Readers' mystery weed likely bur chervil

Dear readers: In last week’s column, I was asked about a mystery weed in C.&M.’s yard. I wasn’t sure what it was. It seems that I just couldn’t match the photos close enough.

Two readers, A.B. & J.K., offered insight as to this interloper and yes, it is listed in the book “Weeds of the West.” A.B. did some camera magic, and J.K. has it growing in her landscaping. Both — and now I am too — are convinced that the mystery weed is called bur chervil.

“Weeds of the West” defines it as an annual that can grow upwards to 3 feet tall. The small white flowers it produces look a lot like the ones on C.&M.’s plants. So I’m going with bur chervil.

This plant is an annual and as long as you keep it from setting seed you’ll have less to deal with. I’ve learned that it was introduced from Europe and looks and smells a bit like parsley. “Weeds of the West” defines it as “aromatic.”

Now back to C.& M., in order to keep this plant from spreading even more in your world, do continue to cut off and dispose of the flower heads as they appear. Evidently, once the bur chervil flowers, it sets and throws out seed really quickly, especially once the temperature rises. So, a snipping you should go.

I couldn’t find out how deeply rooted this plant is by pulling it. I will continue to caution that if you’re going to do hand weeding, you should wear gloves. Preferably, disposable nitrile or latex gloves.

The reasoning is that this family is a big one, and it does have a few not so nice members in it. L.H. suggested that this could be poison hemlock. “Weeds of the West” definitions and photos aren’t as close as the bur chervil, but again they are in the same family and the hemlock, all parts of it, are poisonous. So please, just dress appropriately, wear gloves and wash up thoroughly after you’ve been working amongst your weeds.

Another suggestion, wear designated yard work clothing and wash them separately from your everyday clothing. Better safe than sorry.

There you have it. I’m going with bur chervil. I thank all who offered their help with getting C.&M.’s weed identified. You all rock!

Q: I’m astounded by the costs of plants! I want to plant three pots for my patio, but it’d be a minor fortune. Any suggestions? — N.M., Albuquerque

A: I’m going to suggest that you do invest in a few plants, divided up between your pots, and then invest in seed packets to sprinkle in with the adults. You can create pots that will and do have a complete growing season ahead of them.

By adding seed you can make your gardening dollars go further for sure. You can choose colors to make truly outstanding collections. Read the packets to be sure you’re mixing plants that have the same requirements, and you can win the frugal challenge for sure.

Q: The hibiscus I brought in for the winter has come into bloom, and I’m wondering if I could go ahead and move it outside yet? — W.T., Albuquerque

A: I’m going to suggest that you enjoy this round of bloom while it’s still inside. Then as soon as it’s finished, probably mid-month, you give it a pruning and then move it back out.

When you do get your pruned hibiscus back outside, I’ll suggest that you do set it in a spot that gets dappled light in the beginning. To set a plant that has been living, very comfortably indoors, directly into harsh direct sun could be too much of a startle. So work it into a lot of sun gradually, OK?

I’ve always had the best results growing most of my potted plants by offering morning sun or dappled daily sun. Since you know where they lived last year, you have the space in mind to set them, just be watchful early on when getting them used to being back into the great outdoors.

Happy Diggin’ In!

Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send garden-related questions to Digging In, Albuquerque Journal, 7777 Jefferson St. NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109, or to features@abqjournal.com.