Berks County, PA invasive plant identification and removal guide for the Keystone Trails Association and

the Blue Mountain Outdoor Adventurers Meetup

vol. 1, 2015

Richard Gardnerrtgardner3@yahoo.com

This presentation can be found at:http://www.slideshare.net/rtgardner3

Article 1, section 27 of Pennsylvania’s constitution:

“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

One of the most important reasons we remove non-native plants from our trails and forests is that we value biodiversity. A primary cause of plant and animal extinctions in our present world is that organisms from outside local ecosystems are introduced to the local ecosystems. After that happens these non-native organisms can aggressively displace native organisms. This results in a catastrophic cascading effect on native insects, birds, mammals, plants, … in that ecosystem. Often the introduction of just one non-native organism can cause the collapse of an ecosystem with the resultant extinction of many native organisms.

One of our primary goals as trail maintainers, naturalists, ecologists and conservationists is to preserve the natural aesthetics of the trails and the lands around them. Non-native invasive organisms detract form the natural beauty by compromising and/or destroying the ecosystems through which our trails run.

A healthy and aesthetic ecosystem is one with maximal diversity. This helps systems to resist negative change while fostering positive change.* When invasive non-native plants (organisms) enter an ecosystem the health of that ecosystem is compromised by displacing native organisms and native organism systems. The resulting extinctions of members of that ecosystem hurt the health of that ecosystem, often resulting in its collapse. * There is always change in a natural system. Our goal is to prevent negative change which destroys biodiversity while encouraging positive change which promotes biodiversification. The healthiest ecosystems are the most complex ones.

As an example, the native moth Atteva aurea is dependent on a series of Asteraceae (aster) and Lamiaceae (mint) family members to feed on throughout the summer and fall. Monarda fistulosablooms earliest followed by Rudbeckia hirta. Next, Verbesina alternifolia and Rudbeckia lacinata bloom for several weeks in mid-summer. This is followed by multiple Solidago species until a hard freeze. Each one of these is a generous nectar source for Atteva aurea (and other native pollinators). Removing one of these nectaries could cause Atteva aurea in our area to go extinct by depriving it of a continuous food supply.

This is a list of some of the most common non-native invasive plants

on the Appalachian Trail and nearby trails in Berks County, PA.

common name scientific name

1 tree-of-heaven Ailanthus altissima

2 garlic mustard Allaria petiolata

3 Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii

4 oriental bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus

5 spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa

6 crown vetch Coronilla varia

7 Autumn olive Elaeagnus umbellata

8 winged euonymus/burning bush Euonymus alatus

9 giant knotweed Fallopia sachalinensis

10 Orange/Asian Day lily Hemerocallis fulva

11 dames rocket Hesperis matronalis

12 Chinese lespedeza Lespedeza cuneata

13 Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica

14 Amur honeysuckle Lonicera maacki

15 Morrows honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii

16 Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

17 mile-a-minute Polygonum perfoliatum

18 lesser celadine Ranunculus ficaria

19 multiflora rose Rosa multiflora

20 wineberry Rubus phoenicolasius

21 stinging nettle Urtica dioica

22 periwinkle Vinca minor/major

23 poison ivy* Toxicodendren radicans

* native, but causes severe dermatitis

Common name: Tree-of-heavenScientific name: Ailanthus altissimaOrigin: ChinaLocal habitat: It prefers the edge of wooded areas and open fields. However, it

will grow in wooded areas where light reaches the forest floor.Identifying features: It has odd pinnate compound leaves with blade-like leaflets

which are opposite. Leaflets have one pair to several pairs of teeth towards the proximal end. Each tooth has a gland on the distal end of the point. The odor is unmistakable at certain times when downwind.

Reproduction: Wind borne seeds and additionally clones when injured.What to do: Drill 3/8” diameter holes 1” deep every 2” of circumference, fill holes

with 50.2% glyphosate (purple cap Roundup®). The more ecologically sound approach is to plant native aster/sunflower/daisy family members to attract Atteva aurea, a native moth. Locally, the larvae feed exclusively on Ailanthus altissima. It also carries a mite which is an Ailanthus specialist and various diseases which kill Ailanthus.

