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I am really not happy about my picture being used to promote this plant. In the past, I've been asked for permission first.
I put a picture of Oriental Bittersweet in Plantfiles so people would recognize this plant, not to promote its use in gardens. It's a noxious/ invasive/ banned weed in five states so far.
Hope that it doesn't start growing somewhere you care about.
You're right, that vine can be a real problem around here! I like the alternative you suggested.
Just as an FYI, according to DG policy photos that have been uploaded to PlantFiles can be used elsewhere on DG, such as in the daily articles. Most of the authors -- including Mitch -- do try to contact the photographer to let them know their photo will appear in an upcoming article, and I'm guessing Mitch is chagrined to realize you didn't get such a Dmail and couldn't let him know about your objection.
One of the things I really like about this online format for publication is that Dave set up the articles so questions/comments/concerns can be posted immediately following the articles. I think that's especially valuable when specific plants are being recommended... I know I'm always nervous when making recommendations in case something that's well behaved here is a total thug in another location! For instance, I have a Sweet Autumn Clematis that I love... but I've heard enough stories that I recommend it only with great caution to others (and advice to deadhead).
Hi critterologist, thanks for posting. I was aware that our pictures are liable to be posted elsewhere on the site.
If Mitch_F had contacted me before the article I would have suggested the American Bittersweet instead, but judging from his d-mail to me today, I don't think it would have changed anything. Wisteria sinensis is a Texas invasive, yet he recommends it, and the threats such plants pose to our natural areas don't seem to interest him. I guess I won't quote him here.
Mitch_F didn't try to contact me, I just happened to notice my picture while looking over the article. I still think it's just common courtesy to let someone know. You folks get paid for these articles; we don't get paid for our photographs. I don't believe it's asking much, to be notified. I see that you mostly (entirely?) use your own photographs.
As a teenager mowing lawns in suburbia, I saw more than my share of wisteria sinensis and Clematis terniflora. It wasn't until last year that I saw for myself the damage that C. terniflora can cause. I have LOTS of pics of it killing native azaleas, winterberries, bayberries, pines, etc. I was appalled, truly. When is the last time you saw a bayberry growing in Maryland? And C. terniflora is not listed by Maryland. By the time a plant gets listed by some state legislature, it's generally too late, in my opinion. Gardeners bear responsibility for this, especially ones who write articles under a tab called,"guides and information".
I fear that most people care more about their garden than our country's natural heritage. As long as the problem is not in their yard, it doesn't exist.
Mike - D-mail has been sent and I understand you have strong opinions about natives vrs invasives. The articles we write are not just for the USA but they are for the world. Having lived in Africa, South America, and Central America, I do not think about the world with just the USA in mind and sorry to offend you but never will.
Okay, if you want to guide and inform the world about Oriental Bittersweet, next time mention the fact that it's an invasive weed in eastern North America. You can use my picture for that. I'll even go take more - subjects are real easy to come by around here.
That sounds like a good compromise solution... add a sentence to the description such as "Plant with caution in the eastern US, as it is considered invasive in some areas" and maybe link the word "invasive" to the usda page claypa provided above. Then, put the photo back in. :-)
Wow! what an education, I don't know anything about the plants mentioned (and hopefully never will) but it renewed my resolve to watch out for invasives (especially at the local Lowes and HD). Maybe in the far distant future, they will post a list of invasives on a computer accessible to all customers (who care).
My heart nearly skipped a beat when I read that you are actually PROMOTING the use of Oriental bittersweet!!??? This is one of the WORST noxious non-native invasive plants, which can kill 100 year old oaks, 80 feet Liriodendrons, and choke out any and ALL other vegetation within a mere few years. This plant is extremely dangerous when introduced into native, home, or ornamental landscapes as birds spread it like wildfire (in a dry windy grassland!).
There are stretches along the Beltway just outside Washington DC where the entire forest buffers between the highway and adjacent homes has been completely killed by bittersweet, especially in Maryland near River Road and along the outer loop near 270 and over to Kensington.
PLEASE for the love of God, you guys have got to start doing a little homework before suggesting such plants. This plant is a MENACE!!!
I agree that the DG writers should be responsible in what they write. And I know they feel a deep-seated responsibility for the words they publish, some of which are bound to strike a nerve every now and again.
That said, perhaps the best place for everyone's observations and constructive opinions of this plant is in its PlantFiles entry, where your comments can serve as a lasting reminder to warn other gardeners in your area about the plants that are a threat; and on the flipside, to promote your favorite "good guys" that grow in your corner of the world.
