Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week - Day 6

HC RIPS Weed Wrangles for 104 Days Straight!

with Liz Yetter, SICIM East Central Regional Specialist

Henry County Removes Invasive Plant Species or HC-RIPS formed in 2019 and their mission is: To restore Henry County’s unique plant community through education and inspiration for eradicating invasive species. Even with the challenges of 2020 HC-RIPS continue to meet virtually with the first part of every meeting dedicated to education with either a discussion about a single species or a new treatment technique. In 2020 HC-RIPS also increased their community presence by increasing their Facebook traffic and getting several articles published in the local newspaper. In September of 2020 they assisted the Henry County Saddle club in removing invasive plants from their landscaping.

 “Invasive plants cleared by HC-RIPS”. These yellow signs are likely to start popping up all around Henry County. Most notably at Westwood park where the HC-RIPS strike team has been working for 104 days straight! Starting in February 2021, various member of the HC-RIPS Strike team have been out at Westwood park. Lead by Helen Steussy who has been there for all 100 days and counting, the group has been started work on a 35-acre section of this 800-acre park, 180 acres of which is a lake.  This small yet determined group has made excellent progress on in the past few months clearing countless stems of Asian bush honeysuckle, autumn olive, burning bush and various other invasive plants. In addition to removing invasive species from Westwood the group has been cataloguing the native plant species that have been found in the woods, so far 50 different species have been sited. Westwood Park is owned by Big Blue River Conservancy District.

To follow HC-RIPS progress at Westwood or to get involved check them out on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/HCRIPS/ or contact Helen Steussy at hsteussy@comcast.net.

Before Weed Wrangle

at Westwood Park

After Weed Wrangle

at Westwood Park

Amazing Work HC RIPS!

at Westwood Park and beyond!

HC-RIPS currently is meeting virtually the first Monday of each month, their next meeting is May 3.

Stay tuned throughout the week to see more highlights of CISMAs or other partners and their efforts for improved land management. Be sure to visit the Indiana Invasives Initiative linktree to read more and find events in your area.

Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week - Day 5

Recognizing Monroe County - Identify & Reduce Invasive Species

with Mary Welz, SICIM Central Regional Specialist

In celebration of Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week (IISAW), I am thrilled to share the efforts of my home county CISMA, Monroe County - Identify & Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS). Through various projects, events, partnerships, and public resources, MC-IRIS is a source of inspiration and hope to others throughout Indiana and beyond.

REDUCE ONE INVASIVE SPECIES CHALLENGE: Beginning in 2020, this MC-IRIS program highlights one invasive plant each year for identification, management, and native alternatives. The species for the 2021 Challenge is purple wintercreeper. People in the county can participate by removing wintercreeper and documenting their work to be rewarded with free native plants in return for their efforts.

 VIRTUAL WEED LABS: To take the place of the annual event Sustaining Nature and Your Land (SNAYL) Day which offers an in person Weed Lab station, MC-IRIS will host a total of 4 seasonal Virtual Weed Labs to help people learn to identify and control the invasive plants that are most notable at different times of the year. Be sure to register for the next in this series, Flowering Fiends, on Thursday, Apr 29, 12 - 2 PM.

DEER BROWSE COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROJECT: Through the Research, Education & Stewardship TO Restore our Environment (RESTORE) project funded by Indiana University Preparing for Environmental Change grant, MC-IRIS and the Bloomington Urban Woodland Project are conducting a community science project studying the connection between deer, invasive plants, and native plants.

Virtual Weed Labs series

Next up is Flowering Fiends on April 29th!

TOOL LOAN PROGRAM: Also funded through the RESTORE grant, MC-IRIS hosts 8 tool kits for loan to help both individuals and groups to control invasive plants. These kits include a weed wrench and various hand tools to cut and dig out invasive plants. Also included is an herbicide supply bag that contains equipment and instructions needed to use herbicide, for the borrower to keep.

NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: MC-IRIS has worked for several years to organize communities at the neighborhood level for collective invasive management. Starting in 2021 and in partnership with the City of Bloomington, Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND), there is a NEW Small and Simple Grant to help fund control of invasive plants at the neighborhood scale.

WEED WRANGLES GALORE: MC-IRIS is now holding both weekly and monthly Weed Wrangle events year-round. In partnership with the City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation, volunteers can participate weekly at Southeast Park and Cascades Park and monthly during the First Saturday Weed Wrangles at various Parks properties. In collaboration with the USFS Hoosier National Forest, weekly Weed Wrangle workdays will be held at the Deam Wilderness and Pate Hollow in spring, to target garlic mustard, and in summer, to target Japanese stiltgrass.

Weekly Weed Wrangle at Southeastway Park

One of a series of weekly Weed Wrangle events with City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation.

Lake Griffy Nature Preserve Weed Wrangle

One of a monthly series of First Saturday Weed Wrangle events with City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation.

Domestic Ducks on the Loose!

During the March Weed Wrangle at Griffy Lake, participants and City of Bloomington Parks staff spotted these illegally dumped, non-native domestic ducks on the loose.

Duck Wrangling

Because these were domestic ducks and could potentially carry diseases harmful to our native ducks, they were removed them from the preserve.

Ducks Found a New Home

Jon Behrman with City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation reports these ducks are now living their best lives on his parent’s farm.

Lower Cascades Park Weed Wrangle

One of a monthly series of First Saturday Weed Wrangle events with City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation.

Weekly Weed Wrangle Lower Cascades Park

One of a series of weekly Weed Wrangle events with City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation.

INVASIVE PLANT SURVEYS: Since 2013, MC-IRIS offers one-on-one assistance via Invasive Plant Surveys, in which members help property owners and land managers throughout the County to identify and manage invasive plant species.

 MILE-A-MINUTE VINE: MC-IRIS provides Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) for Mile-A-Minute Vine in Monroe County, which is the only known location of this invasive plant here in Indiana. MC-IRIS sends annual press releases and informational mailings to landowners to help track and stop the spread.

ADOPT-A-KUDZU SITE:  To support the work of DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology, MC-IRIS annually monitors the known Kudzu sites in the County and treats as needed, reducing the size of each kudzu infestation. 

RESOURCES: MC-IRIS provides up to date, publication and resources for invasive plant identification and management. These materials are available on their website for download and printing.

AND MORE: Control techniques trials, Take Control workshops, local Invasive Control Contractor listing, and the list goes on…

Thanks to these and the many other partners and supports of Monroe County - Identify & Reduce Invasive Species!

Stay tuned throughout the week to see more highlights of CISMAs or other partners and their efforts for improved land management. Be sure to visit the Indiana Invasives Initiative linktree to read more and find events in your area.

Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week - Day 4

What Is There to Celebrate?

with Negative Nancy (no offense to Nancy’s)

aka Amber Slaughterbeck, SICIM West Central Regional Specialist

Yes, that is sometimes how we all show up to the conversation about invasive species. I mean what is there to celebrate? Let us count the ways.

Strengthening sense of community and place

Over the past few years of the Indiana Invasives Initiative project we have witnessed a tremendous sense of community that was brightly sustained like a fire through a long, cold night, even strengthened, while faced with a pandemic. Locked away in our homes we rallied around our computer screens to continue the conversation. And can we get a round of applause for the platform Zoom? The phone calls, Facebook and Instagram posts, text messages, landowner survey requests, and the emails increased because you care about your community and your land. We even sparked a “Virtual Weed Wrangle” movement together to safely continue our efforts of eradicating invasives. Our minds came together to figure out how to best serve the needs of our groups/CISMAs and our communities, while battling the uncertainty of COVID-19. We masked up and we carried on together.

Native Plant Sales, oh my!

A small nursery outside of Paris, IL called Barkley Farms Nurseries was THE place to shop for native plants in West - Central Indiana. Sure, you could find a few sprinkling of native plants at the hometown nursery, but the guesswork created boundaries and simply forced your hand to buy what was pretty and available. Not anymore. The Terrestrial Plant Rule is now enforceable, removing 44 invasive plants from the nurseries. Including my absolute nemesis, Japanese barberry. In addition, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts are offering native plant sales all over the state. Indiana Native Plant Society hosts an active list on their website of where you can purchase native plants in person or by mail. In short, you do not have to travel across state lines to buy native plants any longer!

