Controlling Invasive Plants
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
Our focus on eradicating non-native invasive plant species has been mainly targeting Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) and Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense). However, the spring weather has brought out the foliage, making it easier to identify and add Chinaberry (Melia azedarach) and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) to the hit list. The challenge has been that each of these plants can be easily mistaken for native species. For that reason, care is taken to ensure each plant has been accurately identified prior to treatment.
L to R: Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) -in winter, Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), native
These invasive species threaten the survival of essential native plants that support healthy ecosystems and maintain biodiversity. We’ve experimented with several different methods of eradicating these non-native plants including the use of Herbicides, Girdling, Hand-Pulling, and Cutting Stumps and then painting stumps with a variety of herbicides to determine which product is most effective.
In the case of vines, often they grow together intertwined with one another. We wanted to eliminate the non-native vine but save the native vine(s), so we needed to follow the cluster all the way down to where they separate and come up from the ground and then cut and treat only those vines we were trying to eliminate.
Some species are difficult to identify because they closely resemble each other in appearance and grow alongside one another in nature. A detailed examination using sight, smell and texture ensured we were treating the right plant. For example, the Tree of Heaven, to the untrained eye, looks almost identical to the Eastern
Black Walnut. One telltale sign is the small gland pocket on either side of every leaflet right before it starts to curve toward the stem – and the leaves, when crimpled smell like burnt or rancid peanut butter. Eventually, and with continued examination, it becomes easier to quickly tell the differences. See a comparison chart of differences: https://bplant.org/compare/82-318
Tree of Heaven gland pockets
Little Brown Jugs (Hexastylis arifolia)
The theory we are testing is to use as little chemical as possible, helping to promote native plants and encourage insects, birds and animals to thrive – while at the same time doing as much damage to the invasive species as we can. The results from combining these different treatment methods have been good. In one area, a large dense stand of Chinese Privet was cut down and sprayed until there was no visible plant life. 30 days later, we now see signs of the native species Little Brown Jugs growing where the Chinese Privet once stood.
Triaging Southern 8ths Habitats:
Levels of concern have been established to determine the intensity of the invasive plant.
Infestation and where treatment is most needed using the GPS Tracks app.
We have set up a 5 Point Scale for invasive trees, shrubs and vines by Zone.
Level 0 – No sign of invasive plants in a designated region.
Level 1 – Beginning signs of invasive plants in a designated region. Small plants under 24 inches. Ground cover roots and thin climbing vines.
Level 2 – Clear signs of invasive plants in a designated region. Formation of shrub or tree stands. A network of ground cover roots leading to climbing vines. Plants or trees over three feet tall or in an expanding area.
Level 3 – Heavy infestations of invasive plants in a designated region. Requiring chainsaw, heavy equipment, or burning to eradicate invasives. Diminished signs of native plants and trees.
Level 4 – Near total takeover of invasive plants in a designated region. Struggle for survival or elimination of native species in the region.
As the growing season progresses, we will update on methods that have been effective.
