<< Back to main

Name that weed!

Posted 6/30/2011 8:46am by Mona.

In the front part of our pasture, right by the tack room end of the barn, there is growing a rather odd looking weed.  The soil is very poor there, pretty much all clay, so not too much grass has grown, and there are always plenty of small rocks.  The alpacas come up here occasionally and do find something to eat, but they've never touched this weed.  So I'm guessing they know it's either bitter tasting and/or poisonous to them.  Guesses anyone?

Name that weed!

Yes, folks, I realize the picture is sideways!  It was the best way to get the entire plant in the picture.  It's about to flower some little yellow flowers.  This plant really is pretty but I need to pull it out soon before it goes to seed, just in case it really shouldn't be in an alpaca pasture.  And yes, that's grass you see around it.  This is right near an area that the alpacas have designated a(nother) poop pile.  Now that I think of it, perhaps it was some sort of seed in their hay; maybe that's how it's gotten here.  It's the only  one we've seen around our entire property.

If you know what it could be, please comment to let me know!  I'll be very grateful!  Thanks everyone!

3 Comments »
Katou said,
8/1/2011 @ 8:25 pm
Hi,

The plant that is in your photo looks like mullein and it is considered a medicinal plant. It is not poisonous.

Look it up on google.
Chris said,
8/2/2011 @ 5:31 pm
That's mullein. It is high in tannin and a good yellow dye plant -- tannin and iron make black. Dipped in beeswax it makes a good torch. Its a native plant.
Mona said,
8/3/2011 @ 9:24 am
Thanks so much! Dan pulled it up, along with a few more we found, as we still haven't figured out if it is poisonous to alpacas. Such a neat looking plant!
Leave a Comment
Your email address will not be posted to the public and we will not send any emails to the provided address except in direct reply to this comment.




Captcha*

This question is used to make sure you are a human visitor and to prevent spam submissions.

Mollom CAPTCHA
Check this box to receive updates by email when
new comments are added to this item.

Quote for Today

Never let the odds keep you from doing
what you know in your heart
you were meant to do. 


Visit our new fiber blog!
www.harmonyhandwovens.blogspot.com

 

Blog archives
Wheel Barrow