When to do it: April through early fall or during dormancy with certain modifications as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

DO NOT CUT THIS TREE DOWN AS IT WILL CLONE PROLIFICALLY FROM THE STUMP!!!

Tree-of-heaven

female tree in winter with some of the seeds still attached

glands

Atteva aurea

Staghorm sumac, Rhus typhina, an Ailanthus look-alike.

The leaves of sumac have saw-toothed edges.

Common name: Garlic mustardScientific name: Alliaria petiolataOrigin: EurasiaLocal habitat: the understory along trails and roadsIdentifying features: It is one of the earliest plants to bloom which has white

flowers on multiple stems up to mid-thigh height. Leaves are rounded cordate with crenate margins. Stems and leaves have a strong scent when broken and rubbed between the fingers. It is a biennial, but occasional individual plants may live more than 2 years.

Reproduction: seeds which hitchhike on clothing and shoes. It can then spread further into the wooded areas. There is some thought that areas without earthworms (another non-native in our area) are unable to grow garlic mustard.

What to do: Pull out by the roots and put in a pile where it can be monitored.When to do it: Mid to late spring before seeds mature or in winter when

small plants are identifiable. Repeat over several years to empty the seed bank. Monitor for at least seven years.

Common name: Japanese barberryScientific name: Berberis thunbergiiOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: the understory and along the margins of wooded areasIdentifying features: a shrub 1’ to 6’ in height and diameter with sharp straight

thorns on brown stems, light green to dark green and red leaves with red berries during the fall/winter in the understory of a forest or along its edges. The wood is yellowish when cut.

Reproduction: Seeds eaten by birdsWhat to do: Wear thick gloves with gauntlets, a long sleeved shirt and heavy

canvas pants. Cut with branch loppers at the base and dig or pull out the roots.

When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Other: Apparently controlling the deer population lets native understory plants grow to the point where Japanese barberry is shaded out and ceases to be a problem.

Caution: 1. Ticks may be a problem on this plant in growing season. Therefore after a freeze and before mid-spring are probably the best time to remove this plant.

2. Thorns may have a mild toxin on them. Where the skin has been scratched needs to be thoroughly washed and carefully observed for several days.

Common name: Oriental bittersweetScientific name: Celastrus orbiculatusOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: forests and fields, usually along the edges but can be found

anywhereIdentifying features: Moderately rough to smooth vines growing on trees, shrubs

and across the ground with acuminate leaves towards and on the ends of new growth becoming orbicular mature leaves, clusters of green seeds maturing to bright yellow/orange seeds during the fall are stemward of the leaves. Roots are bright orange often with dense fuzzy root clusters branching from the main root when pulled from the ground.

Reproduction: seeds spread by birds.What to do: Wear gloves. Cut from trees with pruning shears and branch loppers

or pruning saws at ground level. If possible, pull out the roots. Monitor for regrowth.

When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Common name: Spotted knapweedScientific name: Centaurea stoebeOrigin: Eastern Europe, probably through contaminated seedLocal habitat: open fields and open trailsIdentifying features: proliferate small purple to lavender thistle-like flowers on

multiple branches, blue-green pinnatisect ground level foliage .Reproduction: seedsWhat to do: Pull plants out with the roots or use a weed whip, string trimmer or

similar to cut off plants before the seeds mature.When to do it: After flowering starts and before seeds mature. Monitor over

several years.

Common name: Crown vetchScientific name: Coronilla variaOrigin: Penn State Department of Agriculture, Mediterranean basinLocal habitat: open fields and along the edge of open fieldsIdentifying features: low lying ground cover with compound leaves and

red/lavender/pink flowers in a round cluster.Reproduction: seedsWhat to do: Pull plants out with the roots or use a weed whip, string trimmer or

similar to cut off plants before the seeds mature.When to do it: Late spring to mid-summer before seeds mature.

Common name: Autumn olive and Russian OliveScientific name: Elaeagnus umbellata and Elaeagnus angustifoliaOrigin: EuropeLocal habitat: the edges of fields and open fields, often forming hedgerowsIdentifying features: It is a large dense shrub with silvery elongated linear leaves

which turn green during the summer. Stems may have long sharp thorns. Flowers have a cloying sweet scent when in bloom.

