Anchorage Daily News

"She loves me, she loves me not ..."

That ancient ritual pretty much describes the love-hate relationship this invader inspires in the hearts of plant lovers. As a matter of fact, the Scots called these dainty flowers "gools," and the overlords levied a tax on the farmer with the most gools cluttering his wheat field.

Once again, thanks to early European settlers and seeds often included in wildflower mixes, the gools now thrive in Alaska.

THE OFFENDER

One of more than 200 species known as daisies, the oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) boasts a 1- to 2-inch flower atop a single stem, with 15 to 35 flat white rays and a bright yellow center. A vigorous plant can produce 26,000 seeds, while smaller specimens average 1,300 to 4,000 seeds.

Up to 82 percent of the buried seeds remain viable after six years. The perennial requires cold winters to initiate blooming, and it reproduces with spreading rootstalks --it's rhizomatous.

The oxeye daisy smells mildly aromatic, similar to chamomile, but stinks when crushed. The leaves and flowers are edible and can be used as a tea to relieve a stuffed nose. This troublesome beauty also serves as an elixir for stomach ulcers, aches and bloody piles; and as a vaginal douche for cervical ulcers.

Caution: Don't confuse this culprit with its close relative Shasta daisies, which are 6 to 12 inches taller, have single flowers more than 2 inches in diameter and make great ground cover.

NOXIOUS NOTORIETY

Also known as the white daisy, whiteweed, field daisy, marguerite or poorland flower, this short-lived midsummer weed grows up to 3 feet tall and, left untended, forms dense populations that muscle out native plants. The reliable and rugged plant thrives almost anywhere, particularly in grasslands, overgrazed pastures, waste areas, weedy meadows, railroad rights-of-way, roadsides, vacant lots -- and flower gardens, from which the seeds quickly and easily escape.

The flowers' nectar and pollen also attract a variety of insects including small bees, flies, beetles, wasps, small butterflies, skippers and caterpillars.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

The shallow root system allows for easy hand-pulling or raking. But sometimes the rhizomes survive earthmoving or cultivating and establish vigorous colonies in new areas. The same scenario holds true for mowing them down as soon as the first flowers open to curtail seed production. Again, leftover shoots quickly take root.

Early control is way cheaper than using herbicides. Besides, oxeye daisies are highly resistant to most chemicals.

MORE FLOWER FOR YOUR BOWER

First, avoid bare soil that might encourage seed growth. Next, in open or disturbed areas, sow an early, fast-germinating plant or grass and encourage the spread of ferns, grasses and other ground covers. In the garden or yard, stick with easily adaptable grass, herbs, veggies and shrubs or such self-seeders and spreaders as violas, strawberries, field mint, American dragonhead, hairy hedge nettle, lady's mantle, monkshood, columbine, English daisies, larkspur, lilies, lupine, blue poppy or phlox.

TRASH AND BURN

Pull, double-bag to contain seeds, stomp, burn or throw in the landfill.

For more information about oxeye daisies or other noxious weeds, log onto the Integrated Pest Management program at www.uaf.edu/ces/ipm/vicr. html or www.uaf.edu/ces/cnipm, call 786-6300 to report a sighting or drop off a sample at 2221 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 118. Download a pocket Alaska weed guide at www.alaskainvasives.org.

J. Mark Dudick is a communications specialist at the UAF Cooperative Extension Service in Anchorage.

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