Hiking through two different local areas this past weekend, I’ve observed frightening arrays of young, but obviously fast growing plants of various species, by far the majority of them not native. I saw masses of oriental bittersweet, miniature forests of Chinese privet and burning bush along with gross stands of non-native lespedeza. And most surprising, even new clumps of English Ivy with its small, shiny new leaves.
The winter of 2013 will go down in history, not just for its relative mildness and copious rainfall, but for the unleashing of a renewed onslaught of invasive plants.
Any homeowner or property owner ought to take a stroll over their property, particularly fence lines and the edges where shady forest or dense brush meets the sunlit corridor of a roadway. That’s where birds congregate to enjoy their lunch of berries and other fruits, but leave behind the indigestible but very viable seeds.
For help in identifying the plant and determining appropriate control measures contact your local Cooperative Extension Service. Unfortunately, just pulling the plants often leaves behind a fragment of root which is enough to emerge as a new plant. A chemical attack may be suggested.
Article written by Glenn Palmer, Extension Master Gardener Volunteer.