It interesting to note another observation we were discussing today.
Talking with some of the older farmers about all the Queens Anns lace and
goldenrod lately.  (as well as many other odd plants I haven't seen in
abundance much)  One of them pointed out,  it's the Roundup (glyophoshates)
So a conversation ensued.  I had noticed a lot more hensbitt and yellow
rocket in the last few years.   They are what we call Winter annuals.   They
grow in the crop ground,  and usually die off on their own just before
planting,  or at least till under very easily.  It was pointed out that
Roundup was the main reason for that.  Since it degrades quickly and leaves
no residue,  the winter annuals caome back harder every year,  and that
includes a lot of blackberry and goldenrod  in my part of the country.
(other areas will have diffenernt plants)

Point being that a non residual herbicide is actually helping a lot of the
pollinator plants.    We seem to dwell on the milkweeds getting sprayed,
but don't give any credit for the other plants that are actually doing
better.  I would take 100 acres of hensbitt and yellow rocket,  for the 1/4
acre of milkweed anyday.

Just something to ponder next time we are bashing roundup.

Charles

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