THE STORY OF TICKWEED
This is the plant we've been discussing on the radio program known as "tickweed." Technically it is Gulf Coast hemp and is found in brackish marshes along the coast. The seeds are relished by waterfowl and wherever you find this plant you will find waterfowl. The seed heads break up in late summer and early fall and I have witnessed ducks coming into feed despite being shot. In some cases it grows over six feet tall and is usually on the edges of ponds making it perfect for a natural blind. The only draw back is the seeds that float for the ducks to gobble up are short-lived are pretty much gone after the first couple few weeks of November making it primarily a teal season and early grey duck preferred food. I first discovered it in the Biloxi Marsh WMA where I took this photo, but have seen it spread over the last 10 years into Delacroix, Caernorvan, Lafitte and the east side of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish. I'm not sure if it can transplanted but I do know the seeds must fall on high ground in order to germinate. This year I'm going to attempt to get it going in some places I haven't seen it.