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Northam
noted parts of Mummy Mountain have been taken over
by Fountain Grass and that there are efforts by the
City of Phoenix and another organization to remove
the species from the area.
Along
with the Fountain Grass, Northam recommends removing
Buffel Grass as well due to its potential to create
fuel for wildfires.
The
Salt Cedar, which tends to grow along the banks of
the Salt River and riparian areas, sucks a lot of
water to stay alive and also is a fire hazard.
“The
Salt Cedar is just a big threat,” said Northam. “During
floods it can block drainage.”
Salt
Cedars spread rapidly, according to the brochure,
and compete with native Cottonwood, Mesquite and Desert
Willow.
The
common thread for many of these species being listed
as invasive is that they are opport‑unistic
in their growth and are more susceptible to fire than
native plants.
Another
brochure, titled “Grow Native,” offers residents alternatives
to popular, but non‑native,
species. These include the Desert Spoon, a symmetrical
and graceful agave‑like plant that grows to
about three feet; Blue Grama, a low‑growing
perennial bunch grass that grows to about a foot‑and‑a‑half;
and several others.
More
information on the Grow Native brochure can be found
at aznps.org.
The
City of Scottsdale Fire Department also sponsored
the Invasive Plants brochure, and anyone interested
in obtaining a copy may contact them.
For
more information, go to invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants,
or scottsdalefd.com.
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