Spadefoot Ecosystem Solutions

At first glance, Japanese stiltgrass doesn't look like much.

But across Long Island, this invasive grass is spreading through woodlands, trails, and garden edges, forming dense patches that can quickly take over open spaces.

One of the easiest ways to identify it is by the silvery stripe running down the center of each leaf.

In this Weekend W**d Watch:
✔️ How to identify Japanese stiltgrass
✔️ Why it spreads so successfully
✔️ When to remove it
✔️ How to stay ahead of seed production

The best time to act is before seeds mature and spread into new areas.

🌱 Save this post for your next garden cleanup

**dWatch

Have you noticed a plant with small pink flower spikes and a dark spot on its leaves popping up around your yard or garden?

It might be Asiatic Smartweed, also known as Lady's Thumb 🌿

This fast-growing annual thrives in moist, disturbed soils and can quickly fill open spaces throughout Long Island landscapes. While it may seem insignificant at first, a single plant can produce a surprising number of seeds in one season.

In this Weekend W**d Watch:
✔️ How to identify Asiatic Smartweed
✔️ Why it spreads so successfully
✔️ When to remove it
✔️ Native Long Island alternatives to plant instead

The best time to act is before seeds mature and spread.

🌱 Save this post for your next garden walk.
📍 Have you seen Lady's Thumb on your property? Use a plant identifier app or consult a botanist. Common lookalikes

Pennsylvania smartweed (Persicaria pensylvanica): very similar overall shape and habitat, often with pink flowers.

Nodding smartweed (Persicaria lapathifolia): similar leaves and habitat, but flower clusters tend to be longer and more drooping.

Pollinators are disappearing. But your yard can be part of the solution.

Native plants = food sources evolved over thousands of years.

Plant native. Restore life.

Comment ‘PLANT’ if you want a pollinator-friendly yard.