However, that changed with Late-Flowering Thoroughwort (Eupatorium serotinum, family Asteraceae).

Be sure to check out this week's Turfgrass Times created by the OSU Turfgrass Team. This recording is a little bit different than the normal update as it includes the timely updates followed by a live portion with industry professionals.

Which Buckeye is which? Or is it a Horse chestnut? Or a cross between Buckeye and Horse chestnut? Now might be a good time to tell. This time of year, buckeyes and Horse chestnut are producing fruit (Nuts in a husk). Now is a really good time to tell the difference between them.

We are hearing some mixed messages when it comes to the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), and want to provide some clarification from the Ohio perspective.  The SLF has been in the news, and definitely making its presence known on social media including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. One thing we are seeing more and more is the message of squishing, squashing, stomping, and smashing this invasive insect.