Identification of Invasive Plants in Midwestern Forests. Chris Evans IWAP Invasive Species Campaign

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1 Identification of Invasive Plants in Midwestern Forests Chris Evans IWAP Invasive Species Campaign

2 Outline Invasive Species Ecology What are invasive species How did they become invasive What type of damage can they do Identification of common woodland invasive plants New species to keep a look out for

3 Invasive Species A species that is not native to the ecosystem Escaped and naturalized Disrupts or has the potential to disrupt natural communities or ecological functions Leads to ecological, economic, or environmental damage

4 How Did They Get Here? Introduced, either accidentally or intentionally by humans Not natural migration of species Barriers of inhospitable habitat prevents natural spread

5 Why did they become invasive? Enemy Release Hypothesis New habitat is free of natural predators, parasites, and diseases Often gives exotic plants a competitive edge over native species New invaders are able to more quickly capture resources necessary for survival

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7 How do they become invasive? Faster and/or more efficient acquisition of limited resources Water Sunlight Nutrients Space

8 High Seed Production

9 Longer Growing Season

10 Habitat Modification

11 Effective Seed Dispersal

12 Early growth/reproduction

13 Fast Growth

14 Allelopathy Some plants give off chemicals through their roots that kill/inhibit other plants

15 Invasive Species Impacts Universally recognized as a priority issue to natural resource management 1 of 4 - Major threats to US Forests and Grasslands (USFS) 1 of 6 - Primary challenges to conservation in Illinois (Illinois Wildlife Action Plan)

16 Invasive Species Impacts Loss of species diversity Loss of ecosystem functions Loss of productivity Loss of wildlife habitat

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22 Impacts to Forestry Productivity Seedling establishment/survivorship Planting impairment Prescribed fire Stem deformity

23 Bush honeysuckle Invasion leads to a decline in the growth rate of trees by over 50% - Hartman and McCarthy 2007 Infestations can eliminate native shrub and tree seedling diversity Closing in hill prairies in Illinois

24 Identification of Common Invasive Species

25 Autumn Olive Elaeagnus umbellata One of the most common invasive plants in region Formerly planted for wildlife habitat & erosion control

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28 Autumn Olive

29 Autumn Olive

30 Autumn Olive - Notes Bird Dispersed Very abundant (reinfests sites easily) Alters fuels needed for prescribed fire (leaves do not burn that well)

31 Oriental Bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus

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34 Oriental Bittersweet

35 Oriental Bittersweet

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37 Oriental Bittersweet

38 Oriental Bittersweet

39 Oriental Bittersweet - Notes Bird dispersed seeds Readily moves in after disturbance If stems are cut or damaged, it stimulates plants to root sucker heavily Native bittersweet does also occur Less rounded leaves Doesn t usually exhibit aggressive behavior

40 Bush Honeysuckle Lonicera spp. Widespread Multiple species Can invade mature forest Long lasting impacts Understory Tree growth and establishment

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42 Bush Honeysuckle

43 Bush Honeysuckle

44 Bush Honeysuckle - Notes Bird dispersed seeds Does not require disturbance to establish Invades high quality woodlands Devastating effects on native understory Reduced tree growth Reduced seedling establishment

45 Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata Biennial forb One of the most widespread invasive species in Midwest

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49 Garlic Mustard

50 Garlic Mustard

51 Garlic Mustard

52 Garlic Mustard - Notes Seed bank 5 years Seeds can easily be transported via shoes and equipment Early detection and control crucial to success

53 Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora Widely planted previously Perennial shrub/vine Prefers open areas

54 Multiflora Rose

55 Multiflora Rose

56 Multiflora Rose

57 Multiflora Rose

58 Multiflora Rose Notes Extremely long-lived seedbank Very common species If you don t have it, it is likely close by May or may not cause a problem Depends upon situation

59 Common/Glossy Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica & Frangula alnus Small trees / large shrubs Invaders of forests and wetlands Can grow in extremely thick patches

60 Common/Glossy Buckthorn

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63 Ones to look out for

64 Japanese Hops

65 Japanese Hops

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67 Japanese Stiltgrass

68 Japanese Stiltgrass

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70 Burning Bush

71 Burning Bush

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73 Callery Pear

74 Callery Pear

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76 Thank You!