Exotic Species Escapes Kingwood Cultivation
A Japanese native species (Petasites japonicus var. giganteus)widely (but not frequently) grown in American gardens is currently growing on a steep creek bank on the edge of Kingwood Center's property. I don't know the history of this site, but I believe at one time excess compost and soil was dumped over the bank and perhaps the Petasites was in the compost or perhaps someone planted it. At any rate it found a compatible home on the edge of Kingwood's property.
I noticed a second colony down stream while riding along the bike trail that parallels this creek. I would speculate that a piece of the plant broke off in high water and lodged in this new site. This is one of those creeks that has been terribly abused by more and more hard surfaces and buildings all dumping their surface water into it. Any hard ran causes the stream to violently flood and erode.
From a gardener's perspective it is fascinating to see this unique garden plant thrive. The distinctive huge leaves of Petasites jumped out at me as I caught out of the corner of eye. But should I worry about what has been unleashed? This species of Petasites, to my knowledge, does not have a history of aggressive invasive behavior. They will gradually spread vegetatively in a garden, but I have never seen a seedling. If the plant had the potential to be problematically invasive I would think the problem would have shown up before now. With all the extinction and displacement of our native plants perhaps the addition of this gentle giant to the flora would be a good thing.
I don't know.
Chuck Gleaves
Director |