Landowner Connections

The beginning is always the most overwhelming, but you must start somewhere. Proper identification of plants present, infestation size, habitat, and goals are the boxes to check. We will help at no cost. When you sign up for a landowner survey with a Regional Specialist you are handed a management plan to follow from the beginning. And if you’re midstream that’s ok too. The management plan will line out all the invasive plants and the proper techniques to remove them. But it’s more than that. Our team is building connections across the state that will last a lifetime. Together we are restoring the landscape to its true beauty.

Accountability

We have planted some harmful, aggressive, and overall “junky” plants over the years. We know this every spring when the green wall begins and the white flowering trees (Callery pear and all its children) bloom in every ditch, pasture, ROW, roadside and yes, our yards. Admitting that invasive plants (even pretty ones) need to be ripped out can be a hurdle. Together we are all battling non-native plants that at some point were encouraged or promoted as a great species for wildlife, pasture, fencerows, and your garden.  The blame game gets us nowhere…and you all have recognized this by witness of your efforts. We are holding ourselves accountable for our own land. Together we are making a difference where and whenever possible. A few hours at a Weed Wrangle or a few hours on our yard all add up. Keep chipping away!

Weed Wrangle at Putnam County Museum

with Putnam County Remove Invasive Plants

Cutting down a Callery pear without hesitation

Landowner survey with Rangeline Conservation Club in Vermillion County

Vine Removal Program

Vigo Invasives Management

Invasive Plant Landowner Survey

with Devin Brown, Owen County SWCD, and Owen County landowner, Steve Fox

Inaugural Weed Wrangle at Ouiatenon Preserve

with Tippecanoe Invasive Cooperative Taskforce

Weed Wrangle in West Lafayette

with Tippecanoe Invasive Cooperative Taskforce

Indiana Land Management Course kickoff

with Sullivan County CISMA

You have a lot to be proud of!

- Amber

Stay tuned throughout the week to see more highlights of CISMAs or other partners and their efforts for improved land management. Be sure to visit the Indiana Invasives Initiative linktree to read more and find events in your area.

Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week - Day 3

Making Connections - Kosciusko Water and Woodland Invasive Partnership

with Dugan Julian, SICIM Northeast Regional Specialist

Nature is all about connections. Thriving, healthy ecosystems only exist when things are connecting properly, like a functioning computer or an engine – everything there has a job to do and needs to work with everything around it to function. So, what happens when something that doesn’t belong there, something with no relationships or connections, gets added to a computer or an engine? Things break. A computer with dust and dirt getting into the motherboard starts having glitches, and an engine with water in it overheats and breaks down. It is the same with invasive species. These plants don’t belong here and can disrupt the processes of everything around them.

A functioning native ecosystem has thousands, millions of connections and relationships that have developed over time. Everything from the microbes in the soil to the red-tailed hawk have specific connections to everything around them. Each thing is reliant on countless others to have the resources necessary to carry out its function. When invasive plants start staking claim to areas, they can cause a myriad of problems. Since these plants don’t have formed relationships with the microbes, insects, birds, or other animals, they provide little or no resources to the community. Some invasive plants are openly hostile (using allelopathy – chemical warfare – to alter soil chemistry and soil microbe populations that prevent other plants from growing.) Others are more subtle, but no less destructive, as they rob native plants of sunlight, water, soil nutrients, and space by growing quickly, densely, and very aggressively. All of these activities disrupt or outright sever the connections of the native community.

When we look around and see how big the issue of invasive species has become, it is easy to get discouraged. How can anyone even make a dent in the huge amounts of disruptions these plants have caused nationwide? Luckily, the answer is simple: Connections. Partnerships and collaborations enhance every aspect of invasive species management. Shared expertise, tools, financial resources, and volunteers can create a synergistic machine that functions at a higher capacity than any one part could ever do on its own. Many times, the connections and relationships are obvious: like a county park system working with a forester to enhance the health of a forest. Others are less obvious, but no less important, like Kosciusko Water and Woodland Invasive Partnership (KWWIP), the CISMA in Kosciusko County, joining forces with Kosciusko County Velo – KCV, a local Cycling Club, to make their mountain bike trails safer and more beautiful by adding the removal of invasive plants along intersections and trails to their management plan – and then partnering with a local tool manufacturer (Seymour-Midwest) to help supply loppers for the organization. Only one of those groups is focused on invasive species removal, but they created lasting connections that benefit all three organizations, centered on invasive species management.

KWWIP and KCV Safety and Education brief from Winona Lake Trails Weed Wrangle event held on March 20th, 2021.

Healthy communities rely on connections. Invasive species cannot fill the role of native species in our communities, in fact they disrupt and destroy those pivotal connections. We can and we must restore those connections by forming connections of our own! We must meet the aggressive force of invasive species with aggressive collaboration, with aggressive partnerships, with aggressive creativity in how we pull resources together. We can do this, we can restore the connections that make our area great, together.

***To see what KWWIP is doing and how they’re forging new connections in their community, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KWWIP

Stay tuned throughout the week to see more highlights of CISMAs or other partners and their efforts for improved land management. Be sure to visit the Indiana Invasives Initiative linktree to read more and find events in your area.

Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week - Day 2

CISMA Highlight - Jasper County Invasives Initiative

with Mandi Glanz, SICIM Northwest Regional Specialist

Several counties throughout Northwest Indiana have recently formed or are in the process of forming a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA). CISMAs are grassroots organizations that build partnerships to enhance conservation efforts on a local level. CISMAs raise awareness about the negative impacts of invasive species. They also provide invasive species management resources to community members. Jasper County is an exemplary example of how partners came together to form a CISMA.

Throughout this past year, the Jasper County CISMA has made huge organizational strides including finalizing their name, mission statement, and logo. The group’s name is Jasper County Invasives Initiative. Developing a mission statement is essential, as it outlines the CISMA’s main objectives and exemplifies their role within the community. After thorough discussion, the group finalized their mission statement: To educate, engage and empower local citizens on invasive species in Jasper County

Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) District Executive Director, Shelby Keys, states “by joining the Jasper County Invasives Initiative, I have learned how detrimental invasive species are to our land. This initiative is a giant effort from different conservation partners to create a community-led group that helps educate citizens about invasive species and the proper treatment of them. My biggest goal for the group is to enhance public awareness of invasive species within Jasper County”.

Designing a logo is also important, as it illustrates the CISMA. Countryside Landscaping, a local business, donated their time and expertise to designing an amazing logo for Jasper County Invasives Initiative. Countryside Landscaping is one of many partners that continues to propel the success of the CISMA. 

Jasper County Invasives Initiative is currently promoting several invasive species projects. The CISMA is partnering with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Jasper County SWCD, Purdue Extension- Jasper County, as well as other partners, for the county’s first Weed Wrangle® event at Indiana Prairie Border Nature Preserve. View event details and register here. Or to find a Weed Wrangle event near you, visit SICIM’s Weed Wrangle® Indiana page. Also, Jasper County SWCD is currently accepting applications for a Residential Invasive Buy-Back Program for county residents. If you are not sure what invasive plants are on your property, and you are interested in providing quality pollinator or wildlife habitat, schedule a free landowner survey with our SICIM Regional Specialist in your area.

Jasper County Invasives Initiative is looking for new members that are interested in learning more about invasive species and local conservation. Jasper County SWCD Conservation Specialist, Derek Carty, explains “by joining the Jasper County Invasives Initiative, I have learned how detrimental invasive species are to our land. This initiative is a giant effort from different conservation partners to create a community-led group that helps educate citizens about invasive species and the proper treatment of them. My biggest goal for the group is to enhance public awareness of invasive species within Jasper County”.

Invasive Callery pear trees in Jasper County, photos by Derek Carty

To learn more about Jasper County Invasives Initiative, visit their webpage at www.jaspercountyswcd.org/jaspercountyinvasivesinitiative and like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/jaspercounty.ii.  To find an Indiana CISMA near you, visit www.sicim.info/cismas. 

Stay tuned throughout the week to see more highlights of CISMAs or other partners and their efforts for improved land management. Be sure to visit the Indiana Invasives Initiative linktree to read more and find events in your area.

Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week - Day 1

April 18 - 24, 2021

Indiana ISAW Kickoff with Will Drews, SICIM Chair and Knox County CISMA Coordinator

Today marks the beginning of Indiana Invasive Species Awareness Week (IISAW). Indiana has made great strides recently in raising awareness about invasive species and developing local grassroots groups to provide local awareness and providing education and control opportunities. We at the Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM) have been trying to do our part in raising awareness and providing technical assistance statewide through the Indiana Invasives Initiative (III), statewide effort only possible through generous support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Indiana Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, State Soil Conservation Board, The Nature Conservancy and many other partners and grassroots donors.

