What are these weeds, and are they poisonous? - Ask Extension
I'm trying to find out what these are:
The first is a handsome plant, and its leaves smell like citronella when crushed. What is it, and is there any...
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What are these weeds, and are they poisonous? #234869
Asked April 05, 2015, 11:05 AM EDT
I'm trying to find out what these are:
The first is a handsome plant, and its leaves smell like citronella when crushed. What is it, and is there anything useful I can do with it, or should I eradicate it from my yard in which I grow lots of vegetables and fruits?
The second mystery weed is a concern. I've heard this one is poisonous to livestock, and I wanted to put my chickens out to forage this summer, but I'm concerned whether this is potentially dangerous to them. What is it, and is it poisonous?
The first is a handsome plant, and its leaves smell like citronella when crushed. What is it, and is there anything useful I can do with it, or should I eradicate it from my yard in which I grow lots of vegetables and fruits?
The second mystery weed is a concern. I've heard this one is poisonous to livestock, and I wanted to put my chickens out to forage this summer, but I'm concerned whether this is potentially dangerous to them. What is it, and is it poisonous?
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
The first photo looks like lemon balm which is a member of the mint family. It attracts bees to the garden and has uses in tea, facials, and herbal medicine. Bees are beneficial to pollination in your vegetables and fruits, and I would control it but not eradicate it. (Mint has a way of taking over an area if allowed.)
Your second photo appears to be wild geranium which is not native to this area. It self-seeds readily and likes shade. I am unaware of it being toxic to wildlife.
Here are links to two publications about the plants it appears you have:
Your second photo appears to be wild geranium which is not native to this area. It self-seeds readily and likes shade. I am unaware of it being toxic to wildlife.
Here are links to two publications about the plants it appears you have:
