Privet, Ligustrum species, is an invasive, flowering, deciduous shrub. Various privet species are commonly used as hedges in residential and commercial landscapes. Some privet species have spread into understory forests and roadsides and are considered invasive plants in New Jersey.
Jetbead, Rhodotypos scandens Jetbead is an invasive spring flowering, deciduous shrub. It is available as an ornamental and spreads into understory forests and roadsides. Its attractive white flower starts blooming in April making it easy to identify this time of year. Jetbead can grow in both full sun and shade. Due to its tolerance of […]
December Angelica Tree Aralia elata Japanese angelica tree (Aralia elata) is an extremely aggressive, fast growing, deciduous tree that invades forest canopy gaps, forest edges, and right of ways. It is a heavy seed producer and once this tree invades an area it takes over quickly, forming dense stands (Figure 1) and suppressing native vegetation […]
October English ivy (Hedera helix) Invasive vines such as English ivy can kill healthy, mature trees. Simple actions like controlling invasive vines can help save trees which are vital for capturing greenhouse gases and reducing the impact of climate change. Ecological threat: English ivy (Hedera helix) is an ornamental vine commonly planted in landscapes as a […]
Linden viburnum (Viburnum dilatatum) is an ornamental shrub commonly planted in landscapes, Linden viburnum invades the understory of forests and thrives in the shade. Be on the lookout for Linden viburnum’s bright red cluster of fruit in the fall persisting into December. This invasive shrub has creamy white flowers in clusters in the spring.
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), or simply referred to as stiltgrass, is an annual grass that grows from 12 to 36 inches tall. Its narrow stem has segments separated by joints; each segment produces a leaf, and each has a silvery-pearlescent midvein and leaf margin. It was inadvertently introduced to the United States in 1919 in shipping packaging and has since become widespread.
Miscanthus sinensis, Chinese Silver Grass
A common ornamental grass, Silver Grass quickly spreads over open disturbed areas and pushes out native plants that wildlife depend on for habitat.
NJ Most un-Wanted Invasive Species Ken Sammond, RES 2022, led an invasive plant species training session in March at the Metuchen Library. 25 community members learned about invasive plant species harming their local ecosystem and how they can be managed. Ken also led a hands-on field day at the 1,250-acre Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preserve, one of […]
