INVASIVE FOREST PLANTS OF THE MID-ATLANTIC

Transcription

1 INVASIVE FOREST PLANTS OF THE MID-ATLANTIC

2 Cover photo credits top to bottom: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, U. of Connecticut, Bugwood.org, L. J. Mehrhoff, U. of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...1 Grasses cheatgrass...6 Japanese stiltgrass...8 Johnsongrass...10 Herbs garlic mustard...14 giant hogweed...16 Japanese knotweed...18 poison hemlock...20 Shrubs autumn olive...24 burning bush...26 bush honeysuckles...28 glossy buckthorn...30 Japanese barberry...32 multiflora rose...34 privet...36 Trees common buckthorn...40 Callery pear...42 Japanese angelica...44 Norway maple...46 tree of heaven...48 white mulberry...50 Vines common periwinkle...54 Japanese honeysuckle...56 mile-a-minute...58 oriental bittersweet...60 porcelainberry...62 Glossary...64 Resources...70 References...72

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5 INTRODUCTION This guide was created to help Pennsylvania landowners identify invasive plants often found in their forests and woodlots. The question is: What is an invasive plant? While invasive can be used to describe several categories of plants you might not be happy to see in your woodlands, we will define invasive plants as follows: A species which is not native to the area, but has naturalized in such as way as to hinder or negatively affect the ecosystem it currently inhabits. In this publication, we will cover 25 of the most common invasive plants in Pennsylvania. You are sure to find at least a handful of these invaders across your lands, and they may be species you never considered invasive. In addition to identification, introductory methods of treatment are included. At each chapter introduction, there is a general treatment calendar to give you a basic idea of control. However, it is our hope that once you have identified the plants on your property, you will be better equipped to seek more specific treatment information. Bold words are defined in the glossary. Becoming familiar with these terms will help you better understand identification characteristics and control methods. 1

6 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Where Are You? Paying attention to the habitat in which you find an invasive aids greatly in identification. Every species has conditions under which it prefers to grow (e.g., wet soils, forest edges, mature stands), and is more likely to out-compete native plants. Invasive species utilize and thrive in disturbed habitats; any knowledge of past land use in the area can be vital. Where Did this Plant Come From? Locating the source of seed can be crucial in keeping your land free of invasives. Though it s possible that seed traveled far via wind or animal, you may find that the culprit is a resident of your own yard. Another possibility is the plant spread to your land by contaminated soil or water. You cannot control all of these factors, but understanding dispersal will help you formulate effective treatment measures. Do You Need More Help? Controlling invasive plants is truly a daunting task. This guide s purpose is not to be your sole companion on that journey, but rather to help you understand the condition of your land. Total eradication is a long term goal, requiring years of work, and you will likely require professional assistance at some point. Please refer to the Resources section for more information on finding help. 2

7 David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org REMEMBER! Not everything that is short and bushy is an invasive plant. Though an untrained eye could misidentify these northern red oak seedlings as an invasive shrub, the leaves are unmistakably oak, even at this small size. Always double-check before you start a treatment regimen. Notes, marked with, are included in some species descriptions to help you differentiate invasive plants from their native lookalikes. Find more on this topic in the Resources section. 3

8 L. J. Mehrhoff, U. of CT, Bugwood.org Japanese stiltgrass covering the forest floor GRASSES Unlike most other invaders featured in this guide, these species all arrived to our woodlands by accident. Even so, they outcompete native grasses; dominating understories and meadows. While individual clumps are easy to remove, if a population is allowed to set seed, grasses can quickly expand their territory. Their seed is easily transported by wind, water, and contaminated soil, and can persist, remaining viable for years. For that reason, preventing spread and locating the seed source are critical when treating these invasive grasses. An important note when considering herbicides: all grasses belong to the same family, and chemicals exist which only affect grass tissues. There are a variety of selective herbicides available; therefore, it is possible to tailor a treatment to target each grass species individually.

9 MONTHS J F M A M J J A S O N D TREATMENT CALENDAR cheatgrass Japanese stiltgrass johnsongrass Pre-emergent Herbicide Applied before or while the grass seed germinates, halting growth. Post-emergent Herbicide Applied to foliage, kills the grass during its fastest growth period. Manual Removal by Pulling While mowing is also an option, any equipment can potentially spread seed. Cutting height and level of infestation also factor in, making hand pulling the safer treatment. Dispose of material off-site, as seeds on cut plants will continue to mature. Treatment Notes: Grasses are particularly difficult to treat, and the directions on selective herbicide labels should be followed closely.

10 Fred Fishel, University of Missouri, Bugwood.org Leslie J. Mehrhoff, U. of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

11 CHEATGRASS (Bromus tectorum) - Grass Family G. Beck, J. Sebastian, Colorado State U., Bugwood.org Size up to 2 tall, grows in clumps Habitat forest edges, disturbed areas Dispersal wind, animals Key Features p short, tufted hairs coat the leaves p panicle is drooping, and bears many spikelets, which also have silvery hair p by midsummer, they are dead and form a dry, flammable mat Treatment For light infestations, pull by hand, and remove from site. Herbicide applications are most effective in early spring, when plants are small and growing quickly. 7

12 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, U. of Connecticut, Bugwood.org L. J. Mehrhoff, U. of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

13 JAPANESE STILTGRASS (Microstegium vimineum) - Grass Family James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Size 1-3 tall, forms sprawling mats Habitat disturbed areas, mature forests Dispersal wind, animals, contaminated soil or plant matter Key Features p lance-shaped leaves with off-center silver stripe at each node on the stalk p when rubbed lengthwise, leaves feel smooth across either direction p many stalks may be conjoined and elevated by stilt-like root structure whitegrass nodes have white hair Treatment Pulling or mowing is effective when done in late summer before the grass flowers. Use a systemic selective herbicide for extensive populations. 9

14 Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org Barry Rice, sarracenia.com, Bugwood.org

15 Prepared by Sky Templeton, undergraduate student in Forest Biology, Penn State Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. extension.psu.edu Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied. This publication is available in alternative media on request. The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Office, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA , aao@psu. edu, Tel (814) The Pennsylvania State University 2017 Code AGRS-143 1M10/17mpc