Forest Health

Since its debut as a regular Branching Out feature in 2016, "Invasives in Your Woodland" has profiled a wide variety of invasive plant species that threated the health of Maryland's ecosystems.

In this issue: Read about some good news for Maryland forests, and the promising future of a new woodland stewardship tool. There's information about how to sign up for our popular "The Woods in Your Backyard" online course, and how to find a licensed tree expert for your property. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the American sycamore, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the paper mulberry. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Are you a small-acreage property owner who wants to learn how to care for or how to expand existing woodlands, or how to convert lawn space to woodlands? Then join us for our self-directed, non-credit online course. It runs for ten weeks, from September 8 to November 17.

The American sycamore is native to a broad portion of the Middle and Eastern portions of North America, extending from south-central Texas to southern Maine. They are most often found in low-lying, riparian areas across Maryland, although they are also common pioneer hardwood species in abandoned fields and mining sites. Interestingly, sycamores tend to persist through most successional stages and are often present in mature forests.

Over the past few months, I have received several phone calls from residents across the state who share a similar problem: they have large trees in their yards that need to be trimmed or removed, yet they do not want the wood to go to waste. Is there any productive use for the woody material that will come from their trees? The product from a relatively simple process may be an answer.

In the News and Notes roundup for this issue: Threatened bobwhite quail return to restored habitat in Wicomico County; Garrett College is now home to two historic seedlings; how to report sightings of beech leaf disease; and the 2025 American chestnut photo contest is now open.

Without a doubt, Maryland’s woodlands face an increasing number of challenges. But it is also important to recognize the good news among the less-than-good.

Originally native to eastern Asia, the paper mulberry bark has long been valued for making paper and cloth. But it was valued for its rapid growth and aesthetic qualities and was introduced to the U.S. in the early 1900s as a fast-growing ornamental shade tree. Over time, it was planted widely in urban and suburban landscapes; however, it escaped cultivation and began to colonize natural areas.

Lesser celandine can be an ecological threat. It was introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant in the late 1800s. Although its sale was banned in Maryland in 2017, it may still be available for sale in other states.

The white mulberry reached our shores during the colonial period. This invasive plant is found in every Maryland county.