Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer Native Flowers of Central The catbird is an abundant "snow bird" in Florida including Lake Ashton. This bird is similar in size and shape to its close relative the Northern Mockingbird. However, unlike the Mockingbird, the Catbird is shy and not likely to sit at the highest point in your backyard drawing attention to itself. Appropriately named, its call sounds like a cat! They are dark gray with a black cap and a little russet under the tail which is frequently cocked. Invite them into your yard by planting an American Beauty Berry Bush. Multiple Catbirds will visit your yard especially at dawn and dusk to devour the magenta berries until none remain. gr ay NUISANCE PLANT HIGHLIGHT: TORPEDOGRASS Torpedograss first appeared in the United States in the early 1800s. It was planted as a forage grass for cattle and livestock, but it quickly b e c a m e o u t o f control, spreading i n t o wa t e r wa y s . Torpedograss is a type of invasive grass that grows quickly and widely in bodies o f wa t e r. I f no t treated immediately, 14 Florida By Lynn Davis A must have for any gardener wanting to plant an excellent pollinator for the 3 B’s: butterflies, bees and birds, gaillardia pulchella is known most commonly as the blanket flower. This daisylike flower can grow to the height of 12 to 18 inches and easily spreads. It has a long blooming season here in Central Florida. It’s red or yellow petals are best from mid-spring to late summer but, may bloom anytime thereafter. Dividing this plant will encourage it to become fuller and last longer. Though it tolerates some shade, blanket flowers thrive best in full sun. Gaillardias sold at many retail outlets usually are non-native. Why plant Gaillardia in your yard? As with most native plants, Gaillardias are very easy to maintain. It tolerates sandy soil and dry conditions. It is almost pest and disease free. You’ll also find that it’s a winner in hard to grow spots. Make sure to plant where it can easily spread for the best “wow” factor. You’ll be rewarded with beneficial visitors of butterflies, bees and birds because of its excellent nectar. For more information and nurseries selling this flower visit plantrealflorida.org. this grass can obstruct water flow and limit recreational use of lakes and ponds. Torpedograss can be difficult to eradicate. In order to keep Lake Ashton's waterways free of this invasive grass, Lake Ashton staff and our aquatics vendor conduct on-site tours of each pond and ensure there is a treatment plan in place.
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