Summary

In this episode, we dive deep into Laurel Wilt Disease which is a vascular wilt disease affecting trees in the Lauraceae family, such as sassafras, spicebush, and redbay. We discuss its history, how it spreads, ecological and cultural impacts of the disease, current management options, and challenges associated with managing the disease. We also explore potential future research directions and highlight the important role that each of us can play in monitoring for the disease and slowing its spread.

Today’s guest

Dr. Albert, Bud, Mayfield is a Research Entomologist with the Southern Research Station of the USDA Forest Service. He has been studying and working with Laurel Wilt Disease since the mid-2000s.

3 things you’ll learn from this episode:

• An overview of Laurel Wilt Disease including what it is, the plants that it affects, how it spreads, symptoms to watch for, and ecological and cultural impacts of the disease.
• Current research, monitoring, and management activities, including the challenges associated with controlling Laurel Wilt Disease in forests.
• The importance of public awareness and the role of individuals in reporting symptoms to help monitor the spread of Laurel Wilt Disease.

Bonus content:

• Symptoms of Laurel Wilt Disease (and what to do if you see them)

Resources Bud mentioned:

• Map Showing Laurel Wilt Distribution

Other Backyard Ecology resources:

• Discover Your Next Steps
• Sassafras Facts That Will Surprise You!
• Spicebush Super Shrub for Songbirds Butterflies

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Summary

The Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) is our most widespread native wild strawberry in the eastern U.S. It supports a wide range of pollinators and wildlife. It can also make an amazing groundcover in a native plant garden. However, this is not the wild strawberry that most people find growing in their yards and garden beds.

3 things you’ll learn from this episode

• How to tell the Virginia strawberry from the other native wild strawberry in the eastern U.S. and from the invasive mock strawberry that is found in many people’s yards and gardens.
• How to incorporate the Virginia strawberry into your garden or yard.
• The pollinators and wildlife that use Virginia strawberry.

Other helpful Backyard Ecology™ resources:

• The Backyard Ecologist’s Newsletter
• The Backyard Ecology™ Community

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

If you would like personalized help creating your own pollinator and wildlife habitat, then we invite you to join the Backyard Ecology™ Community. Because while there’s lots of great “big picture” information available about creating pollinator gardens or larger habitats for pollinators and wildlife. There are far fewer opportunities to say, “This is what I want to do. This is what I’m struggling with. How do I make it work on my property?” That’s part of what the Backyard Ecology™ Community offers its members every day.

Learn more: https://www.backyardecology.net/community/

Summary

Each fall, the beautiful, rich, purple blooms of ironweeds (Vernonia spp.) grace fields and open areas throughout much of the eastern U.S. They are an ecological powerhouse for pollinators and wildlife, including a specialist bee. Ironweeds can make amazing additions to our native plant gardens where they serve as biodiversity magnets. In this episode, we discuss Mt. Cuba Center’s Vernonia Report which includes information about how multiple ironweed species performed in the garden trials, the importance of garden soils and conditions to plant growth and health, how plant health can impact pollinator use, and potential management techniques.

Today’s guest

Sam Hoadley is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center where he evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the Trial Garden.

3 things you’ll learn from this episode:

• Insights into the diversity and ecological value of ironweeds, including their ability to attract a specialist bee and other pollinators.
• The importance of selecting the right ironweed species for specific soil conditions, including some standout performers for average mid-Atlantic garden soils.
• Pros and potential cons of management techniques like the Chelsea Chop to control plant height.

Resources Sam mentioned:

• Vernonia trial report
• Previous trial reports
• Mt. Cuba Center

Other Backyard Ecology resources

• Butterfly Garden Ironweeds – Definitive Guide!
• Backyard Ecology Community
  
  

Thank you

Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.