Garlic mustard is an exotic invasive plant from Europe that invades woodland habitats in North America and impacts forest biodiversity. In some woodlands, dense stands of garlic mustard in the spring threaten showy spring blooming ephemerals like spring beauty, trilliums and trout lilies. Other research points toward potentially negative impacts on timber species and forest health. …
Spiderwort Friend or Foe?
Tradescantia The Spiderwort, Tradescantia virginiana, a spring blooming plant is considered to be an easy to care for and grow wildflower plant. Its other common name is Widow’s Tears. A herbaceous perennial in the family Commelinaceae, is native to the New World from Southern Canada to Northern Argentina, including the West Indies. Its unusual name …
Invasive Plants – Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica, an invasive species is prevalent in Kalamazoo County. It spreads easily and seems to be incredibly indestructable. The City of Kalamazoo hired Hannah Hudson last summer as the tall grass and weeds inspector. She has a background in natural resources, but had never heard of Japanese knotweed. She quickly learned its …
Invasive Plant – Swallow-wort
Black and Pale Swallow-worts Cynanchum louiseae ( Vincetoxicum nigrum) and Cynanchum rossicum ( Vincetoxicum rossicum) Plant Threatens Michigan Monarchs Swallow-wort can be confused with Milkweed by Monarch butterflies because their seed pods are similar. This Michigan decorative garden plant, brought to the United States during the 19th century, has affected how Monarchs develop. For more …