The Indiana Invasives Initiative (or III) has been around now for about three and a half years now (since October 2017). Since that time, the III has led to:

• 629 Outreach Events,

• 359 Property Assessments,

• 123 Technical Assistance Provided,

• 16,000 Acres with Management Plans

• 31 established Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas or CISMAs (in 34 Counties).

In Knox County, my county of residence, we have an active Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, the Knox County CISMA, that has been working for the last 5+ years to raise awareness about invasive species locally. Our group has been working hard to control invasive plants on some of our local public county properties and spent close to 1,000 person-hours removing invasive plants since 2016. We also have actively been growing native plants for the last several years for plant sales to increase the stock of local native plants for those wanting safe alternatives for landscaping and ecological restoration efforts. Last year alone, we grew about 6,000 native plants (around 75 different species) that found local and regional homes.

Knox County CISMA workday

photo from 2017 event at Pyramid Mound, a local county park

Knox County CISMA native plant sale booth

photo taken at the 2020 Vincennes Farmer’s Market

Callery Pear Billboard

photo taken in March of 2021, right before peak Callery Pear bloom time

You can follow Knox County CISMA’s local efforts by checking out our website at www.knoxcountycisma.org or following us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/knoxcountycisma.

Stay tuned throughout the week to see more highlights of CISMAs or other partners and their efforts for improved land management. Be sure to visit the Indiana Invasives Initiative linktree to read more and find events in your area.

April 2021 Invasive Plant of the Month

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

Callery pear (Pryus calleryana) is a medium-sized, rapid growing, deciduous tree in the rose family (Rosacea) that was introduced to the US from Asia in the early 1900s. The ‘Bradford’ and ‘Chanticleer’ pear are some of the common cultivars. These and other cultivars have been commonly used as ornamentals due to their showy white flowers in early spring and colorful fall foliage. Originally thought to be sterile, we now know these cultivars can cross-pollinate and produce fertile fruit, which is eaten by birds, who then disperse the seeds widely. Callery pear readily colonizes both disturbed sites and natural areas alike, forming dense thickets. Despite being ranked as a highly invasive plant species, it is still used across the state as an ornamental tree in landscaping and sold at nurseries.

Callery pear invasion

photo by James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Callery pear flowers

photo by Callery pear_Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Callery pear escaping from landscaping

photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Callery pear leaves and fruit

photo by Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Fall foliage of Callery pear in landscaping

photo by Callery pear_Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Callery pear distribution

map courtesy of EDDMapS. 2021. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at www.eddmaps.org 

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: Callery pear is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 60 ft (18 m) in height and 2 ft (0.6 m) in diameter. Flowers are showy, white in color, malodorous, have 5 petals and are 1 in wide. They appear in early spring (April to May) before leaves emerge, and are insect pollinated. Fruits are round, typically 0.5 in in diameter (although this can vary), and green to brown in color. Leaves are alternate, simple, 2-3 in long, petiolate, shiny with wavy, slightly toothed margins, and turn a dark red color in the fall. Though most cultivars lack thorns, escaped Callery pear infestations often revert to wild-type, growing in thickets and producing thorn-like branches. It is fast-growing, but rather short-lived (30-50 years) tree and its poor branching structure is prone to ice and storm damage.

LOOK-A-LIKES: There are native serviceberry, plum, and crabapple species that bloom about the same time as Callery pears, and all have five-petaled whiteish flowers. Serviceberry petals are brighter white, star-shaped and wavy with space between, as opposed to rounded and close together for the invasive ornamental pear. Native plums have stamens that are longer than the petals. Apple and crabapple flowers can vary from white with a pinkish hue to fully pink, and apple tree branches are nearer to horizontal and less uniform compared to the vertical, symmetrical branching of Callery pear.

 HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: Callery pear has been found in various disturbed habitats, including degraded open woodlands, woodland borders, thickets, fence rows, and fallow fields. This invasive tree adapts to full or partial sun, moist to dry-mesic conditions, and soil containing loam, clay-loam, or sandy loam and is somewhat drought tolerant. The pH of the soil can be acidic to alkaline. Winter cold is tolerated to Zone 5. It is commonly spotted growing along roadsides and in fallow farm fields. Callery pear has rapidly spread throughout Indiana and the eastern US and is rapidly spreading through other midwestern as well as western states.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Callery pear and its cultivars can cross-pollinate to produce fertile fruit, which is eaten by birds, who then disperse the seeds widely. Additionally, fertile pear varieties are commonly used as the rootstock when grafting, and if the grafted crown is damaged the fertile rootstock can then dominate, producing viable fruit. Once established Callery pear forms dense thickets that push out other plants including native species that can’t tolerate deep shade or compete for water, soil and space. Because it can adapt to a wide variety of conditions, it is a significant threat to native grasslands and grassland wildlife, but also invades forested areas. In urban and landscaped areas, it poses a threat because it is a weak tree that is easily damaged by ice and wind, commonly resulting in utility outages, property damage, and safety hazards.

CONTROL:

Prevention - The first priority to limit the spread is to stop the use of Callery pear or any of the cultivars in ornamental landscape plantings and remove it from any existing intentional plantings.

Manual - Seedlings and shallow-rooted plants can be pulled when soil is moist. Unless completely uprooted, herbicides will be needed. Since Callery pear is a vigorous resprouter, mowing is not an effective control method. Bag and dispose of fruit as solid waste or burn.

Chemical – Medium to large trees should be cut down and stumps treated with a high concentration, low volume systemic glyphosate or triclopyr-based herbicide. If cutting down is not feasible, medium to large trees can also be killed via girdling and left standing, making sure to chemically treat cuts. Any cutting or girdling of trees without chemical treatment will cause them to resprout heavily. It is important to avoid cut surface treatments in spring when sap is flowing during flowering and leaf out. Trees less than 6 inches in diameter at the base can be killed with an oil-based basal bark treatment (BBT). Due to risk of injury and property damage from falling limbs or snags, any treatments that leave medium to large dead trees standing should be avoided in areas near structures, along roadways, or in locations that are frequented by people, pets, and livestock. Newly established trees and resprouts can be sprayed with a foliar herbicide such as triclopyr. Callery pear are prolific seed producers, with saplings producing fruits as early as three years of age, such that continued control will likely be required.

IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

ALTERNATIVES TO PLANT: American plum (Prunus americana), flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), downy serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

CALLERY PEAR HANDOUT: https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/callery_pear.pdf

REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• http://indianainvasivespecies.org/

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=10957

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/pyca.htm

• https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/the-invasive-callery-pear.html

• https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=10957

• https://wiki.bugwood.org/Archive:MGIPSF/Pyrus_calleryana

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/callery_pear.htm

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/119793-Pyrus-calleryana

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/midatlantic.pdf

• https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/methods-handbook.pdf

• http://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=126&cname=Bradford+pear

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PYCA80

• https://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=10957

• https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=10957

• https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/callerypearinvasive.pdf

• https://extension.psu.edu/callery-pear

• https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/visual-guides/native-alternatives-for-bradford-pear.aspx

• https://www.mipn.org/

 LOOK-A-LIKE REFERENCES:

• https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/downloads/callerypearinvasive.pdf

• https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286375&isprofile=1&basic=Amelanchier%20arborea

• https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286355&isprofile=1&basic=Prunus%20americana

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/wild_crab.htm

#callerypear #bradfordpear #pyruscalleryana #ornamentalpeartree #indianainvasiveplants #indianainvasviesinitiative

2020 SICIM Annual Report

A Look Back to Forge Ahead

2020 posed hardships and challenges for us all, and yet so much was accomplished for invasive species awareness and management in Indiana. This is made possible by the hard work of our Indiana Invasives Initiative (III) team, our local CISMAs, and volunteers, as well as through the support of our conservation partners and contributors. 

We are grateful to all our members, partners, sponsors, and staff. In thanks, we take this opportunity to share what we have learned, and the goals achieved, despite all obstacles. 

March 2021 Invasive Plant of the Month

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)

Also known as Garden or Common star of Bethlehem, grass lily, nap-at-noon, eleven-o'clock lady, and sleepydick, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is an herbaceous perennial plant that invades disturbed areas, meadows, cemetery prairies and sunny to semi-shaded banks of streams and drainage ditches, displacing native species and invading high-quality natural habitats. Star of Bethlehem is native to most of southern and central Europe, north-western Africa and south-western Asia, and was first introduced into the US as an ornamental plant. This species has been reported escaping into natural areas in all 92 counties of Indiana.

Star of Bethlehem flowers

photo by Leslie Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Star of Bethlehem bulb and leaves

photo by Leslie Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Star of Bethlehem fruit

photo by Leslie Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Star of Bethlehem infestation

photo by Mark Frey,The Presidio Trust, Bugwood.org

Star of Bethlehem distribution

map courtesy of EDDMapS. 2021. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at www.eddmaps.org 

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: Star of Bethlehem is an herbaceous plant in the lily family (Liliaceae) that grows from bulbs with annual renewal. The white bulbs are ovoid in shape and measure 0.5-1.5 inches in length. The basal leaves are shiny, dark green in color, narrow and linear with distinct white midrib that are hollow in a cross-section. White flowers with 6 petals that resemble a star occur at the ends of hairless flowering stems (scapes) and can grow up to 1 ft. in height but are normally shorter. The umbel-like raceme contains 3-10 flowers and seed pods are a 3-lobed capsule containing several oval black seeds. It blooms from May to June with flowers opening in the morning and closing at noon. The bulbs are toxic, containing glycosides similar to Digitalis, which can cause shortness of breath, skin irritation and severe swelling, and has been known to poison livestock. The foliage dies back in summer as the plant go dormant.

LOOK-A-LIKES: Star of Bethlehem resembles wild garlic (Nothoscordum bivalve), wild onion (Allium spp.), and spring beauty (Claytonia virginica) when emerging in spring, but lacks the odor of wild garlic and onion. Another similar species, nodding star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans) is also a non-native and has been known to escape cultivation.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: Star of Bethlehem prefers full sun to semi-shade in fertile loam soil and moist to mesic conditions. It can be found along the banks of rivers and streams, disturbed habitats, early succession forest, forest edge, floodplain forest, wet meadows, yards and gardens. It has been reported in every county of Indiana and in many Eastern and Midwestern states, as well as California and a few other Western states.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Star of Bethlehem causes potential threats to native vegetation by escaping cultivation and spreading rapidly, invading high-quality natural habitats, which can put pressure on and displace native species.

CONTROL:

Prevention – The first priority to limit the spread of this invader is to stop the use of Star of Bethlehem in ornamental landscape plantings and remove it from any existing intentional plantings.

Manual – Bulbs can be dug out as the plant emerges in spring. It is imperative that all bulbs are removed and disposed of. When digging it is important to avoid leaving any bulbs or bulblets in the ground. Any dirt that is removed along with root parts should not be put back into unaffected areas since any missed bulb can give rise to a new population.

Chemical – Star-of Bethlehem is non-responsive to several herbicides. Research studies at Purdue University found that Paraquat provided 70 to 78% control.

IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

Maintenance – Initial control efforts should be monitored regularly over the course of multiple years such that continued chemical and/or cultural control of persistent or new infestations may be required.

REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=6109

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56137-Ornithogalum-umbellatum

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/starbeth.htm

• https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/methods-handbook.pdf

• https://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail/?project=misin&id=428&cname=Star+of+Bethlehem

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ORUM

• https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/star-of-bethlehem.pdf

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/ornu-orum.htm

LOOK-A-LIKE REFERENCES:

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/false_garlic.html 

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/ornu-orum.htm 

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ALLIU

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/spring_beauty.htm

#StarOfBethlehem #Ornithogalumumbellatum #indianainvasiveplants #indianainvasviesinitiative

Working Towards Resiliency in an Uncertain World

2021 SICIM Annual Partner Meeting

Thursday, March 25th, 2021 - from 8:30 AM - 12:00 EST

The Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasive Management (SICIM) annual meeting will be held as a virtual event on Thursday, March 25th, 2021. The meeting is to be hosted on Zoom, making it possible for more people across the state to attend. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Working Toward Resilience in an Uncertain World”.

The meeting begins at 8:30 AM and will adjourn by noon EST. There will be an update on the Indiana Invasives Initiative project, which is a collaboration between SICIM and the Natural Resource Conservation Service to combat invasive plants, raise public awareness of the devastation they cause, and to generate local efforts by local people using local resources for invasive management. There will also be a discussion on Weed Wrangles, which are popular group events to remove invasive plants from a given area for volunteers interested in making a difference in their public green spaces.

The keynote speaker is John Shuey of The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, speaking on “Conserving Climate Resilience in Indiana and the Midwest.” In light of climate change related concerns, this is a topic that has generated a lot of interest. Learn how protecting ecosystems for native plants can make a difference for our future.

We will hear short inspirational stories from Regional Specialists around the state about how groups work together to control invasives. There will also be awards announcements; including the recipients of grant money for several Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) across Indiana who competitively applied for funding for creative projects and activities to control invasives in their areas.

We hope the meeting will be educational and inspiring, and leave those who attend enthused about getting out to do their part to control invasives and educate others.

Register for the annual meeting at by March 23. The meeting is free. A Zoom meeting link will be sent to registrants just prior to the meeting.

For more information on this conference, email sicim.info@gmail.com or call 812-653-5563.

February 2021 Invasive Plant of the Month

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Japanese Honeysuckle, also known Chinese honeysuckle, is a fast-growing, trailing or sprawling, semi-evergreen, perennial woody vine first introduced in Long Island, NY in 1806. It has been planted as an ornamental, for wildlife habitat and erosion control especially on farms. Assessed as a high rank invasive in Indiana by the Invasive Plant Advisory Committee (IPAC) and illegal under Indiana’s Terrestrial Plant Rule, it is still available for sale online and reportedly in some box stores typically as Hall’s Japanese Honeysuckle, (Lonicera japonica ‘Halliana’.)

Japanese honeysuckle in flower

photo by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Japanese honeysuckle leaves (lobed)

photo by Wendy VandDyk Evans, Bugwood.org

Japanese honeysuckle foliage

photo by John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Japanese honeysuckle fruit

photo by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Japanese honeysuckle spreading in wooded area

photo by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Japanese honeysuckle distribution

map courtesy of EDDMapS. 2020. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at www.eddmaps.org

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: Leaves are opposite, dark green, oblong, 1 ½ - 2" long, rounded at base, glabrous above and slightly hairy beneath. Usually ovate with entire margins. Bark is somewhat corky and peals easily on older stems. The stems/vines are reddish-brown, pubescent and twining; pith is excavated and eventually hollow. Buds are small, solitary and covered with two pubescent scales. Flowers are tubular, white or yellow, fragrant, and bloom May to mid-July. The fruit are berries and are smooth, blackish to slightly purplish 3 /16” to ¼” (6-7 mm) in diameter. Each berry contains 2-5 blackish ovate seeds. One side of the seed is ridged, while the other is flat. Rooting depth is generally 6” to 12” (15-30 cm) on moist sites, and up to 40” (102 cm) on dry sites. Roots may extend laterally to 8’ (2.4 m) from the crown. This vine spreads both vegetatively through runners and roots, as well as by seeds within the fruits. Birds and other wildlife readily consume the fruits and transport them to different areas.

LOOK-A-LIKES: Japanese honeysuckle is most often confused with our native vining honeysuckles which include red (Lonicera dioica), grape (L. reticulata), and trumpet honeysuckle (L. sempervirens). To differentiate, Japanese honeysuckle has purple/black berries and natives have red or orange berries. Their flowers are at the tips of stems whereas those of Japanese honeysuckle are in the leaf axils. The natives also have connate leaves (fused to form a single leaf with stem growing through it) below the flowers. Additionally, their leaf margins are always entire while Japanese honeysuckle leaves can be lobed. The leaves of Japanese honeysuckle often persist into winter.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: Japanese honeysuckle prefers moist soils and full sun to partial shade but can tolerate full shade. It is an invader of forest floors, canopies, wetlands, floodplain woodlands, thickets, seeps, limestone glades, power-line clearances in woodland areas, semi-shaded areas, along roadsides and railroads, edges of yards and any disturbed areas. It occurs throughout the eastern half of the United States, an area encompassing 26 states as well as Ontario, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and occasionally in the southwestern United States. Japanese honeysuckle’s range is limited to the north by severe winter temperatures and to the west by insufficient precipitation and prolonged droughts. It is in all 92 Indiana counties, but is much more aggressive in southern Indiana.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Japanese honeysuckle can girdle shrubs and small saplings by twining around them. It can form dense mats in open fields, on forest floors and in the canopies of trees, shading native vegetation. It excludes virtually all other vegetation and often inhibits forest regeneration. This, in turn, reduces biodiversity in these areas. These areas would otherwise host a diversity of native plants that in turn are host to native insects.

