Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal

SSL is a MD graduation requirement: 75 hours to earn your diploma

SSL is composed of 3 steps:1. Preparation: what

are you doing and why is it necessary?

2. Action: the service3. Reflection: think and

write about your action and what you learned

SSL: Student Service Learning

What is a non-native invasive plant?

Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal: Background

Why are non-native plants here?

Non-Native:Exists in an environment where the species did not

evolve.

Invasive:Displays rapid growth and spreads quickly over large

areas.

•Brought by mistake in soil, ship ballast, or crop seed•Intentionally introduced because they provided:• Ornamental landscape material• Quick-growing and pest-free erosion

control• Visual screening and windbreaks• Edible food!

Non-Native Plants Native Plants•Outcompete native plants for basic necessities for survival•Are “immune” to natural controls that exist for native plants – including herbivores, parasites, and pathogens•Are aggressive and persistent

•Are food sources for native wildlife•Are host plants for native butterflies•Play a vital role in the local ecosystem

Benefits of RemovalVS

Native to Japan, Korea, and China Introduced in 1890 to combine with

raspberry and blackberry species Has 3 heart-shaped leaves that are white

underneathHas deep red hairy stalks

Wineberry

Stiltgrass is native to Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia and India.

It is a bright green grass that has silver hairs down the center of its short bamboo-like blade.

Stiltgrass invades and alters disturbed soils in sun or shade.

In fall, this Asian annual elongates quickly, then produces seed banks which stay viable in the soil for years.

 

Stilt Grass

Oriental Bittersweet• Oriental bittersweet is a deciduous,

climbing, woody vine that can grow to lengths of 60 ft. (18.3 m).

• Prolific vine growth allows it to encircle trees and girdle them.

• Vines can completely cover other vegetation and shade, out-compete and kill even large trees.

• It can be dispersed widely and quickly due to birds eating the berries and spreading the seeds.

• Remove by cutting the vine and pull up the roots

• DO NOT PULL THE VINE DOWN!!!

Native to EuropeIntroduced in 1860 by

humans for food and medicinal purposes

Leaves are triangular to heart-shaped, and give off an odor of garlic when crushed

Small white flowers each have four petals in the shape of a cross

Garlic Mustard

GARLIC MUSTARDSWEET CICELY – DON’T PULL!

GARLIC MUSTARD EARLY SAXIFRAGEDON’T PULL!

GARLIC MUSTARDTOOTHWORTDON’T PULL!

Pull EVERY invasive plant in your group's areaLeaving one plant is like

sowing a hundred seedsMake sure to get the roots

Grab the plant low on the stem and wiggle to loosen the roots

When a wineberry branch droops over and hits the ground, it often re-roots – watch for multiple root systems!

Pile invasives in one locationBrush piles will provide

shelter for small mammals and ground-dwelling birds

Action Plan

Poison Ivy

1. What did you do?2. How does it help the environment?3. How will you share what you

learned and continue your action with your family, community, and school?

4. What did you learn about yourself in the process?

Reflection