Ah, those pesky seedlings, and vines and… “Invasives” are plants that have had an advantage in the environment due to plentiful resources, or a lack of competition from other species. Many manage to germinate from seed easily, primarily with the help of birds and other wildlife; and can take over large swaths of the landscape, leaving the ground underneath barren of native species. Those maple samaras provide little in the way of food for our birds.
So which trees, shrubs and vines are such enemies of the North Shore woodland landscape?
- Japanese Maple – Acer palmatum
- Norway Maple – Acer platanoides
- Sycamore Maple – Acer pseudoplatanus
- Bradford Pear – Pyrus calleryana
- Burning Bush – Euonymus alatus
- Barberry – Berberis thunbergii
- Multiflora Rose – Rosa multiflora
- Oriental Bittersweet – Celastrus orbiculatus
- Japanese Wisteria – Wisteria sinensis
- English Ivy – Hedera helix
- Vinca or “myrtle” – Vinca minor
- Butterfly Bush – Buddleia davidii
Other perennials and grasses include:
- Japanese Knotweed – Fallopia japonica aka Polygonum cuspidatum
- Bamboo – Phyllostachys nigra
- Lesser Celandine – Ficaria verna
- Garlic Mustard – Alliaria petiolata
How many of you are surprised by some of the plants on this list? Many of our traditional garden favorites are here – flowering pear trees, Japanese maples, burning bush, barberry! However, they re-produce readily, displacing native plant species (which provide food and habitat for native animals). Some of these plants are now restricted for sale, or are on the NYDEC Invasive Species List.
Seedlings, such as tiny Japanese and Norway maples, are easy to pull. However, established stands of weed trees, shrubs and vines may require the skill and safety equipment of a professional landscape contractor for removal. Additionally, it is important to consider that when removing invasive plants such as garlic mustard, to not let them go to seed! Putting it on the compost will just spread it to your compost. Bag it and put any unwanted seeds or diseased plant waste in the garbage.
Other plants such as Japanese knotweed, must be pulled by the roots, relentlessly! Add this to your garden workout routine! Just be sure to align your body properly when pulling weeds so you don’t throw your back out.
Lesser celandine is far more difficult to eradicate, as it develops seeds in its axils which fly everywhere when the plant is disturbed. Smothering may be your best bet. Right now, I have a standoff between it, and English ivy on a slope. Nobody is going anywhere to fast, though.
The Long Island Invasive Species Management Area (LIISMA) is a local organization committed to battle the problems presented by the influx of invasive plant species. They are seeking volunteers to aid with invasive plant eradication. You may also report invasive insects or plants found in your Long Island garden to: NYiMapinvasives