CONTROL:

Prevention – In order to reduce the spread of this invasive vine, stop the use of Japanese honeysuckle in ornamental landscape plantings and remove it from any existing intentional plantings. While illegal under the Terrestrial Plant Rule, Japanese honeysuckle is still available for purchase online.

Biological – None known.

Manual – Small populations can be controlled by hand-pulling and removal of vines. For best results, attempt this when soil is moist to maximize the amount of root removal. Mowing without being followed by a herbicide treatment and grazing are not recommended as mowing will limit the length of the vine but will increase the number of stems produced and hence the amount of fruit production!

Chemical – Application of glyphosate with a surfactant in late autumn when other vegetation is dormant but before a hard freeze (25 degrees F) when Japanese honeysuckle is still physiologically active has proven to be most effective. Triclopyr (broadleaf specific) with surfactant has shown positive results when used in the same manner. Earlier treatment is not recommended due to potential damage to non-target species which are crucial for recolonization of the treated area. Mechanical cutting of aerial vines followed by cut-surface herbicide treatment is also effective.

IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

Fire & Cultural – Japanese honeysuckle will survive fire by sprouting and rooting from stem tissue surviving within litter or upper soil layers. Specific information about postfire regeneration is lacking, but published sources indicate that in general, Japanese honeysuckle sprouts from root crowns and roots from trailing stems. However, prescribed burning can greatly decrease the abundance within a habitat and limit its spread for one to two growing seasons.

Maintenance – Initial control efforts should be monitored regularly over the course of multiple years such that continued chemical and/or cultural control of persistent or new infestations may be required.

 JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE HANDOUT:

• https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/japanese_honeysuckle.pdf

JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• Dirr, M.A. (1990). Lonicera japonica. IN Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture propagation and uses (p.579). Champaign, IL: Stipes.

• https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/WildPlants/InvasivePlants/Pages/default.aspx

• https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/japanese-honeysuckle

• https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/vine/lonjap/all.html

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/loja.htm

• https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/

• https://www.agriculture.nh.gov/publications-forms/documents/japanese-honeysuckle.pdf

• https://www.entm.purdue.edu/iisc/pdf/plants/more/japanese_honeysuckle.pdf

• https://www.mda.state.mn.us/japanese-honeysuckle

• https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/31191

LOOK-A-LIKE REFERENCES:

• https://illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/jp_honeysuckle.htm

• http://www.sicim.info/news/2020/4/18/tprandguide

• https://www.nybg.org/

• http://bioimages.vanderbilt.edu/pages/invasive-plants.htm#lonicera%20japonica

#japanesehoneysuckle #lonicerajaponica #indianainvasiveplants #indianainvasviesinitiative #invasiveplantofthemonth

January 2021 Invasive Plant of the Month

Yellow Groove Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata)

Yellow groove bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata) is a species of running bamboo native to China. It was introduced into the United States in 1908 for ornamental use and timber production. Yellow groove and other running bamboos are among the fastest growing plants on Earth. Though still legally sold here in Indiana, yellow grove bamboo is limited or otherwise regulated at the state and/or community level in multiple states along the east coast.

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: Yellow groove bamboo is a tall (15-25 feet) perennial grass that resembles narrow trees with short thin side branches. Its stalks (culms) are woody and hollow, up to 3 inches in diameter (.5-1.5 inches in Indiana). The primary identifying characteristic of this bamboo is a yellow groove on the culm, located on every other internode (the space between branch attachments). This feature is found only on young culms and fades after two years. Leaves are lance shaped, olive-green in color and 3-6 inches long. They are generally evergreen but turn bronze or light brown by late winter when they fall, to be replaced by new leaves in spring.

Like all running bamboos, this species colonizes via spreading rhizomes, forming dense groves. It rarely flowers or produces viable seed. In severe winters, stalks may die to the ground, to be replaced by new fast-growing stalks in spring. Winter dieback is most common in northern and central Indiana.

stand of yellow groove bamboo

photo by David Gorden, FASLA

yellow groove bamboo stalks

photo by Caryn Rickel, Institute of Invasive Bamboo Research, Bugwood.org

stalk with distinctive yellow groove

photo by Paul Langlois, Live Botanical Collections, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

yellow groove bamboo foliage

photo by David Gorden, FASLA

LOOK-A-LIKES: Other species of genus Phyllostachys, including golden bamboo (P. aurea), Bisset’s bamboo (P. bissettii), black bamboo (P. nigra), nude sheath bamboo (P. nuda), and Chinese timber bamboo (P. vivax) have similar habit and characteristics and share the invasiveness of yellow groove bamboo. There are three species in the genus Arundinarea that are the only bamboo native to North America.  Of these, cane bamboo (A. gigantea), also known as giant cane or canebreak bamboo, is found throughout the southeast with a small presence in southern Indiana. It resembles the non-native Phyllostachys species but is shorter in stature (6-8 feet) with thinner stalks.

HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION: Yellow grove bamboo thrives in full sun but tolerates shade and will colonize in woodlands. It is typically found spreading from landscapes where it had been intentionally planted. In a mature stand, rhizome spread has been recorded as much as 25 feet in one year. In riparian areas, detached rhizomes can be washed downstream, starting new infestations. Cold hardy to -15°F, it is present throughout the eastern half of the US, including Indiana. It tolerates all types of soils and its sturdy rhizomes have been known to damage paving.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Yellow groove bamboo spreads rapidly via underground rhizomes, creating a solid grove of stalks. It forms a dense monoculture and thick layer of leaf litter that inhibits and often eliminates native plants. Biodiversity is resultantly decreased and the ecosystem of the infested area altered. Blackbirds and starling species often roost in Phyllostachys stands. Through their accumulated droppings they serve as vectors for the human respiratory disease, Histoplasmosis.

CONTROL:

Prevention – Do not plant yellow grove or other non-native bamboo and remove existing plantings.

Manual – Dig to completely excavate root crowns and rhizomes. Thorough removal of rhizomes is essential for successful control. Improper disposal such as dumping can lead to new infestations. After removal, viable plant parts including rhizomes and root crowns should be destroyed by burning. Repeated cutting to the ground alone will not control the species and may lead to more aggressive growth habit. Caution is to be used during removal if roosting starlings or blackbirds were present due to health concerns presented previously.

Chemical – Control using herbicides is difficult because of the dense segmented rhizomes. Repeated chemical control is likely to be required over the course of several years.

Recommended treatments include:

• Cut large stems and apply foliar sprays when new sprouts are 3-4 feet tall.

• In September to October, cut stems just above ground level between stem sections and immediately apply concentrated herbicide into each cut stalk.

Fire – Has minimal impact.

 - Prepared by David Gorden, FASLA - December 31, 2020

NATIVE ALTERNATIVES: There are many medium to tall stature clumping or colony forming native plants that offer multi-season (if not year-round) screening as an alternative in landscapes. Some colony forming native trees may offer a similar visual barrier provided there is space for them to spread, including our native sumacs (Rhus spp.), pawpaw (Asimina triloba), and sassafras (Sassafras albidum).

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

• Invasive Species Compendium - https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/42069

• A Management Guide to Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - https://www.srs.fs.fed.us/pubs/gtr/gtr_srs131.pdf

• New Invaders of the Northeast and North Central United States - https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/pdf/FHTET-2017-04_New%20Invaders_NE.pdf

• Invasive.org - https://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=55473 –

• Weed Risk Assessment for Phyllostachys aureosulcata McClure (Poaceae) – Yellow groove bamboo - https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/weeds/downloads/wra/Phyllostachys_aureosulcata_WRA.pdf  -

• Field Guide to Identification of Phyllostachys Invasive Running Bamboo Institute of Invasive Bamboo Research - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329558826_Field_Guide_to_Identification_of_Phyllostachys_Invasive_Running_Bamboo_Institute_of_Invasive_Bamboo_Research

 #YellowGrooveBamboo #RunningBamboo #Phyllostachys #IndianaInvasivePlants #IndianaInvasivesInitiative

December Invasive Plant of the Month

Common & Cutleaf Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L. and D. laciniatus L.)

