The Newton Conservators are calling on all of us to watch out for Black Swallow Wort, a non-native plant that reduces biodiversity, degrades the environment, and is fatal to Monarch butterflies. This vine has blue-green, glossy leaves, small purple flowers, and large seed pods that hang like pea pods. Dig it up, cut it down, or remove the seed pods before they open in late summer. Put everything in the trash, not yard waste. For more information, or to volunteer with the Conservators to protect Newton’s open spaces and manage invasive species, email invasives@newtonconservators.org.
photos: Carolin van der Laan
