September 2011 Commentary: Weed seeds of change: Rose by any other name?

Sometimes it is difficult to “bloom where you’re planted”.  Some seeds wither and die in inhospitable pockets where conditions for growth and expression are impossible.  Others may survive, but remain dormant until conditions change to allow them to germinate and flourish.  Seed dispersal via wind, water, animals, and human transport helps introduce diversity and extend home range as strategies of survival.  This geographic distribution or movement can be perceived as desirable (fewer pests, diseases, predators in new environments for enhanced growth and vitality of interesting newcomers) or undesirable (invasive disruptors of local ecosystem stability as alien weeds).