Although sometimes called biennials, teasels are better described as monocarpic perennials. The plants grow as basal rosettes for a minimum of one year (and frequently is longer) then send up a tall flowering stalk and die after flowering. The period of time in the rosette stage varies depending on the amount of time needed to acquire enough resources for flowering to occur. Both common and cutleaf teasel are from Eurasia and grow in open, predominately disturbed, habitats. They can invade prairies, savannas and wet meadows and form extensive monoculture stands. Cutleaf teasel is more common in the northern half of Indiana while common teasel is widespread throughout the state. Both species are regulated under the DNR Terrestrial Plant Rule which prohibits their sale or trade in Indiana.

Teasel monoculture,

Photo by Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

Common teasel basal rosettes

Photo by Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

Teasel stalks

Photo by Dave Cappaert, Bugwood.org

Common teasel flower

Photo by Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
Cutleaf teasel flower, Mary Welz, sicim.info

Cutleaf teasel flower

Photo by Mary Welz, sicim.info

Cutleaf teasel leaves & seed heads

Photo by Mary Welz, sicim.info

Common teasel distribution

Map courtesy of EDDMapS. 2020. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at www.eddmaps.org

Cutleaf teasel distribution

Map courtesy of EDDMapS. 2020. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at www.eddmaps.org

 IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: During the rosette stage leaves vary from somewhat ovoid in young plants to large and oblong leaves that are quite hairy in older rosettes. During the rosette phase, teasel develops a large tap root. The tap root may be over 2 feet (0.6 meter) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter at the crown.

Cut-leaved teasel blooms from July through September, and common teasel blooms from June through October. Flowering plants have large, oblong, opposite, sessile leaves that form cups (the cups may hold water) and are prickly, especially on the lower midrib. Stems also are prickly. Teasel's unique inflorescence makes the plant readily identifiable when blooming. Flowers are small and packed into dense oval-shaped heads. The heads (inflorescences) are subtended by upcurved bracts and are located terminally on the flowering stems. Cut-leaved teasel usually has white flowers while common teasel generally has pink-purple flowers, though occasionally white. Flowering stems reach 2-8 feet in height.

Teasel seeds are typically gravity dispersed and germinate near the parent plant. However, seeds may be transported by attaching to animals or along waterways, including irrigation ditches, streams, and rivers. Seeds are also spread by vehicles and/or equipment such as mowers used along highway right-of-way.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: Teasel grows in open sunny habitats, ranging from wet to dry conditions. Optimal conditions seem to be mesic habitats. Teasel sometimes occurs in high quality prairies, savannas, seeps, and sedge meadows, though roadsides, dumps, and heavily disturbed areas are where they are most common.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Although teasel is not known to have allelopathic properties, it is an aggressively competitive species that has the capacity to take over prairies and savannas if allowed to become established. Lack of natural enemies allows teasel to proliferate. An opening within the vegetation coupled with light soil disturbance is an invitation for invasion. Its taproot allows access to nutrients and soil moisture deeper within the soil profile. Teasel’s biennial life history allows it to claim space within the plant community while it stores resources for reproduction. The stored resources result in increased seed production and greater germination success. A single, large plant can produce up to 2,000 seeds that can remain viable in the soil for at least two years. If left unchecked, teasel can quickly form large monocultures excluding all native vegetation, which reduces forage, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity. Cut-leaved teasel is more aggressive than common teasel.

CONTROL:

Prevention - Prevention and early detection are the best management tools for teasel. Management should focus on maintaining healthy native plant communities and managing teasel before it can produce seed. Priority should be given to monitoring for teasel and eradicating small, new, and isolated infestations that become established on otherwise healthy sites.

Manual - Individual rosettes can be removed using a dandelion digger; removal of the entire root is essential to eliminate re-sprouting. Flowering stalks may be cut down once the plant has initiated flowering, but if cut too soon plants may send up new flowering stalks. It has been shown that seeds will continue to develop and mature even after cutting. To prevent seed dispersal, the cut flower stalks should be removed from the site.

Chemical – Foliar application of herbicides is effective and useful when mechanical treatments are not feasible. Herbicide, such as glyphosate, triclopyr, or clopyralid, should be applied to the rosette stage. In natural areas, application during the late fall or early spring will result in less harm to non-targeted species.

 IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

Fire & Cultural – Late spring burns may be useful for controlling teasel before it becomes dense. Once an area is densely covered with teasel rosettes, fire does not carry well through the teasel-infested area. Prescribed burns would likely work best in conjunction with other control methods indicated above.

Maintenance - The area should be monitored periodically for teasel invasion. New plants should either be dug up or flowering stems should be cut and removed as described above. Periodic fall or late spring prescribed burns should also help with continued control.

 TEASEL HANDOUTS:

• https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/mipn/assets/File/Midwest%20Invasives%20Fact%20Sheets/PDF/teasel.pdf

• https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5410129.pdf

TEASEL REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• http://indianainvasivespecies.org/

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=3018

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=5545

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/teasel.htm

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/cutleaf_teasel.htm

• https://wiki.bugwood.org/Dipsacus_fullonum

• https://wiki.bugwood.org/Dipsacus_laciniatus

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DILA4

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DIFU2

• https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/dipspp/all.html

• https://invasive-species.extension.org/dipsacus-fullonum-common-teasel/

• https://invasive-species.extension.org/dipsacus-laciniatus-cutleaf-teasel/

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/56002-Dipsacus-fullonum

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/117438-Dipsacus-laciniatus

• https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/cut-leaf-teasel

• https://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/single_weed.php?id=98

• https://www.nps.gov/articles/common-teasel.htm

• https://www.invasive.org/search/action.cfm?q=common%20teasel

• https://www.invasive.org/search/action.cfm?q=cutleaf%20teasel

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCWDkkCJBnY

GENERAL RESOURCES:

• https://indiananativeplants.org/invasive-plants/2019-terrestrial-invasive-plant-rule/  

• https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/methods-handbook.pdf

 #CommonTeasel #CutleafTeasel #Dipsacus #IndianaInvasivePlants #TerrestrialPlantRule #IndianaInvasivesInitiative

Giving Tuesday NOW for the Holidays

Your support helps protect Indiana from the threat of Invasive Species

This year has posed hardships and challenges for us all, and yet despite everything, so much has been accomplished for invasive species management and awareness in Indiana. This is made possible by the support and hard work of our Regional Specialists, CISMAS, conservation partners, volunteers, community scientists, and contributors. Working together we are creating a strong and resilient network of grassroots action to reduce the harm caused by invasive species. And for this we are so grateful! THANK YOU!

This Holiday Season, we are excited to offer a long sleeve version of our Indiana Invasives shirt to help you stay warm while working outside to control invasive plants. These shirts also make a perfect holiday gift for all the invasive plant Weed Wranglers in your life.

Wear your shirt to let others know the importance of protecting our Hoosier landscapes from the threat of invasive species. For those that are able, you can make an additional donation to directly support the Indiana Invasives Initiative project during checkout.

Give the gift of conservation this Giving Tuesday Now. Order your Indiana Invasives shirt and consider a donation. THANK YOU!

#IndianaInvasivesInitiative #GivingTuesdayNow #IndianaInvasiveSpecies

Don't Move Firewood!

This October is Don’t Move Firewood Month

Invasive insects and diseases hide in firewood. Our forests are threatened by nonnative insects and diseases that can kill large numbers of trees. Firewood can be a home to these destructive organisms. New infestations can start if you take firewood with you when you travel. Help to protect your trees, forests, and communities from the threat of invasive species. How you can help:

• Leave firewood at home - do not transport it to campgrounds or parks.

• Use firewood from local sources or purchase state or federally certified firewood.

• If you have already brought firewood, burn it. Do not leave it. Do not take it with you.

• Tell your friends not to move firewood.

Report invasive pests! Call or contact Indiana DNR’s invasive species hotline:

• 1-866-NO EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684)

• DEPP@dnr.IN.gov

Learn more at dontmovefirewood.org!

Click image to download a print ready PDF of this poster.

