Plants with promise turn into problems

Time and time again, people who thought they were doing a good thing by introducing and cultivating new plants from around the world in this country have been dismayed by the results. Some plants, it turns out, do too well in their new homes and turn into troublesome pests.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is promoting the planting of native plants that are better suited for the state. The program is called Grow Native.

Part of the program is informing Missourians about invasive newcomers that cause problems. Two kinds of honeysuckle, which are sold in garden stores, have been put on the state's watch list.

Of course, more and more Missourians in the southern part of the state are learning about kudzu, an aggressive vine introduced into the South which has taken over in some places.

One invasive plant, multiflora rose, has been placed on the state's noxious weeds list. Multiflora rose along with another problem plant, crown vetch, were widely promoted in Missouri by various agencies who thought they would be beneficial as erosion control and wildlife habitat.

Information about Grow Native brings back memories of a Chiffon margarine commercial several years ago that ended: "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature."