Winter Creeper Burning Bush Bush Honeysuckles Euonymus Fortunei (Winged Euonymus, Winged Wahoo, Lonicera Maackii , L

Winter Creeper Burning Bush Bush Honeysuckles Euonymus fortunei (winged euonymus, winged wahoo, Lonicera maackii , L. morrowii , L. tatarica , L. x bella winged spindle-tree) Description - Euonymus alatus Description - • Evergreen vine that can form a dense groundcover. • Shrubs, ranging from 6 to 15 feet in height. Can grow as a shrub up to 3 feet in height, or climb Description - • Egg-shaped to oblong opposite leaves are 1- 2 ½ 40-70 foot vertical surfaces with the aid of aerial • Deciduous shrub with gray stems and corky wing- inches long; leafing out first in spring and roots. like ridges. persisting into late fall. • 1 – 2 ½ inch long paired leaves are dark green, • Opposite leaves, elliptic with a tapered tip, have • Pairs of fragrant, tubular white to pink flowers in shiny and egg-shaped with finely toothed margins fine serrations on the margins. late spring. and whitish veins. • Leaves turn bright red color in fall. • Fruits are red or orange berries containing many • Inconspicuous green-white 5-petaled flowers that • Flowers are small, yellowish green in color and seeds. bloom June to July. inconspicuous in pairs at the tips of y-shaped • Fruits are pinkish to red capsules that split open to stems. Distribution - Introduced for use as ornamentals, and expose seeds adorned with a fleshy orange seed • Smooth, purplish fruit are a half inch long and are for wildlife food and cover. Bush Honeysuckles are coat in fall. present from September through October. Each found in a wide variety of habitats from the Central fruit contains approximately four red to orange Great Plains to southern New England and south to Distribution - Scattered throughout the eastern United seeds. Tennessee and North Carolina. States. Distribution - Found in most states in the eastern U.S. Threat - Aggressively forms dense shrub layer that Threat - Forms dense ground cover that eliminates and the upper Midwest. crowds out native plant species. Can reduce tree native species from the understory. Impedes regeneration and eliminate understory species due to recruitment of canopy species. Can overtop trees and Threat - Can form dense thickets in natural woods and deep shade cast by the dense thickets. Fruits are rich in cause decreased vigor. shade out native plants. It is also an adaptive plant, carbohydrates but do not offer migrating birds the high- growing well in a wide range of soil types and pH fat, nutrient-rich food sources needed for long flights. Control - Hand pulling for young infestations and levels. Spreads quickly by root suckers and from birds Increased nest predation has been attributed to grubbing work for sensitive areas where herbicide is not dispersing seeds. branching structure and lack of thorns which enables suitable; however, any plant stem left can resprout. For predators easy access. larger vines, immediately apply a 25% solution of Control - Small plants can be hand pulled. Larger glyphosate or triclopyr to cut stems. Foliar spray with a plants can be cut and the stump surface sprayed with Control - Hand removal of seedlings or small plants surfactant can also be effective on large populations. glyphosate. Foliar spray is also an option but most may be useful for small populations; however any effective during early summer months. portion of root remaining can resprout. Foliar spray Similar Plants - Periwinkle (Vinca spp.) also invasive, with a 2% glyphosate or triclopyr mixture where risk to has glossy leaves and is evergreen. However, flowers Similar Plants - When dormant, twigs may resemble non-target species is minimal. Air temperature should are purple and leaf-shape is more elliptic. winged elm (Ulmus alata). Could also be confused be above 65 degrees F. Or, cut stumps and immediately with native strawberry bush (Euonymus americana). treat cut surface with a 25% solution of glyphosate or Origin - Introduced from China as an ornamental triclopyr. groundcover. Origin - Introduced from northeast Asia and promoted as an ornamental. Similar Plants - Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) has slender purple to brown twigs and the berries have a purple hue.

Origin - China, Asia and Russia. L. x bella is a hybrid of L. morrowii and L. tatarica.

Kudzu Chinese Yam Japanese Stilt Grass Pueraria lobata (Cinnamon Vine, Air Potato) (Asian Stilt Grass, Nepal Grass) Dioscorea batatas, D. oppositifolia, D. bulbifera Microstegium vimineum Description - • Fast-growing vine, usually has three leaflets but Description - Description - may be fused into 1-2 with major to minor lobes. • Chinese Yam and air potato are long-climbing • Pale green lance-like thin leaves up to 3 inches Leaflets 2-4 inches wide and hairy on edges. vines with 2- to 3-inch wide shiny heart-shaped long on thin stems. Silvery strip of reflective hairs • Light purple/pink flowers with a fragrant, sweet leaves having arc-shaped veins. at center of upper side of leaf. grape smell in late summer. • Leaves may vary in shape to arrowhead-like with • Size varies; can be up to 3 feet tall, but often ½ to 2 • Roots are fleshy with massive tap roots. lobes at the leaf base. feet. Sometimes seen as a nearly mat-like cover • Pea- to marble-sized bulbils like small potatoes where mowed. Distribution - Major infestations in eastern and western occur at leaf nodes in late summer. These may • Plants come up or break off easily. Kentucky with scattered populations statewide. become potato-sized in other regions. • Ripe bulbils drop readily at slightest touch. Distribution - Observed along road sides, stream banks Threat - Kudzu kills or degrades other plants by and trails, but also found deep in forests. Found shading them under a blanket of leaves, by girdling Distribution - Found increasingly along stream throughout Kentucky. stems and tree trunks, and by breaking branches or corridors, forest openings, roadsides and around old uprooting trees by its weight. home sites. Threat - Adapted to shade, invades forests, forms dense patches that crowd out native plants in open and shaded Control - Root system must be killed. Mow or cut Threat - The vine is fast-growing (up to 1 inch per day sites. Spreads easily and can take over fields and monthly over two or more growing seasons. Sever at peak). It covers trees, shrubs, ground vegetation, and forests quickly, especially moist, rich soils and vines and treat roots to get foliar levels manageable for structures. It reproduces prolifically starting in late wetlands. Seeds remain viable for three years and are more direct treatments. Late season cutting of vines at June, and can spread rapidly along forest edges and easily spread by hay, soil on shoes, tires, and by water. root tops followed by immediate stump treatment with openings. 25% glyphosate works best. Foliar application of Control - Repeated hand pulling, especially when glyphosate to small plants repeatedly in a season may Control - Shading not recommended for long-term plants are in full bloom (late summer). Larger keep plants in check. No biological controls available. control. Mechanical control includes clipping, pulling, populations may be weed-whacked in late summer just Burning will not kill roots and may stimulate dormant or burning plants before bulbils form in mid-June. before plants produce seeds. Important to control small seeds to germinate. Seedlings can be herbicided or Follow-on foliar herbicide control of sprouts with populations quickly. Chemical controls include pulled, and fire helps clear site for native species and glyphosate. Glyphosate foliar spray (Roundup) June to glyphosate (Roundup). In wet areas, wetland can reveal hidden obstacles. August as bulbils just forming. formulations are needed (e.g., Rodeo).

Similar Plants - Native grapevines similar at a Similar Plants - The native yam has similar leaves, but Origin - Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, India distance, but leaf edges saw-toothed, not smooth and does not grow as aggressively. It often remains small not divided into 3 leaflets. In winter other vines and vertical (non-vine) and is found in shady forests. (Reference: Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant generally lack fuzziness on youngest growth. Working Group) Origin - Asia Origin - Asia (China, Japan) (Reference: The Nature Conservancy, the National (Reference: Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Park Service, and the Universities of Tennessee, Working Group) Florida, and Connecticut)

Information and resources provided by TN & SE Exotic Pest Plant Information and resources provided by TN & SE Exotic Pest Plant Information and resources provided by TN & SE Exotic Pest Plant Councils (tneppc.org and se-eppc.org), Southern Appalachian Man and Councils (tneppc.org and se-eppc.org), Southern Appalachian Man and Councils (tneppc.org and se-eppc.org), Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere Program (samab.org), TVA, The University of Tennessee, the Biosphere Program (samab.org), TVA, The University of Tennessee, the Biosphere Program (samab.org), TVA, The University of Tennessee, US Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Plant US Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Plant US Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Plant Conservation Alliance, and others. Conservation Alliance, and others. Conservation Alliance, and others.

Sericea Lespedeza Crown Vetch Autumn Olive (Chinese lespedeza) Coronilla varia Elaeagnus umbellata Lespedeza cuneata Description - Description - Description - • Creeping stem reaches 1 ½ feet in length • Shrub that grows to 20 feet with a bushy and • Perennial herb in the pea family. • Compound leaves range from 2-4 inches in length spreading crown. • Grows erect from 3 to 5 ½ feet in height with and have nine to twenty-five oblong leaflets • Leaves are alternate, short-petioled, glabrous, dark alternate leaves. • Five to twenty pea-like flowers that vary from pink, green above and silvery underneath. • Each leaf is divided into three smaller leaflets rose, or lilac appearing in late May-August • Twigs are silvery or golden brown, often with about ½ to 1 inch long with awl-shaped spines. • The seed is a four-angled legume with three to prominent spines. • Leaflets are covered with densely flattened hairs seven one-seeded segments. • Abundant berries turn red as they mature in the fall making them appear grayish-green or silver. and are speckled with brown to silvery scales. • Flowers are pea-like, white with purple markings Distribution - Widely distributed as an ornamental • Small clusters of fragrant tube-shaped yellowish and emerge singly or in clusters of 2-4 in the upper ground cover and for erosion control on banks and flowers bloom May-June. axils. reclamation of mine lands. • Older stems are woody and fibrous. Distribution - It was actively promoted for wildlife Threat - Overgrows native vegetation and out habitat, shelterbelts, strip mine reclamation, and Distribution - Found in open areas throughout the competes for resources by covering over them. Can ornamental uses. Found throughout the eastern and eastern United States. form single-species stands that can totally dominate Midwestern U.S. open natural areas (grasslands). Spreads vegetatively Threat - Invades bottomlands and burned grasslands, by underground roots or rhizomes and by seed. Seeds Threat - Rapid growth enables this shrub to out crowding out native plants and forming pure stands. remain viable in the soil for several years requiring compete native species. Prolific fruit production Mature seeds may remain viable for up to 20 years. consistent post-treatment monitoring. ensures ready distribution. An individual plant can Seedlings may represent only 1% of the seeds actually produce up to 8 pounds of fruit that is eaten and spread available in the soil. High tannin content makes it Control - Hand pulling of mature plants can be by birds and small mammals. Plants develop fruits undesirable to wildlife. Fruits are eaten and dispersed effective for small initial infestations. Mowing in the annually after 3 years of age. Fire stimulates re-sprouts, by animals and haying of infested fields disperses seed. flower bud stage for two to three consecutive years may making grassland management in infested areas more reduce vigor and control further spread. Cut plants as difficult. Control - Hand pulling is impractical, but mowing low to the ground as possible before they seed. plants in the flower bud state for two or three Mowing or burning and then applying an herbicide such Control - Foliar spray with triclopyr or glyphosate consecutive years may reduce vigor and control further as triclopyr or glyphosate to the leaves while the plants should be considered for large thickets where threat to spread. Cut as low to the ground as possible. Foliar are actively growing has been effective for control. non-target species is minimal. Air temperature should herbicide treatment in early to mid-summer with a 2% Repeated treatments are often needed due to the dense be above 65 degrees F. Basal bark treatment with solution of triclopyr is effective. On wet sites a 2% growth of plants and the inability to adequately cover triclopyr and 2,4-D should be considered when treating solution of glyphosate is effective from late June until all stem surfaces with herbicide in one application. individual trees. seed set. Similar Plants - Partridge pea (Cassia fasciculata) and Similar Plants - Resembles Russian olive (Elaeagnus Similar Plants - Do not confuse with the native slender other native vetches and non-native plants in the Pea angustifolia), another invasive species that has become bush clover, Lespedeza virginica, which has pink family. Look for compound leaves and an odd number a pest in much of the U.S. flowers. of leaflets. The flowers, stalks, and leaves arise from the main stem, and flowers form an umbel. Origin - Native to China, Korea and Japan. Origin - Introduced from eastern Asia for erosion control, wildlife food and as a forage crop. Origin - Native to Europe, southwest Asia and northern Africa.

Chinese Silver Grass Poison Hemlock Common Reed Miscanthus sinensis Conium maculatum Phragmites australis

Description - Description - Description - • Loose plume-like heads of pale pink to red that turn • Small white flowers clustered in large compound • Herbaceous perennial grass with hollow stout silver in fall; on tall stalks that persist through umbels that are 1.5-2.5 inches wide. stems that can grow up to 15 feet. winter. • Hollow stems are purple mottled, erect, smooth, • Lanceolate leaves up to 2 feet long. • Basal leaves arise from a large central clump. and between 2-10 feet tall. • Large feathery plumes of flowers develop by mid- • Individual leaves taper to a point and are 3-4 feet • Fern like leaves are alternate and basal, upper summer. long. leaves progressively smaller. • Purple/brown flowers turn tan or gray and seeds set • Margins are sharp and slightly serrated. • Leaves are 3-4 times pinnately divided; the through fall and winter. • Seeds are rough with a twisted bristle tip. enlarged petiole base sheaths the stem. • Spreads primarily by underground roots or Distribution - Thrives in sunny wetland habitats. rhizomes. Distribution - Invades riparian areas, ditches, old Occurs throughout the U.S. fields, roadsides throughout most of North America. Distribution - Can invade roadsides, old fields, shores Threat - Spreads rapidly by rhizomes and can quickly of reservoirs and forest openings following fires. Threat - All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and take over areas, creating a monoculture. Rhizomes can Has spread throughout the eastern United States to animals when eaten. Prolific seed production, extend 30 feet in one year. Produces large quantities of Colorado and California. aggressive growth habits and tolerance of shade allow seeds. Monocultures as large as 7000 acres have been rapid spread which overwhelms native vegetative cover. documented in other states. Threat - Aggressive, may form colonies and produce a Not valuable to wildlife as food or shelter. large number of airborne seeds. Can also resprout from Control - Apply Rodeo herbicide to the leaves when pieces of rhizome. Highly flammable and poses a fire Control - Small infestations can be dug up or cut back plants are tasseling to translocate the chemical to the hazard as burning plants can have flame lengths of 30 before flowering. Do not compost flowers as they can rhizome. Re-treatments are often needed due to feet. go to seed. Plants and the first year rosette phase can be denseness of foliage and inability of spray to reach all treated with 2,4-D in early spring or late fall. Repeated plants at one time. Cutting with hedge trimmers just Control - Small patches may be grubbed, but all of applications may be required to deplete the seed bank. before seed set can reduce vigor. Treatment will be roots must be removed. Plant must be actively growing needed for several years. for herbicidal control. Use a 2% glyphosate solution in Similar Plants - Cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum) fall or late spring. Cover the leaves to the point of has palmately compound leaves. Water hemlock Similar Plants - Giant reed is similar in appearance runoff, but be careful not to spray desirable vegetation. (Cicuta maculata) has more delicate umbels and twice but is usually found in upland sites. compound leaves. Similar Plants - Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Origin - Uncertain, Phragmites australis is found on which has a three-pronged flower spike resembling a Origin - Eurasia. Introduced to the U.S. as a garden every continent except Antarctica. turkey’s foot. Sugarcane plumegrass (Saccharum plant. giganteum), is differentiated by its longer flower stalk (up to twelve feet) and shorter leaves (to one and a half feet).

Origin - Asia. Introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental.

Multiflora Rose Oriental Bittersweet Tree of Heaven Rosa multiflora Celastrus orbiculata (Chinese sumac, stink sumac) Ailanthus altissima Description - Description - • Thorny, round-shaped, medium to large shrub. • Twining vine with round, glossy to semi-glossy, Description - • Leaflets in arrangement of 7 to 9, each leaflet finely toothed leaves the size of a quarter to half- • 11 to 25 spear-shaped leaflets per leaf. fingernail size, serrated on edges, and longer than dollar. • Small lobes at leaflet base a key identifier, each wide. • Flowers and fruit occur at base of leaf stems. lobe having a small hard bump (gland). Leaflet • Flowers are small and white to pinkish white. • Greenish-yellow flowers in May with 5 petals. edge smooth. • Fruit are rose hips turning from green to red to • Greenish-yellow fruit splits open to reveal three • Crushed leaves, broken twigs, and cut bark have brown through winter. red-orange fleshy seeds. acrid burnt peanut butter odor. • Yellow-green flowers cluster at end of limbs in Distribution - Widely distributed in KY along road Distribution - Scattered in Kentucky with populations July, turn to gray seed clusters in winter. sides, fencerows, stream sides, forest edges and into the spreading. Alluvial woods, road sides, thickets, and old interior, and un-maintained fields. home sites. Seeds spread by birds and small mammals. Distribution - Widespread in the U.S. Scattered throughout Kentucky. Threat - Forms single species thickets crowding Threat - Aggressively covers, shades, and chokes out native plants, especially at stream sides. Seeds native vegetation at all levels. Believed to readily Threat - Grows thickly, excluding native species. are spread by birds and other animals. hybridize with native bittersweet. Tolerates shade. Roots exude chemicals that push out native plants. From forest edges it can enter forests. Infests closed woodlands but most common along open Control - Mowing can keep invasions in check. areas and forest edges. Pulling up small plants can be effective if repeated to Control - Hand pull small infestations, but requires control root sprouts and seedling germination. 100% removal, which is difficult. For dense Control - Hand pull freshly germinating seedlings, Chemical control involves foliar sprays (glyphosate, infestations, cut vines and follow with glyphosate removing entire root. Cut down and immediately spray triclopyr @ 2 to 3%), cut stump treatment of the same herbicide to the stumps. (Note: Apply herbicides before stump with 25% ai glyphosate in water base in Sept; sprays (@ 25% concentrations), and basal bark spring wildflowers emerge or after killing frost.) girdle-inject with 25% ai glyphosate in water base in treatment (triclopyr @ 25% mixed with horticultural Follow-up & late season treatments necessary. Sept; basal paint bark with 25% ai glyphosate in oil). oil base in Sept. Similar Species - American bittersweet (Celastrus Similar Plants - Native roses. Multiflora rose has a scandens), which has flowers only at ends of vines and Similar Species - Sumac (smooth, staghorn, feathery or comb-like projection (stipule) at the base of oblong (not round) leaves. shining/winged), but sumac has milky sap; black leaf stems. Other roses have this projection, but lack the walnut, but crushed walnut leaves have walnut odor, not feathery or comb-like characteristic. Origin - Eastern Asia the acrid tree of heaven odor.

Origin - Japan, Korea, eastern China (Reference: TN Exotic Plant Management Manual; Origin - Central China Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Working (Reference: Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council) Group; Exotic Pest Plants of Southeastern Forests) (Reference: TN Exotic Plant Management Manual, Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Working Group)

Japanese Honeysuckle Garlic Mustard Chinese & European Privet Lonicera japonica Alliaria petiolata Ligustrum sinense and Ligustrum vulgare

Description - Description - Description - • Semi-evergreen perennial trailing or twining • Basal rosette leaves (first year), dark green and • A shrub attaining up to 30 feet in height. Widely woody vine with simple, opposite, oval leaves kidney-shaped, 2 to 4 inches in diameter with used as hedges. around 1.5 inches long with smooth edges. scalloped edges. • Leaves are glossy, stiff, and oval to elliptical, one- • Extremely fragrant, two-lipped flowers, 1 to 2 • Stemmed plants (second year) 1 to 3 feet tall, half to two inches long, arranged opposite other inches long in pairs throughout summer, mostly leaves 1 to 3 inches wide, smaller toward top, small leaves, forming 2 rows along stem with leaves at white to yellow. white 4-petaled flowers. nearly right angle to stems. • Small black berries in early autumn. • Young crushed leaves of both stages have garlic • Small white four-petaled flowers in loose clumps • Spreads by seeds, underground rhizomes, and smell. with heavy musky smell. above ground runners. • Berries are dark blue to black, and less than one- • New stems reddish brown; older vines have light Distribution - Abundant in the Bluegrass Region. quarter inch in diameter forming in October. brownish bark that peels off in long strips. Found in scattered locations across KY, especially in • Creates dense, tangled masses. moist areas with productive soils. Invades forests and Distribution - Invasive throughout the southeast and open fields. scattered across KY. Thickly invades stream sides, Distribution - Common throughout much of the U.S. fence rows, road sides, and forest edges. Found across KY along roadsides, in forests, along Threat - Forms dense ground cover excluding native streams. herbaceous plants in deep forests. Spreads quickly by Threat - Grows in dense stands eliminating native flooding and animals, and is hard to control once species underneath, especially in moist areas. Spread Threat - Dense, strangling growth shades out or topples invasions have occurred. prolifically by birds. Tolerates shade and lower native plants and depletes soil moisture and nutrients. elevations, invades forests. Changes forest structure and shades excluded native Control - Pull or cut small infestations before spring shrubs and herbs. seed set. Continuous monitoring necessary for five Control - Mechanical/hand pulling provided roots years. Pull early spring and late fall rosettes or treat pulled too. Glyphosate 3% herbicide as foliar spray. Control - Hand pulling, grubbing, prescribed burning, with glyphosate or tryclopyr (Garlon 3A). Burning Late fall spraying avoids damage to most native plants. late fall foliar spray of 2% glyphosate, repeated control helps control plant. Control requires follow-up treatments for seedlings and usually necessary. sprouts. For larger stems, use basal application of Origin - Northern Europe Garlon 4 at a 20% solution. Similar Plants - Native honeysuckle have fused leaves through which the stem grows along newer growth. (Reference: Wildland Invasive Species Team, The Origin - China and Eurasia Nature Conservancy) Origin - Eurasia (Reference: Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council, Virginia Natural Heritage Program, USDA Forest (Reference: Virginia Native Plant Society, The Nature Service) Conservancy)

Purple Loosestrife English Ivy Johnson Grass Lythrum salicaria Hedera helix Sorghum halapense

Description - Description - Description - • Erect perennial herb with opposite or whorled • Evergreen climbing vine with dark green waxy, • Perennial grass, culms can grow 7-8 feet tall. sessile leaves with heart-shaped bases. thick leaves with white veins. Can also form a • Propagates through large rhizomes and mass seed • Showy spikes of purple-magenta flowers during the dense ground cover. production. summer months • Leaf is commonly three-lobed with a heart-shaped • Flowers are in a purple-colored panicle. • Grows four to eight feet tall and can have 30 to 50 base, though leaves in the sun can be oval with no • Leaves are 6-20 inches long with a white mid-vein. stalks per root mass. lobes. • Stems are pink to red near the base. • Strong tap root, stems become woody, persisting • Umbrella like clusters of greenish-white flowers for up to two years. are seen in fall and dark purple fruits mature in Distribution - Common in most of the U.S. spring. Distribution - Found in every state except Florida. Threat - By the 20th century, Johnson grass was Distribution - Found in 26 states and the District of recognized as one of the six most damaging weeds in Threat - Quickly adapts to natural and disturbed Columbia. the U.S. Forms dense stands and has the capability of wetlands; overtakes native aquatic plants and forms producing large numbers of seeds that remain viable in large dense stands. Displacement of native aquatic Threat - Creates dense undergrowth that shades out the soil for 25 years. Nutritional value as fodder is very species impacts waterfowl dependent upon them for native species and inhibits tree regeneration. Also low as compared to native species. Out competes food and cover. A prolific seed producer; seeds that climbs trees, reducing vigor and possibly causing tree native plants for water. May contain allelopathic germinate in the spring will produce a flowering stem death. Also serves as an alternate host for Bacterial properties, inhibiting the establishment of plants in its that year. Seeds remain viable for several years. Leaf Scorch (Xylella fastidiosa), which in turn affects proximity. Readily sprouts from fragmented rhizomes. native elms, oaks and maples. Control - Small infestations and young plants can be Control - Mechanical cutting and use of Roundup as a pulled by hand, preferably before seed sets in late Control - Cutting vines on trees and pulling ground foliar spray are acceptable when used repetitively. summer, early fall. Plant parts should be bagged and vines may be effective on small infestations. Pulled Hand-pulling is usually not effective because rhizomes removed from the site as any plant fragment that plants must be removed from the site or they will are left behind, however this method, when repeated, remains could resprout. Cutting and mowing increase continue to grow unless desiccated. Repetition of may reduce vigor. If implemented, hand-pulling is best vegetative spreading. Older plants can be treated by a treatment is usually necessary to be most effective. Use done in early spring. Heavy grazing reduces foliar application with a glyphosate formulation for use of triclopyr is suggested for large infestations. The populations because rhizome development is greatly over water. Biological control has also been pursued waxy covering on the leaves limits absorption of reduced when plant height is kept below 12 to 15 and used in some areas. chemicals, so repeat treatment may be needed for foliar inches. See http://www.invasiveplants.net for more applications. Cutting the stems with a string trimmer information. and then applying the herbicide can be effective. Similar Plants - Eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Switch grass (Panicum virgatum), and Similar Plants - Blue vervain (Verbena hastata), and Similar Plants - Possibly could be confused with Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), may possibly look blazing star (Liatris spicata), although their preferred grapes, Vitis spp., but leaves are not waxy or thick. similar to the casual observer. habitats are considerably drier. The native winged loosestrife (Lythrum alatum) most closely resembles Origin - Found in Europe, Eastern Asia and Northern Origin - Introduced from the Mediterranean region as a purple loosestrife but has alternate leaves, more widely Africa. Introduced to the U.S. for use as a house plant forage crop. spaced flowers, and is smaller in size. and for landscaping.

Origin - Introduced from Eurasia as an ornamental.

Mimosa, Silk Tree Japanese Knotweed Princess Tree Albizia julibrissin Polygonum cuspidatum (Empress Tree, Royal Paulownia) Paulownia tomentosa Description - Description— • Small- to medium-sized tree with multiple trunks • Forms dense stands that reach 10 feet. Description - and spreading crown. • Leaves 2- to 6-inches long and heart-shaped. • Leaves large, heart-shaped, slightly fuzzy. • Leaves finely divided and fern-like, bark light • Stems are bamboo-like (hollow), light green to • Leaves occur in pairs along stems. brown. purplish-red, smooth, and swollen at joints where • Upright clusters of persistent over-wintering seed • Flowers a delicate white and pink in clusters like leaves are attached. pods. pom-poms in mid-summer. • Small flowers are white to greenish-white in small • Showy blue-lavender to violet flower clusters in • Bean pods six inches long and conspicuous through sprays along smallest branches. early spring. early winter. Distribution - Found throughout much of the U.S. and Distribution - Found throughout the eastern half of the Distribution - Found throughout the southeast, scattered across KY. Grows along streams, home sites, U.S. and scattered across KY. Frequently along rights- southwest and parts of the Midwest. Scattered across low-lying areas, and rights of way. of-way, stream sides, forest openings and edges, KY. Grows in native grasslands, fields, road cuts, and disturbed sites. in forest edges. Threat - Dense thickets crowd native vegetation. Tolerates adverse growing conditions. Quickly expands Threat - Invades disturbed forest areas where its fast Threat - Strong competitor in open areas, disturbed in natural areas from cultivated sources. Threatens growth can change forest composition. Stream banks forests, and forest edges. Crowds out native tree and riparian areas where it is rapidly colonizing scoured and rocky slopes vulnerable to invasions, placing shrubs. Can grow in a variety of soils. Can be a shorelines. biological diversity at risk. problem along streams. Control - Hand pull small plants. Grub larger plants Control - Hand pulling of seedlings must be done when Control - Hand pulling of young seedlings is removing roots (rhizomes) and other plant parts. Foliar soil is loose for root removal. Foliar sprays includes recommended where feasible. Treat trees by girdling, spray with glyphosate or triclopyr (2%) during growing glyphosate and triclopyr at 2% solutions. Cut trees basal trunk spraying, or cutting to eliminate seed season. Treat cut plants with 25% solution to knock should have stumps treated with 25% solutions of production. Freshly cut stumps should be treated with down plants for easier foliar spraying when new sprouts glyphosate or triclopyr. Expect follow-up foliar 25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr with water or and leaves emerge. treatments. Girdling and basal trunk treatment with Garlon 4 with oil. Root or stump sprouting is likely as 25% triclopyr are other options. well as seedlings, so follow-up foliar spraying with 2% Similar Species - Redbud has similar leaf, but lobes at glyphosate or triclopyr is recommended leaf base rounded where knotweed leaf base is flat. Origin—Western and central China Redbud has a solid, woody twig. Origin - Iran to Japan (Reference: Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Origin - Japan Working Group) (Reference: Plant Conservation Alliance, Alien Plant Working Group) (Reference: Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council)

Treatment Methods Yellow and White Sweet Clover Musk Thistle Melilotus officinalis and Melilotus alba (Nodding Thistle) All herbicides should be applied in accordance with Carduus nutans specific label instructions, which include personal Description - protective equipment and storage requirements. • Primarily a biennial, first year’s growth is Description - vegetative. Second year plants have a taproot that Foliar Treatments - Foliar applications should be • Mature plants range from 1½ to 6 feet tall with may exceed 50 inches and 1-10 upright or multi-branched spiny stems. made with a low pressure (20-50 psi) backpack sprayer ascending flowering stems from 3-5 feet in height. at rates of one gallon or less per minute. All foliar • Spiny leaves are dark green, coarsely lobed with a • Fruit a small one to two-seeded pod. Pea-like smooth waxy surface and a light colored spine at treatments should be made after full leaf expansion in flowers, either yellow or white. the spring and before fall colors are visible. Allow the tip • Both species flower in June and July, yellow • Large, showy pink-purple disk-shaped flower herbicide treatments to dry for at least three hours at an usually a few weeks earlier than white. air temperature above 60°F to ensure adequate heads contain hundreds of tiny individual flowers • Leaves are alternate and divided into three serrated absorption and translocation. In areas that receive which emerge in May to August and occur at the leaflets; the middle leaflet is on a distinct stalk. significant public use, it may be necessary to close off tips of stems. The flower heads will droop on a 90- the treatment area until the herbicide has completely Distribution - Its use in agriculture and for soil degree angle from the stem when mature. dried. stabilization has helped it to spread across N. America. • Each plant can produce thousands of straw-colored seeds with plume-like hairs. Use a nonionic surfactant with all herbicide solutions, It is now found in every state. • Usually a biennial, a seedling emerges in mid- to unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer's label. Threat - Invades grasslands and out competes native late July and develops into a rosette the first year Surfactants increase the effectiveness of the herbicide plants for space and resources. A plant can produce and begins to bolt in mid-March the following year. by 1) reducing surface tension and ensuring complete 14,000 to 350,000 seeds. Seeds may remain viable in foliar coverage, and 2) increasing the rate of absorption the soil for more than 20 years. Infested areas managed Distribution - Found throughout the continental U.S. through the leaf cuticle. with prescribed fire can actually enhance germination except for Maine, Vermont, and Florida. Apply herbicide with a backpack or similar hand- rates and seedling establishment. operated pump sprayer equipped with a flat spray tip or Control - For small infestations, hand-pulling of first Threat - Invades native grasslands and pastures. Can adjustable cone nozzle. Apply herbicide to the leaves year stems in late summer/early fall may be effective. out compete natives as grazing animals will not eat it. and stems of target plants using a consistent back and Mowing in late spring/early summer may reduce but not Plants can produce thousands of seeds and may forth motion. Herbicide should thoroughly cover prevent seed set, as flowering shoots can resprout. colonize open soil areas that result from prescribed foliage, but not to the point of run-off. All Burning two years in a row can reduce plants. Burn burning. recommended herbicides require complete foliar early the first year (before green-up, usually in early to coverage to be effective. Applications made while mid-April) to stimulate germination. If plants are found Control - Hand-pulling or cutting of small populations walking backward will reduce the risk of the herbicide that summer, burn the next year in early to mid May. If can be done after the stems have bolted but should be wicking onto the applicator's clothing. done before seed production. Flowers and seed heads burning is conducted before buds develop, plants will Cut Surface Treatments - Cut surface treatments resprout. Heavily infested areas may need this burning should be bagged and taken to landfill to minimize seed include hack and squirt, frill, and cut stump methods. sequence repeated for a few years to effectively impact dispersal. Foliar spraying of glyphosate or triclopyr The main advantages to these methods are: 1) they are uneven-aged patches. Foliar application of 2,4-D on applied during rosette stage prior to flowering is also very economical, 2) there is minimal probability of non- young seedlings has been effective. effective. target damage, 3) minimal application time, and 4) they can be used in the winter as long as the ground is not Similar Plants - Seedlings closely resemble those of Similar Plants - Resembles other thistle species, but frozen. Backpack sprayers or spray bottles are very alfalfa (Medicago sativa), but note the clover’s absence nodding head is unmistakable. effective for all of these methods. of hairs on the underside of leaves and the bitter taste. Sweet clover is most easily identified when in flower. Origin - Introduced from Europe and Asia. Hack and Squirt Method: Using an axe or similar Origin - Europe and Western Asia. Introduced as a cutting tool, make uniformly spaced cuts around the forage crop and for nitrogen fixing to rebuild depleted base of the stem. The cuts should angle downward, be less than 2.5 cm (1 in) apart, and extend into the soils.

sapwood. Apply herbicide to each cut to the point of Information and resources provided by TN & SE Exotic Pest Plant Information and resources provided by TN & SE Exotic Pest Plant over flow. Councils (tneppc.org and se-eppc.org), Plant Conservation Alliance- Councils (tneppc.org and se-eppc.org), Plant Conservation Alliance- Alien Plant Working Group, The Nature Conservancy, and the USDA. Alien Plant Working Group, The Nature Conservancy, and the USDA Treatment Methods (continued)

Frill Method: Using an axe or similar cutting tool, make continuous cuts around the base of the stem. The cuts should angle downward, be less than 2.5 cm (1 in) apart, and extend into the sapwood. Apply the recommended herbicide to the entire cut area to the point of over flow.

Cut Stump Method: Horizontally cut stems at or near ground level; all cuts should be level, smooth, and free of debris. Immediately apply the herbicide to the outer 20% (cambial area) of the stump; delayed treatment may reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Basal Bark Treatments - Basal bark treatments are effective for controlling woody vines, shrubs, and trees. Treatments can be made any time of year, including the winter months, except when snow or water prevent spraying the basal parts of the stem. Proper plant identification is crucial during the dormant season due to the absence of foliage.

Apply herbicide with a backpack sprayer using low pressure (20-40 psi) with a straight stream or flat fan tip. To control vegetation with a basal stem diameter of less than 7.6 cm (3.0 in) apply specified herbicide- oil mixture on one side of the basal stem to a height of 15.25 cm (6 in) from the base. Apply herbicide to the point of run-off; within an hour mixture should almost encircle the stem. For stems greater than 7.6 cm (3.0 in) basal diameter or with thick bark, treat both sides of the stem to a basal height of 30.5 cm (12 in) to 61 cm (24 in).

Mowing and Cutting Treatments - This method is appropriate for small initial populations or environmentally sensitive areas where herbicides cannot be used. Stems should be cut at least once per growing season as close to ground level as possible. Repeated mowing or cutting may be required for control.

Hand Pulling Treatments - Plants should be pulled as soon as they are large enough to grasp but before they produce seeds. Seedlings are best pulled after a rain when the soil is loose. The entire root must be removed since broken fragments may resprout. If plants have seed capsules present, they should be bagged and disposed of to prevent seed dispersal. Care should be taken to minimize soil disturbance.