Florida doesn’t (typically) get snow, but it does get pusley.
Why it matters: The weed with white, light purple or pink flowers is either a nuisance or a delightful byproduct of dry conditions, depending on who you ask.
State of play: Tampa Bay and much of Florida are in a drought, per the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- In fact, a 10-week stretch beginning Sept. 1 was Tampa’s driest on record, the Tampa Bay Times reported.
Driving the news: That’s when pusley thrives.
- The plant likes drier soil and, thanks to a thick stem, holds moisture better than grass, per the Palm Beach Post.
Zoom in: With each plant producing 20 flowers, it spreads tons of seeds and can easily take over large swaths of struggling turf. It also draws bees and butterflies.
- There are four species, one of which is native to Florida, per the Post. The others come from South America but are common in the Sunshine State.
Friction point: While it can really dress up a brown, crunchy yard, it can also pose a problem for lawn-obsessed residents and ranchers — pusley can take over entire pastures, and cows and horses won’t eat it…