Pesterweed

Pesterweed spreads at an incredible pace, quickly taking over fallow grounds or gardens. When left unchecked, the plants easily replace any other growth.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The pesterweed plant consists of one to three stalks with long, narrow leaves. The root system is extensive and can burrow up to 1 meter into the ground. Twice yearly, the plant blooms with a multitude of small, bright red flowers.

Genetics and Reproduction

Twice yearly, the plant blooms and releases hundreds of small seeds, not unlike dandelion fluff. Floating on the wind, pesterweed seeds can cover hundreds of miles before infesting a new patch of land.

Growth Rate & Stages

After sprouting, the plant quickly grows up to around 30 to 50 centimeters. As soon as it reaches sufficient size it starts to bloom. If left undisturbed, it can easily reach up to 1 meter in height, growing even further when conditions are favourable. After its first year, the plant grows increasingly woody and starts to resemble a shrub more than a weed.

Ecology and Habitats

Pesterweed does not seem to have a 'preferred' habitat, instead sprouting wherever it can find space. It can quickly overwhelm the local plant life through its rapid blooming and reproduction, making it a particular worry to farmers. Fields of pesterweed, especially when older, provides hiding places for all kinds of small and medium creatures. Large herbivores can cut through a field of pesterweed but generally ignore the older plants because of their wooden branches.

Biological Cycle

Pesterweed sprouts from early spring to late autumn, quickly growing up to half a meter in height. It blooms in late spring and again in autumn. The plant dies off above ground during the winter, but survives in the earth. After its first year the plant grows increasingly wooden. It continues to bloom twice annually throughout its life cycle.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Pesterweed is generally regarded as a nuisance, and is mostly harmless when frequently removed. Old patches of pesterweed are replete with the wooden stalks which burns easily and offer a source of kindling to the poorer population. The plant is not poisonous, but the bitter taste makes it inedible. The elves of Gatol however consider it an acquired taste and a delicacy. The leaves are prohibited in Feerngaard, on the grounds that the smoke, when inhaled, would be highly hallucinogenic. This is however complete nonsense. Most likely the rumour came about in an effort to control the Irrengard Mercenaries, who made use of pesterweed as a cheap but incredibly foul-smelling alternative to tobacco.

Lifespan

3-5 years

Average Height

Up to 1,5 meters; usually far smaller (50 cm)