Plants of Ill Repute

[Tum-thalas]

The format is the same as that in the FaFA general forum:


(1) Scientific name (with or without the pesky authorities mentioned)
(2) Common name(s)
(3) Offending characteristics
(4) Any other interesting facts about said species
(5) Personal testimony/experience with hated plant  

[Tum-thalas]

Solanum carolinense



Horse-nettle

Weediness, sharp thorns, kinda ugly appearance (irregular jagged leaves), all parts toxic, stinky yellow berries

This member of the Nightshade Family has a superficial resemblance to Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium), a sometimes-lethal "deleriant hallucinogen" that is typically larger in stature and lacks thorns.

ElectricLoki says: "I frequently encounters this painful weed when working in the yard and garden. Even thick pairs of gloves do little against those thorns. I've been familiar with their "stinky tomato" fruits since I was young. It is hard to come up with something positive to say about this species."

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_horsenettle  

[Tum-thalas]

Arctium spp.



Burdock

Sticky burrs, they seem to be everywhere

Burdocks are biennial, meaning they take two years of growth before they are able to seed out. The root can be used to make a tea for arthritis. The burr of this plant inspired the invention of Velcro!

Tum-thalas says: "This is my archnemesis. The burrs attach so well that it is quite a chore to remove them. Especially from the fur of pets."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burdock  

[Tum-thalas]

Rosa multiflora



Multiflora rose

Weedy "invasiveness" with thick growth, very dangerous thorns galore

This wild rose bears flowers quite unlike the classic garden rose, being primarily small, white, and unassuming. The fruits ("hips") are a tasty source of Vitamin C when either ripe in summer or dried-out during fall and winter, having a tannic/bitter and tart cherry-like flavor. Unfortunately, the hard whitish seeds are numerous and should be spat out. I believe the leaves are supposed to be usable in teas.

ElectricLoki says: "This species has the worst thorns I've ever seen and experienced first-hand; large "cat claw" shaped barbs that will hook into skin with minimal pressure. The bushes grow thick and aggressively in both forest and field, making it an invasive plant despised by many farmers, land managers, and hikers."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiflora_Rose  

[Fern Alli]

Ailanthus altissima



Tree-of-Heaven or Stinking-Sumac

Weedy growth, stinky odor

Very fast growing and resistant to stressful growing conditions; native to the Far East but common in North America. Capable of rooting in the soils between the cracks of sidewalks and other structures in urban environments.

ElectricLoki says: This sumac-like tree with compound leaves is a pest in my area, with the seedlings coming up in the garden, flower beds, and even beneath the patio steps. It is also an environmental threat due to its ability to rapidly dominate local disturbed woods; an acre or so patch of woods near my house is now dominated by this species, and a section of woods about a mile west is in a similar state. The odor of the leaves is unpleasant, similar to "skunk smothered in peanut butter." Unlike sumac, this species produces papery samara-type fruits and not fuzzy bunches of berries. Also, their often very tall stature distinguishes them from true sumacs.