September Invasive Plant of the Month

Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora)

Sweet autumn clematis is a twining vine native to Japan and China, introduced to US as an ornamental. It blooms August to September, producing numerous fragrant white flowers. It has an extremely aggressive growth habit and can rapidly climb woody plants and/or structures to 25 to 30 feet. It forms dense tangled masses that can cover the ground and other vegetation. Sweet autumn clematis grows best in full sun to part shade, tolerates full shade, and is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. The profuse flowers produce seed heads with wispy spirals of wind dispersed seeds. It can aggressively self-seed and has escaped cultivation in many parts of the U.S.  This species is ranked as invasive in Indiana but has not been added to the Indiana Terrestrial Plant Rule at this time.

Sweet autumn clematis covering large shrubs,

photo by Mary Welz, SICIM, sicim.info

Compound leaves of sweet autumn clematis

photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

White to cream flowers of sweet autumn clematis,

photo by Dawn Slack, The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, nature.org/indiana

Seedhead spirals of sweet autumn clematis

photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Infestation of sweet autumn clematis along woodland edge

photo by Dawn Slack, The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, nature.org/indiana

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: Sweet autumn clematis is a perennial vine in the buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. Young stems are smooth and green while older stems are brownish-green to brown. It has oppositely arranged compound leaves with 3 to 5 leaflets, each with a petiolule (leaflet stem) of varying length at its base. While there are no tendrils, the long leaf petioles can wrap around objects or other vegetation to support the vine as it climbs. Leaflets are ovate to cordate, up to 3 inches long, and as wide as 1.5 inches. Leaf margins are smooth, and occasionally lobed. Upper leaf surfaces are green and smooth, lower surfaces are dull light green and the major veins run parallel.

Flat panicles of fragrant flowers form along the upper leaf axils. Flowers are bisexual and each flower as 4 petal-like sepals, many long stamens, and 5-6 pistils. All parts of the flower are white or cream-colored, and there are no true petals. Sweet autumn clematis blooms in late summer into fall. Flowers ripen into clusters of flat oval shaped achenes with long spreading styles. The seed styles are covered in long feathery hairs, enabling wind dispersal.

LOOK-A-LIKES: Our native virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) is frequent in Indiana. Unlike Sweet autumn clematis, virgin’s bower, has toothed leaf margins that are shallowly cleft and dentate. In addition, virgin’s bower styles are smooth instead of feathery like Sweet autumn clematis. Some of our other native clematis species have smooth leaf margins, but the flowers are purplish to pink in color, variously vase shaped, and nodding.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: This invasive species adapts to a wide range of conditions and spreads aggressively in open areas, as well as woodland edges, thickets, fence rows, along railroads, roadway and wasteland. The spread of Sweet autumn clematis is likely underreported and widely spread throughout Indiana, the greater Midwest, and Eastern U.S. It has been reported as far west as Oklahoma.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: This invasive vine has an increasingly wide distribution, is able to grow in a variety of soils, tolerates a variety of light and moisture conditions, and forms dense mats that smother herbaceous plants, small shrubs, and small to medium sized trees. It readily outcompetes native plants, interrupts native food webs, and reduces wildlife biodiversity. Sweet autumn clematis is considered highly invasive and should be eradicated from landscape plantings and controlled in disturbed sites and natural area settings.

CONTROL:

Prevention – In order to limit the spread, it is essential to halt the use of Sweet autumn clematis as an ornamental landscape plant and remove it from any existing intentional plantings.

Manual – Digging up roots of single vines is possible, but discouraged for large infestations since soil disturbance may encourage spread. Any stem or root material left behind will give rise to continued growth, and as such, hand pulling, cutting, and mowing is not an effective means of control.

Chemical – Treatment with systemic herbicides such as glyphosate (non-selective) or triclopyr (broadleaf specific) has been shown to be effective as a foliar spray.

 IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact county level Purdue Extension or Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

Maintenance - Initial control efforts should be monitored regularly over the course of multiple years such that continued chemical and/or manual control of persistent or new infestations may be required.

SWEET AUTUMN CLEMATIS REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• http://indianainvasivespecies.org/

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=5354

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/clte.htm

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/aut_clematis.htm

• https://bioone.org/journals/invasive-plant-science-and-management/volume-2/issue-1/IPSM-08-110.1/Herbicide-Evaluation-to-Control-span-classgenus-speciesClematis-terniflora-span-Invading/10.1614/IPSM-08-110.1.short

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/62776-Clematis-terniflora

• https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=5354

• http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a300

• http://mc-iris.org/native-or-invasive-clematis.html

LOOK-A-LIKE REFERENCES:

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CLTE4

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/62776-Clematis-terniflora

• https://www.nybg.org/files/scientists/rnaczi/Mistaken_Identity_Final.pdf

Weed Wrangle® Contest Winner

Invasive Management Cooperative of Morgan County

The Invasive Management Cooperative of Morgan County (IMCMC) is the winner of the 2020 Weed Wrangle® Indiana Contest. The goal of this annual contest is to engage partners, obtain event sponsors, and work to increase participation, all in support of managing invasive plants across our state. A total of 11 Counties participated and the winner was selected in a drawing during the 2020 Indiana CISMA Conference held on August 20th. 

SICIM and the Indiana Invasives Initiative work to engage citizens to understand the impacts their landscaping decisions have not only on their own properties but on neighboring properties and our cherished green spaces (state parks, national parks, local parks, nature preserves, etc.). 85-87% of the invasive plants that threaten our natural areas are escapes from intentional landscape plantings. These Weed Wrangle® Indiana events are special opportunities for the community to celebrate and protect our native plant communities and the wildlife and natural resources they support. 

Many CISMA groups and counties were able to host Weed Wrangle® events over the course of the contest. Participants created flyers and social media posts, involved event sponsors, found clever ways to track their progress, and most important of all, worked to restore habitat throughout the state. Thank you to all Weed Wrangle® hosts and attendees. Congratulations to our 2020 Contest winner IMCMC, who will receive a prize of $500 to support invasive management in Morgan County, as well as 4 hours of hands-on assistance from the Indiana Invasives Initiative, Regional Specialist for their county. We look forward to having everyone join us next year for the launch the 2021 Weed Wrangle® Indiana contest season. Visit our Weed Wrangle® Indiana Contest page to stay up to date.

August Invasive Plant of the Month

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

Japanese barberry is a low, compact, spiny shrub, typically 2-3’ tall, but can grow to be taller. It was introduced from Japan for hedge plantings and ornamental value. Japanese barberry prefers shaded or semi-shaded habitats on mesic, fertile soils, but can adapt to a wide variety of conditions. Birds disperse the seeds widely. Established individuals spread vegetatively through horizontal lower branches that take root when they touch the soil. Japanese barberry is widespread throughout Indiana and has been widely used for landscaping and hedges.

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: Japanese barbery is a deciduous shrub with dense foliage, multiple stems originating from the crown as well as rhizomatous shoots emerging further from the base of the shrub. Stems are grooved, hairless, purplish-red turning reddish-brown with age, and inner bark is bright yellow. The leaves are small (up to 1 inch long) and paddle-shaped, often growing in clusters in the axils, above single spines. The leaves are hairless, with green upper surfaces and dull under surfaces. Certain cultivars can have bluish-green to dark reddish-purple leaves, which shift to prominently red to purple in the fall. It produces yellow to cream flowers in the spring with 6 petals, borne individually or in few-flowered clusters. Fruits are bright red, oblong berries that persist into winter.

Japanese barberry infestation

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Japanese barberry cultivars in landscaping

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Japanese barberry foliage & flowers

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Japanese barberry fruit & fall foliage

Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Japanese barberry distribution

Map courtesy of EDDMapS. 2020. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org

LOOK-A-LIKES: The native American barberry (Berberis canadensis) was locally frequent historically in Indiana. Unlike Japanese barberry, American barberry has toothed leaves and up to 3 trifurcate spines in its leaf axils. American barberry was the target of an eradication program by the US Department of Agriculture due to it being an alternate host for stem rust (Puccinia graminea), a serious pest of cereal crops. Only one surviving population is known in Indiana, along the Tippecanoe River.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: This invasive species adapts to a wide range of conditions and spreads aggressively in mesic to dry areas that are open to semi-open, also occurring in moist shady woodlands. Japanese barberry is currently reported throughout much of the northeastern US, stretching down to northern Tennessee and North Carolina.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Due to its increasingly wide distribution and ability to form dense thickets in mature forest communities, Japanese barberry outcompetes native plants, interrupts food webs, and reduces wildlife biodiversity. Invasions can alter soil microbial composition and increase nitrate concentrations. White-tailed deer do not eat the toxic foliage, therefore assisting indirectly with its ability to dominate natural areas. Its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions also allows for increase in spread.

