Invasive Woody Plants

How to Transition an Area from Invasive to Native Plants

In this issue: Help us learn more about our readers and subscribers by taking our short survey. Read about a potential ally in the fight against hemlock wooly adelgid, and how Marylanders can get a rebate for planting native trees. There's information about our spring session of "The Woods in Your Backyard" online course, plus our regular features: the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" looks at the American beaver and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at Princess tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

How to identify and mange Japanese knotweed using an Integrated Pest Management approach.

Invasive plants that should not be introduced into your yard and garden.

How to manage invasive trees.

How to manage invasive shrubs.

Japanese privets are less common than other privets that are more widespread across the eastern U.S. Reported sightings in the mid-Atlantic are sparse, but it may be more widespread, based on its continued use in landscaping.

European buckthorn is a native of Europe and was introduced here as an ornamental plant, perhaps as early as the late 1700s. In the 1900s, it was planted widely to form living fence rows and for wildlife habitat. Since then, it has spread aggressively into a variety of environments.

Autumn olive is now considered an invasive plant species for a variety of reasons. While it is not illegal to sell the plant in every jurisdiction where it exists, many natural resources management agencies and organizations discourage property owners from further planting.

Japanese barberry tolerates shade, resists drought, and deer don’t eat it. While this sounds like a perfect combination for ornamental planting, because deer do not browse it, it can outcompete native shrubs. It spreads rapidly through woodlands, open fields, and wetlands.