News of interest to the Maplewood neighborhood will appear here
Lesser Celandine Invasive Species Alert!
Lesser Celandine, with its shiny leaves and bright yellow flowers is so alluring it is sometimes offered at plant swaps and sales – but Oregon State University cautions against buying it. It’s actually a rapidly spreading, toxic, and harmful weed that OSU recommends immediately (but carefully) removing the minute you spot it. Lesser Celandine, native to Europe, is a low-growing perennial plant. It was originally cultivated as an ornamental due to its attractive yellow flowers and ability to quickly create a uniform groundcover. Lesser celandine grows vigorously and forms large, dense patches in gardens and on forest floors, displacing native and ornamental plants. It can easily out-compete spring-flowering plant communities and lawns, and negatively impact local wildlife. This invader emerges well in advance of most native plants and spreads rapidly via underground tubers and bulblets. The prolific tubers may spread to new sites during flood events or be unearthed and scattered by humans (in transferred soil or on shoes) and animals. It grows in full shade to full sun and prefers moist to wet soils but can persist in a wide range of conditions.
If you find that you have it in your yard, please do everything you can to remove it. Do not place it in the yard debris bin or compost. Put it in a sealed plastic bag and put it in the trash bin.
Links for more information:
https://solvepestproblems.oregonstate.edu/weeds/lesser-celandine – how to get rid of it
https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/pdfs/Written_findings_Ficaria_verna.pdf – everything you ever wanted to know about it
https://www.portland.gov/bes/invasive-plants/lesser-celandine – from the City of Portland
Maplewood Neighborhood Association Safety Campaign
Adopt a Storm Drain
 Adopt a Storm Drain Portland’s storm drains, also known as catch basins, help with storm water runoff and prevent flooding. If drains get clogged with fallen leaves and other debris, it can lead to dangerous ponding along city streets and intersections. Learn more |
| Join with neighbors to keep Maplewood storm drains clear. Find a storm drain near you and keep it clear throughout the rainy season. Mark it on the map (below) to let everyone know you’ve got it covered! Send pictures of your hard work (nothing like a good ol’ before vs. after picture) to hello@maplewoodna.org so we can give kudos. Follow PBOT’s tips for clearing storm drains and staying safe. |
Storm Drain Map Mark the Map! Use the Google Map with our storm drains mapped out. Change the color of the icon from blue to green. |
Firewise Community Program
The Firewise Community Program is all about helping neighborhoods work together to prepare for wildfires—because wildfires can affect everyone, whether you’re near forests, parks, or even in the suburbs. It’s a team effort supported by Portland Fire & Rescue and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to make homes and neighborhoods more wildfire-resilient. The idea is to take proactive steps to reduce risks now so you’re ready if a wildfire ever comes your way. More information here.