Tree of Heaven and Sumac blooming: A PERFECT time to differentiate! And who cares? Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive that may be headed your way!

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is beginning to bloom in NW Ohio. This perennial prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. The garden location should be fertile, moist and well drained, but once established it is drought tolerant. 

Everyday in Extension, questions come in through the office via telephone calls, emails, samples and/or photos. Ohioans seeking information turn to Extension as a source of research based information.

Check out this week's Turfgrass Times - lawncare, weeds, diseases and insects oh my! 

Leaf scorch on plants may be caused by many factors. Here is a case study of an "unusual" cause that will be properly diagnosed only through questions asked by the diagnostician.

The Gardiner Lab at The Ohio State University's Department of Entomology has launched Dandelion Detectives, a youth-focused community science program aimed at measuring the distribution of weeds in US lawns and their value for insects. The lab is seeking individuals, school groups, and other youth organizations to participate in this collaborative project!

Itoh peonies, also known as intersectional peonies, are a group of hybrid peonies that have become more popular in recent years. In 2012, Ken Cochran planted two Itoh hybrid peonies at Secrest Arboretum (‘Kopper Kettle’ and ‘Bartzella’). The plant was a novelty for staff an volunteers and is still adored by many visitors to Secrest. Over the last two years Secrest Curator, Jason Veil, has greatly expanded the Itoh hybrid peony collect at Secrest.

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Clemson University's Department of Plant Industry (DPI) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today that Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) has been confirmed in South Carolina. This the latest ALB infestation to be found in North America and emphasizes the need to remain vigilant for the non-native tree killer.