Invasive plants of the region.

As we look at the watershed an added challenge is how to deal with invasive species some of which have been in the system for almost 100yrs, as we look to eradicate them,  and replace with native species, we need to take into account their place in the ecosystem that we have. Do they have a significant role in supporting the watersheds ecosystem, have they changed the ecosystem, in a way that it is now dependent on the services of the invasive species.   Things to consider.

Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

 Dan Tenaglia, Missouriplants.com, Bugwood.org

 

Introduced in 1916 to develop fire blight resistance in production pear trees, was widely used for root stock.

1950- became a popular ornamental tree that once established forms dense thickest that push out other species

Growth: 20-30’ tall

Leaves: Simple broad-Ovate, 1-3” in length, shiny dark green in color.

Bark:  light brown with scaly ridges

Treatment: cut trees and treat with herbicide, or manual remove root systems. (NPS,2016)

Fun fact: smells like rotting fish .

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Introduced by a Pennsylvania gardener in 1748 and made commercially available by 1840.  Threatens agricultural and natural ecosystems due to prolific seed production and establishment of dense stands that push out native plants. (NPS,2016b)

Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

 

Contains chemicals that can be herbicidal to other plants to help establish and spread its footprint in an area.

Growth: up to 70’

Bark: smooth pale gray, wood is soft/weak course grained

Leaves: compound 1-4 ft long with 11-25 smaller leaflets with teeth near the base.

Mitigation: cut in early summer when demand for food is highest for tree growth, and then repeat frequently to reduce threat of re-occurrence. Use herbicide as needed.   (NPS, 2016b)

Phragmites  (Phragmites australis)

 

Phragmites is a species that comes to mind when discussing invasive species and wetlands. Interestingly enough, there are both native species of this reed  and the introduced European  variation introduced in the late 18^th and early 19^th century through transfer of ballast material from European ships.  The European variety has established itself  in freshwater and brackish marshes, river edges, shores, ponds, roadsides, and disturbed areas and out competes native vegetation through prolific seeding, and rhizomes that run up to 10’ per year to creating a multicultural stand with limited ecological benefit.

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/fieldguide/critter/phragmites

Description:  Known as Common reed, Phragmites, is a tall Perennial grass that grows to heights of 15’, Has leaves that are usually 1- 1.5 in wide, and a fluffy panicle at the top due to the hairs on the seeds.(NPS, 2016 c)

Photo ©2006 Susan Vincent

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/phraus/all.html

Uses: Young reeds can be used for grazing, but older reads can be grazed, but are lacking in nutrition and potentially for cellulose production for biofuel. 

 

Management:  Over graze, mow repeatedly, prescribed burning, excavation and herbicides.

Parrot Feather (Myriophylleum aquaticum)

Parrot Feather is another long term invasive species originating in South America , with the first identification being reported in the 1890’s.  A water borne plant it forms a surficial mat, blocking sunlight from algae in the water column below, disrupting the food chain, and is a preferred habitat for mosquito larvae. (NPS, 2016 d)

John M. Randall, TNC from: https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/myaq.htm

Description: Aquatic plant, suspended in the water column with  well developed finely pinnately leaves

Habitat: freshwater slow moving water bodies, prefers alkaline and high-nutrient environments

Propagates: vegetatively, through whole plants or fragments, usual by human or animal transportation.

Uses: Aquarium ornamental

Mitigation: Currently none (NPS, 2016d)

Reference:

Maryland, (2016), Maryland Manual On-Line, A guide to Maryland & its Government, Maryland at a glance, State Symbols, accessed from: http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/symbols/html/tree.html

National Park Service, (2016), Mid Atlantic Alien Plants, Trees, Callery Pear, Accessed from: https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/pyca.htm

National Park Service, (2016b), Mid Atlantic Alien Plants, Trees, Tree of Heaven Accessed from: https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/aial.htm

National Park Service, (2016c), Plant Conservation Alliance’s Alien Plant Working  Group, Least Wanted, Common Reed, Accessed from: https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/phau1.htm#table

National Park Service, (2016c), Aquatic Plants, Parrot-Feather,  Accessed from: https://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/myaq.htm

USDA, (2016), United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service , Plant Fact Sheet, White Oak, Accessed from: https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_qual.pdf

USDA, (2016a), United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service , Plant Fact Sheet, Red Maple, Accessed from :http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_acru.pdf

USDA, (2016b), United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service , Plant Fact Sheet, Broad-Leaved Cattail, Accessed from : http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_tyla.pdf

USDA, (2016c), United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service , Plant Fact Sheet, Silver Maple, Accessed from :

http://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_acsa2.pdf

Wildflower. Org,(2016), Lady Bird Johnson, Wild Flower Center, University of Texas at Austin, Accessed from: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ACRU