Fwd: Berkheya purpurea

I took a plant home from the nursery to try it out in my own garden. It is indeed "cool looking', particularly if you have a fondness for thistles (f you don't, you will not like it). I took it out of the garden after I discovered that every seed comes up, and it seems to expand rapidly by the root, at least too rapidly for my comfort. That being said,it was easy to get rid off and left no lasting damage behind. I would not be afraid to try it out, but I would site it carefully and cut off the seed heads before the seeds mature. Wear heavy-duty gloves or you will regret it , because this is a thistle on steroids.
Anni J

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Bracey Tiede" <tiede@pacbell.net>
Date: August 2, 2006 3:05:19 PM PDT
To: "'Medit Plants'" <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Subject: Berkheya purpurea

A question from a friend.  Perhaps you know this plant?

Has anyone grown this flower? It's very beautiful and drought tolerant and
I'd love to have it in my garden but searching this thistle I found that the
ucdavis site has a Berkheya rigida as an invasive weed, although not this
species. Does anyone have any experience with its self-seeding? Arline

Cheers,
Bracey
San Jose CA



Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index