Reproduction: seeds spread by wildlifeWhat to do: Pull as many plants as possible out by the roots. If necessary cut

branches close to the roots, preferably before the seeds mature. Monitor for regrowth.

When to do it: Anytime as these plants are easily identifiable year round.

Common name: Winged Euonymus/Burning BushScientific name: Euonymus alatusOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: the understory and along the margins of wooded areasIdentifying features: a shrub with light colored “wings” on green stems. Leaves

turn from green to vibrant red in the fall, when it is easily spotted.Reproduction: Seeds eaten by birdsWhat to do: Wear gloves. Cut with branch loppers at the base and dig out the

roots. Monitor for regrowth.When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Common name: Winged burning bushScientific name: Euonymus alatusOrigin: temperate AsiaLocal habitat: wooded areas as an understory plantReproduction: seedsIdentifying features: understory shrub with leaves which turn a bright red in the fall, green

irregularly shaped stems with brown “wings” on themWhat to do: Cut stems and dig out roots.When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Common name: Giant knotweed and Bohemian knotweedScientific name: Fallopia (Polygonum) sachalinensis and Polygonum x bohemicumOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: GK – the understory in wooded areas, BK – dry full sun areas along

trailsIdentifying features: Scattered plants to dense beds of canes in dry areas with

large and broad cordate shaped leaves on a segmented stem. Up to over 6’ tall.

Reproduction: sexual from seeds and asexual from pieces of rhizomes and stems with a node which take root.

What to do: Dig plants out using a spading fork to remove the rhizomes or use a weed whip, string trimmer or similar to cut off plants several times from mid-May to dieback in the fall. This plant may regenerate after cutting so it needs to be monitored throughout the growing season.

When to do it: As soon as plants are identifiable in the spring to dieback in the fall. Roots may be removed as long as stands are identifiable.

Notes – I am working on a method where stems are cut and every 3rd stem is filled with 20% glyphosate for small areas. It needs more testing.Digging this plant out of rocky soil is almost impossible.

Giant knotweed

Giant knotweed

Giant knotweed

Bohemian knotweed

Bohemian knotweed

Bohemian knotweed

Bohemian knotweed

Bohemian knotweed

Bohemian knotweed

Common name: Asian or Orange daylilyScientific name: Hemerocallis fulvaOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: damp areas locallyIdentifying features: Most commonly seen along roadsides, along damp trails and

other moist areas with bright orange flowers on long stems.Reproduction: seeds and root clonesWhat to do: Pull/dig out the plants with the bulbs or use a weed whip, string

trimmer or similar to cut off plants before the seeds mature. Put all the pulled material into a pile where it may be monitored or take it out with you in heavy duty plastic bags. This plant may regenerate after cutting so it needs to be monitored throughout the growing season. Eliminating this plant may take years

When to do it: As soon as plants are identifiable in the spring to dieback in the early fall.

Common name: Dames rocketScientific name: Hesperis matronalisOrigin: EuropeLocal habitat: open woodlandIdentifying features: beautiful light purple, deep purple and white flowers on a

daisy-like stem which blooms in mid-spring in fields and the edges of wooded areas.

Reproduction: seedWhat to do: Pull plants out with the roots or use a weed whip, string trimmer or

similar to cut off plants before the seeds mature.When to do it: Late spring to early summer before seeds mature.

Other: After early summer there is a native look alike, Fall Phlox.

Common name: Chinese lespedezaScientific name: Lespedeza cuneataOrigin: Asia and eastern AustraliaLocal habitat: dry areas with full sunIdentifying features: It resembles many plants common to dry areas. The long

straight stems are covered with small dense light green cuneate leaves, coming from the stems. Flowers are small white and at the base of the leaves.

Reproduction: seedsWhat to do: Pull out plants as soon as they are identifiable.When to do it: From when plants are identifiable to before seeds mature.

Common name: Japanese honeysuckleScientific name: Lonicera japonica

Origin: Asia

Local habitat: It prefers the edge of wooded areas and open woodlands, even though it will grow in forests

Identifying features: Elliptic shaped leaves opposite on climbing vines. Distinct flowers with a sweet odor when in bloom. Prefers partially shaded edges with a substrate of brush and small trees to climb on. Shaggy vines which climb around the trunks of trees

Reproduction: Cloning and bird distributed seeds.