CONTROL:

Prevention - The first priority to limit the spread is to stop the use of Japanese barberry in ornamental landscape plantings and remove it from any existing intentional plantings. This species is regulated under the Indiana Terrestrial Plant Rule, which prohibits the sale, trade, etc. of this species in Indiana.

Manual - For small areas of Japanese barberry or individual shrubs, you can pull or dig out plant parts as they have a shallow root system. However, any stem or root material left behind may give rise to continued growth. For larger areas, manual removal is discouraged since this soil disturbance can encourage spread.

Chemical – Treatment with systemic herbicides such as glyphosate (non-selective) or triclopyr (broadleaf specific) has been shown to be effective, both as a foliar spray and cut-stump method. Cut-stump treatment is effective on larger specimens, in areas of high infestation, or where other desirable species occur.

IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact county level Purdue Extension or Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

Fire & Cultural – Fire likely only top-kills Japanese barberry, and it has been seen to re-sprout after prescribed burning. It is more likely to invade areas affected by human disturbance, but not exclusively. Studies have shown that Japanese barberry creates a humid microclimate favorable for blacklegged ticks that carry Lyme disease.

Maintenance - Initial control efforts should be monitored regularly over the course of multiple years such that continued chemical and/or cultural control of persistent or new infestations may be required.

 JAPANESE BARBERRY HANDOUT: https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/japanese-barberry.pdf   

JAPANESE BARBERRY REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• http://indianainvasivespecies.org/

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=3010

• https://wiki.bugwood.org/Archive:SEEPPC/Berberis_thunbergii

• https://www.invasive.org/eastern/other/barberry.html

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/fact/beth1.htm

• https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/beth.htm

• https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/barberry-bambi-and-bugs-the-link-between-japanese-barberry-and-lyme-disease/

• https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/berthu/all.html

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/jp_barberry.htm

• https://entomologytoday.org/2017/10/04/the-5-year-plan-manage-japanese-barberry-to-keep-tick-levels-low-reduce-lyme-risk/

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/58727-Berberis-thunbergii

• https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/methods-handbook.pdf

• https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/japanese-barberry http://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail.php?id=178

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BETH

• https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=3010

• https://static1.squarespace.com/static/559d59d6e4b03b77d9cd5e00/t/5e9db9d9859224624f90dbf3/1587395051195/A+Guide+to+the+Regulated+Terrestrial+Invasive+Plant+Species+of+Indiana+web.pdf

LOOK-A-LIKE REFERENCES:

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=BECA2

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/129595-Berberis-canadensis

• https://bwwellsassociation.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/distinguishing-north-carolinas-wild-barberries/

#japanesebarberry #barberry #berberisthunbergii #indianainvasiveplants #indianainvasviesinitiative

July Invasive Plant of the Month

Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia)

Also known as creeping jenny and creeping yellow loosestrife, moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing herbaceous invasive perennial which threatens wetland areas. Native to Europe and western Asia, this invasive plant was first introduced into the US as a horticultural groundcover in the early 1700s. Recently assessed as a high rank invasive in Indiana by the Invasive Plant Advisory Committee (IPAC), moneywort is still widely available in the nursery trade and is commonly sold as the cultivars ‘Aurea’, ‘Goldi’, or 'Goldilocks'. This species has been reported escaping into natural areas in all but one county in Indiana.

Moneywort foliage and stems

Photo by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Moneywort in flower

Photo by Mary Welz, SICIM. Also depicted - ground ivy and wintercreeper

Moneywort in disturbed floodplain

Photo by Mary Welz, SICIM

Moneywort distribution

Map courtesy of EDDMapS. 2020. Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Available online at http://www.eddmaps.org

IDENTIFICATION & BIOLOGY: A member of the primrose family, moneywort is semi-evergreen, with prostrate branching growth habit, that roots at stem nodes, and forms dense mats. The common name moneywort is due to the appearance of the round, oppositely arranged, hairless leaves with smooth edges, that range from light-green to green-gold in color. The multi-branched stems are also light-green and hairless. Though blooms are infrequent, yellow 5 petaled flowers speckled with red dots arise from leaf axils in June-August. It may produce oval shaped seed capsules with 1-5 small seeds. Moneywort spreads primarily vegetatively, both by creeping growth as well as by rooting from stems and root fragments dispersed by water or through disturbance. It can also germinate from seed dispersed by water or soil movement.

LOOK-A-LIKES: Moneywort may be mistaken for a few other plant species, especially when not in flower. Our native partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) superficially resembles moneywort in that it has evergreen, opposite, rounded leaves and creeping habit. In comparison, partridgeberry is a slow growing, prostrate vine that has woody stems, shiny dark-green leaves with distinct light mid-veins, white trumpet-shaped flowers, and showy red fruits. Two non-native look-a-likes include the weedy common speedwell (Veronica officinalis) & the invasive ground ivy or creeping charlie (Glechoma hederacea) which are both creeping in habit with oppositely arranged leaves. To differentiate, common speedwell is a smaller plant with hairy stems, toothed leaves that are also hairy, and small light blue- lavender tubular flowers; whereas ground ivy has square stems, kidney shaped leaves with scalloped edges, and purple tubular flowers.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION: White moneywort is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, it prefers rich, moist, shaded soils. It spreads aggressively in various wetland habitat including wet meadows, marsh, swamp, bottoms, forested floodplain, and along waterways and shorelines. It is also common in ditches and right-of-way areas. Moneywort is currently reported throughout most of eastern North America, along the west coast, and in a few US midwestern states west the Mississippi.

ECOLOGICAL THREAT: Due to its increasingly wide distribution and ability to form dense mats of vegetation in wetland areas, moneywort outcompetes our native plants, interrupts food webs, and reduces wildlife biodiversity. Its shade tolerance and evergreen characteristics give it an advantage over native species in many types of wetland habitat. There is some evidence that suggests moneywort may alter the hydrology of wetland areas where it is dominant.

CONTROL:

Prevention - The first priority to limit the spread of this wetland invader is to stop the use of moneywort in ornamental landscape plantings and remove it from any existing intentional plantings.

Manual - For small areas of moneywort or whenever practical, you can pull or dig out plant parts. However, any stem or root material left behind may give rise to continued growth. For larger areas or in wetland conditions, manual removal is discouraged since this soil disturbance can encourage spread. Mechanical mowing or string trimming is not recommended since moneywort grows below mower height and these practices is may result in further distribution of plant parts and soil disturbance.

Chemical - Herbicides such as glyphosate (non-selective) or triclopyr (broadleaf specific) may provide some degrees of control, but there is little documentation on chemical control success for moneywort. For chemical control in sensitive wetland areas it is essential to use herbicide products and adjuvants that are aquatic label.

IMPORTANT: The pesticide label is the law! When using any chemical control, always read the entire pesticide label carefully, follow all mixing and application instructions and use all personal protective gear and clothing specified. Contact the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC) for additional pesticide use requirements, restrictions or recommendations.

 Fire & Cultural - For control in forested wetland areas, annual controlled burns in spring over the course of several years, when moneywort is actively growing and native vegetation is dormant, may suppress growth enough to allow native plants to regenerate. It may be useful to augment manual, chemical, and/or prescribed fire control with plantings of taller native plants such as grasses to shade out moneywort. Suggested native grasses include wood reed (Cinna arundinacea) and Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus).

Maintenance - Initial control efforts should be monitored regularly over the course of multiple years such that continued chemical and/or cultural control of persistent or new infestations may be required. For infestations along waterways, management downstream is recommended.

MONEYWORT HANDOUT: https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/pdfs/wow/monewart.pdf  

MONEYWORT REFERENCES & OTHER RESOURCES:

• http://indianainvasivespecies.org/

• https://www.eddmaps.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=5975#resources  

• https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/lysnum/all.html

• https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/355863

• https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/research/vmg/moneywort/

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/moneywort.htm

• https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/handbook/methods-handbook.pdf

• https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/creeping-jenny

• http://www.misin.msu.edu/facts/detail.php?id=178

• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=lynu

LOOK-A-LIKE REFERENCES:

• https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/common-speedwell

• https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/ground-ivy

• https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/partr_berry.html

 #moneywort #creepingjenny #lysimachianummularia #indianainvasiveplants #indianainvasviesinitiative #invasiveplantofthemonth