Boom? Missouri is Being Invaded by an Invasive ‘Time Bomb’ Plant

The last time I checked, plants were not allowed to explode. That's one reason why I'm highly concerned about a report that says Missouri is being invaded by an invasive plant that's being described as a "time bomb".

One of the most sinister invasive plants is one that lies dormant for a long period of time which leads experts to forget about it while it grabs a foothold in an ecosystem. Are you familiar with ribwort or buckhorn plantain? Newsweek is reporting that Missouri and many other states are experiencing a surge in this invasive plant. They say it's a weed that's sometimes dormant for centuries, but is now rearing its ugly invasive plant head again.

The article points to a paper on Nature.com that discusses invasive plants that appear inactive for up to 177 years while they are locking in to a habitable environment. It's a clever way for a plant like this to become a nuisance in states like Missouri before efforts are made to stop it. That's where the phrase "time bomb plant" comes from. 

The scientific name of this vile plant is Plantago lanceolata. Wikipedia says the head of each plant stalk can release 200 seeds which means this invasive plant can spread throughout Missouri and do it quickly.

Many claim that the ribwort or buckhorn plant is actually a good thing that is sometimes made into herbal teas and remedies. Whether it's a menace or asset depends on who you talk to in Missouri.

We'll see if this "time bomb plant" explodes in our Missouri yards this summer.