Re: If you look, be prepared to see

**F*@aol.com**

Andrew et al,
it's been pretty conclusively shown that there are no "safe" Lythrum.  The 
stuff is a huge problem in the Midwest -- I've seen incredible masses in MN 
-- and even here in PA, e.g. the Poconos, Tinicum Marsh, and a stretch of the 
Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, the Conejohela Mud Flats, known for 
many years as an important stopping-off point for migrating birds.  Every 
year or two volunteers have to go in and rip out Lythrum because it grows so 
densely there's no room for flocks to land.  And it just comes right back.
Nurseries don't want to discontinue it, because it sells itself; it's a 
beautiful weed.  But at this stage, with what's known about the plant, anyone 
who defends it as an okay garden perennial is in deep denial.  We didn't give 
it up until 1998 or '99, after it had already been banned by at least 16 
States.  
So, what's next?  Anyone wanna tackle the Miscanthus issue?
JF
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