Winter 2019

Invasive Plants: Identifying the Threat

In addition to invasive insects such as spotted lanternfly and EAB (see article on the front page) there are also a number of invasive plants that cause havoc on our landscapes and ecosystems. Invasive plants are those that are not native to a particular region and harm the environment, the economy, animal or human health. Below are some of the most common ones in our region. If you find any of these plants on your property, please call your Almstead arborist to discuss management or removal options.

 

Common Buckthorn >

(Rhamnus cathartica)

Degrades the wildlife habitat and threatens native plants for nutrients, light and moisture.

< Garlic Mustard

(Alliaria petiolata)

Chokes out native plants by controlling light, water and nutrient resources. May release a chemical that damages relationships between native grasses and fungi.

Giant Hogweed >

(Heracleum mantegazzianum)

It is one of the most dangerous invasive species in our region due to its ability to cause permanent scarring through painful burns caused by its sap. It can also spread and grow quickly and out-compete native plants by blocking sunlight.

 

< Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

There are both native and invasive species of honeysuckle present in our region. Invasive varieties have hollow stems. They suppress other native species and can harm migrating animals that eat the berries.

Japanese Barberry >
(Berberis thunbergii)

Because it is shade tolerant, it can threaten native species in a variety of habitats. It grows in dense stands that can inhibit forest regeneration.

< Japanese Stiltgrass

(Microstegium vimineum)

Decreases biodiversity by out-competing native grasses, sedges, and herbs. Infested areas often have high occurrences of other invasive plants.

Mile-a-Minute >

(Persicaria perfoliata)

A vigorous, barbed vine that grows up to six inches a day and smothers other herbaceous plants, shrubs and even trees by growing over them.

< Norway Maple

(Acer platanoides)

The more desirable maple species to have on your property are red and sugar maples with their yellow, red and orange leaves in fall.  The less desirable ones are the Norway maples, their leaves green well into fall creating deep shade so dark that nothing, including lawn, can grow underneath — and in forest settings shade out native under-story material. Norway Maples have served their role in our region as street trees and feature trees on landscapes but their invasive tendencies have been their downfall.

Oriental Bittersweet >

(Celastrus orbiculatus)

A threat to native environments. It grows as a vine that girdles and smothers plants and uproots trees due to its weight.

< Porcelain-Berry

(Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)

It looks like innocent green vines with grape-like berries, but it can invade field and field edges rapidly and climb on and over native plants smothering them.

Tree of Heaven >

(Ailanthus altissima)

Displaces native vegetation and produces toxins that can prevent the establishment of other plant species. Root systems can damage sewers and foundations. Despite these issues, it is one of the few trees that can mature in extreme urban concrete areas such as the back of brownstones in Manhattan.

LOCATIONS:

 

Lower Westchester County, NY and New York City

58 Beechwood Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801

914-576-0193

 

Upper Westchester (North of I-287)

15 Broadway, Hawthorne, NY 10532

914-741-1510

 

Fairfield County, Connecticut

547 Hope Street, Stamford CT 06907

203-348-4111

 

Bergen & Passaic Counties, NJ

504 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ 07508

973-636-6711

 

Contact us for a Free Consultation

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