What to do: Cut vines off trees and pull off of shrubs. Pull out the roots if possible.When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Common name: Amur honeysuckleScientific name: Lonicera maackiiOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: wooded areasIdentifying features: Bushy shrub of up to 15 feet height with dark green

acuminate leaves. Reproduction: seeds spread by birdsWhat to do: Pull out roots of all plants when possible.* Otherwise cut stems and

trunks close to the ground and monitor over several years for resprouting from stems.

When to do it: Anytime as this plant and its relative Morrows honeysuckle are easily identifiable year round.

* Recent experience has shown that most if not all the plants can be pulled out by the roots. Winter before the ground has frozen or spring after the ground has thawed are the best times to pull out this plant due to its tendency to harbor large numbers of ticks.

Other: At least one and possibly several diseases and insects are killing this plant locally.

Common name: Morrows honeysuckleScientific name: Lonicera morrowiiOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: wooded areasIdentifying features: Bushy shrub up to 15 feet height with elliptic shaped

leaves. What to do: Pull out roots of all plants when possible.* Otherwise cut stems and

trunks close to the ground and monitor over several years for resprouting from stems.

Reproduction: seeds spread by birdsWhen to do it: Anytime as this plant and its relative Amur honeysuckle are

easily identifiable year round.

* Recent experience has shown that most if not all the plants can be pulled out by the roots. Winter before the ground has frozen or spring after the ground has thawed are the best times to pull out this plant due to its tendency to harbor large numbers of ticks.

Other: At least one and possibly several diseases and insects are killing this plant locally.

Damage caused by Hyadaphistataricae, the honeysuckle aphid

Common name: Japanese stiltgrassScientific name: Microstegium vimineumOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: wooded areas with partial to low sun. It usually starts along the

edge of trails and roads where people accidently carry the hitchhiking seeds on their clothing or vehicles. It spreads across the landscape from there. Intermittent/seasonal streams are often a preferred growing location and a corridor by which it spreads through the forest as mature seeds apparently float. Deer and other mammals may carry seeds in their fur into the forest.

Identifying features: silver vein down middle of leaf, large dense beds which become noticeable in early to mid summer especially along trails and stream beds.

Reproduction: seeds which hitchhike on clothing and shoes or flow down vernal streams.

What to do: If possible, pull out by the roots. Otherwise, use a weed whacker, string trimmer or grass whip when plants are tall enough to cut. Horticultural vinegar may work when plants are small. Glyphosate at 0.2% (@ ¼ ounce in 1 gallon water) is supposed to be effective.

When to do it: Several times from early to late summer before seed maturity.

diseased (yellowing) plants

diseased (yellowing) plants

Common name: Mile-a-minuteScientific name: Polygonum perfoliatumOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: edges of woods and open areas within woods where birds have

roosted.Identifying features: blue green triangular leaves, thin jointed fuchsia and green

prickly stems, clusters of green, purple and dark blue berries. Blankets an area fast.

Reproduction: seed spread by birds and water.What to do: Wear gloves and long sleeves as the vines grab skin! Pull vines and

place in a distinct pile which can be monitored. Mowing and a string trimmer may also be effective if area is monitored afterward.

When to do it: This is a warm weather plant which begins to germinate in early to mid-June. It becomes very obvious shortly thereafter. As soon as plants are identifiable pull them out!

Other: A weevil (Rhinoncomimus latipes L.) is a non-native classical biological control which is being used. I do not trust this insect due to the fear that it is only a matter of time before this organism begins eating native plants as there are many members of its family locally. Historically this has proven true in other situations.

Common name: Lesser CelandineScientific name: Ranunculus ficariaOrigin: EuropeLocal habitat: wooded flood plainsIdentifying features: low to the ground bright yellow flowers with thick green

broad-leafed cordate shaped leaves in clumps in the spring along waterways and in floodplains.

Reproduction: seeds and roots/bulbs which flow down streams in a watershedWhat to do: Dig up plants to remove the bulbs or use a weed whip, string trimmer

or similar to cut off plants before the seeds mature.When to do it: Mid to late spring before seeds mature. Repeat over several years.

