Removing Wild Pansies from Fields: Strategies for Elimination of Field Pansy Weeds
Teo Spengler, a renowned horticulturist and nature writer, has made a name for herself in the world of gardening. Raised in Alaska, she has honed her skills in adapting to various climates, making her an invaluable asset in the field.
Common field pansy, also known as Johnny jump up, is a persistent weed that grows in disturbed wet areas and pastures. It's notorious for its rapid germination speed and ability to produce a large number of seeds. Each plant can produce up to 2,500 seeds annually, and these are dispersed through various means. The fruit of the common field pansy explodes the seeds into the air when mature, and they are also spread by ants.
Field pansy can be a serious problem for crops that are not tilled, such as cereals and soybeans. Tilling is an effective method for controlling field pansy, but it's not always a practical solution. Consulting with a local extension service agent or garden centre for instructions and safe use of chemicals for field pansy control is another option, but chemical control should be a last resort due to environmental concerns.
Organic approaches are safer and more environmentally friendly for field pansy control. Teo Spengler, a master gardener and a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, advocates for these methods. She has studied horticulture and written about nature, trees, plants, and gardening for over two decades.
In addition to her work in San Francisco, Teo Spengler splits her life between the French Basque Country. She hosts public tours at the San Francisco Botanical Garden, sharing her extensive knowledge and passion for gardening with others.
Common field pansy leaves form a rosette and have smooth, hairless, lobed edges with small notches. They rarely grow above 6 inches (15 cm) tall but can form thick mats in no-till crops. The flowers of common field pansy are pale yellow or deep violet, each with five petals and five sepals. The seeds of common field pansy can germinate at any time in mild climates, making their control a year-round challenge.
Despite the challenges posed by common field pansy, Teo Spengler's expertise and dedication to organic gardening practices offer hope for a greener, pansy-free future.
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