Here is another “noxious weed.”  Noxious to some, beloved to others.  It is Passiflora, Passion flower.

 

I keep this weed pulled out all spring, but when the tomatoes are finished, I let them climb the cages.  And look at these gorgeous flowers.  The vines and leaves aren’t big enough to choke out the butternuts;  they share the space pretty well.  

 

I have to let them grow some, because they are host plants for Fritillary butterflies.  The caterpillars eat the leaves down to nothing, and then without food they overwinter in the larval stage.  They start feeding again when the passiflora comes back.  I always look for the caterpillars before I weed out the passiflora.

 

But the truth is:  if we don’t keep them under control, they will take over the garden, and probably the world.  

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!