Common name: Multiflora roseScientific name: Rosa multifloraOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: fields and wooded areasIdentifying features: the only rose I know of where the thorns curve towards the

center of plant.Reproduction: seeds and stems cloningWhat to do: Wear heavy gloves with gauntlets and canvas pants! Cut with a pole

saw as close to the base as possible. Dig out the roots.When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Other: Rose rosette disease, a gall mite and at least one fungal pathogen appear to be killing multiflora rose in the local area. It is becoming increasingly hard to find healthy plants to observe.

CAUTION: When working with multiflora, thorns shatter into small slivers with skin contact which remain in the skin indefinitely. Therefore check scratches and pricks for pieces of thorns.

rose rosette disease

rose rosette disease

rose rosette disease

rose rosette disease

yellowing leaves is symptomatic of the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum

Common name: WineberryScientific name: Rubus phoenicolasiusOrigin: AsiaLocal habitat: woodlands, along the edges of roads and trailsIdentifying features: raspberry like plant with green or red stems having a

combination of soft fuzzy prickles and hard thorns.Reproduction: seeds which are spread by birds and mammals and clones from

stemsWhat to do: Wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt. Pull out by the roots.When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Common name: Stinging nettleScientific name: Urtica dioicaOrigin: Eurasia, some may be nativeLocal habitat: wet areasIdentifying features: mint-like perennial plant with hairy stems which sting for

hours or days when touched and distinct hanging flowersReproduction: seeds and clones from rootsWhat to do: Wear gloves, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Pull plants out with

the roots or use a weed whip, string trimmer or similar to cut off plants before the seeds mature. This plant may regenerate after cutting so it needs to be monitored throughout the growing season.

When to do it: As soon as plants are identifiable in the spring to dieback in the early fall.

Common name: PeriwinkleScientific name: Vinca minor, Vinca majorOrigin: Europe, AsiaLocal habitat: wooded and partially wooded old homesteadsIdentifying features: low growth along the ground on woody vines, shiny

evergreen ovate leaves, blue or lavender 5 petal flowers.Reproduction: seeds and clones from vinesWhat to do: Pull out all vines by the roots and put in an easily monitored pile. OR

use a string trimmer on the bed several times a year.When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round.

Common name: Poison ivyScientific name: Toxicodendron radicansOrigin: native. It is included because it is one of the most prolific plants along the AT with the

greatest potential for persistent dermatitis. Local habitat: It is one of the most universal plants as far as habitat. It can be found in deep

woods to open fields, on ocean dunes and in rip-rap.Identifying features: It is very plastic in form. On the ground is has gently curving vines which

will start parallel to the ground, eventually making a right angle arc to perpendicular to the ground. It may grow as a shrub. It can climb trees as hairy and not so hairy vines from gray to a rich brown in color. Leaves are trifoliate. The leafmargins may be smooth to semi-serrated with differing numbers of teeth of different sizes. Leaf color varies from bright green to deep red.

Reproduction: seeds spread by birds and clonesWhat to do: Wear washable boots, a long sleeved shirt, 2 pairs of latex gloves and other PPE

to prevent contact with all parts of the plant regardless of the time of year it is handled. On trees cut the vines twice 4” apart as close to the ground as possible so as to create a gap in the vines. This may require an axe as mature vines are very hard. If possible pull out all vines found on the ground. When not possible, carefully mow or weed whack several times over a growing season. Regardless of the method be careful to avoid contact with the plant. Wash all clothing twice and tools when done. Controlled grazing may be an option as goats and sheep apparently love to eat this plant.

When to do it: Anytime as this plant is easily identifiable year round. Winter is best as the plant is in dormancy, even though still toxic.

ToolsPullerBear

Branch loppers

Stand Up Weeder, Fiskars

Weed whip

Spading fork with shovel handle

Round shovel which has been sharpened

Bypass pruning shears with holster

Leather gloves

Pruning saw with case

Small branch loppers

Tools

Richard Gardner

rtgardner3@yahoo.com

This presentation can be found at:http://www.slideshare.net/rtgardner3