Tag Archives: invasive plants

weeds of golden gate park: nasturtium

Posted on June 26, 2014 by fromthethicket

A weed is “a wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants.”  Nasturtium is my favorite weed, of the many growing in golden gate park.   Its gray-green, disk-shaped leaves and bright orange-red-yellow flowers are … Continue reading →

Posted in blooming, plants, urban ecology, weeds | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

native plant strikes again

Posted on September 26, 2012 by fromthethicket

“Three San Francisco cops remain on disability after suffering “severe” reactions to poison oak during a Sept. 9 scuffle with a tree-branch-wielding homeless man in Golden Gate Park, police said Thursday.  The incident erupted about 9:15 a.m. when transient William … Continue reading →

Posted in fall foliage, health and safety, plants, san francisco botanical garden, urban ecology | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

urban ecology: duckweed and african frogs clog golden gate park pond

Posted on November 27, 2011 by fromthethicket

‘About a decade after a quickly growing weed and a vicious frog species infested a secluded pond in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco officials say they are close to a solution.  Once a crystal-clear reflecting pond sequestered on a short … Continue reading →

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urban evolution right under our noses

Posted on August 4, 2011 by fromthethicket

by Carl Zimmer, New York Times, July 25, 2011 ‘Dr. Munshi-South has joined the ranks of a small but growing number of field biologists who study urban evolution — not the rise and fall of skyscrapers and neighborhoods, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in plants, urban ecology, wildlife | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

the vigor of weeds: got to admire them!

Posted on April 14, 2011 by fromthethicket

Working at the San Francisco Botanical Garden nursery, repotting native plants for the past few weeks in preparation for the annual plant sale, I’ve noticed a miniature battle going on in the pots.  It’s actually the same battle that goes on … Continue reading →

Posted in plants, san francisco botanical garden, urban ecology | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment