Invasive Plants or Trees

In this issue: Read about the benefits of using phenology in your woodlands, and how you can join us for our online course, "The Woods in Your Backyard." Learn about a new group seeking to expand the knowledge and practice of prescribed fire in Maryland. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Common Hackberry, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Japanese Angelica Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

The Japanese angelica tree was introduced to the United States in 1830 as an ornamental plant and likely naturalized shortly after its introduction; however, its invasive tendencies in the Mid-Atlantic states were only first observed in the early 2000s.

In this issue: Read about the transitions in woodlands from autumn to winter, and the benefits of leaving leaves where they fall. There's also news about a new milestone for the Healthy Forests Healthy Waters program. Our "Native Trees of Maryland" looks at the Dwarf Chinquapin Oak, and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at the Goldenrain Tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

Native ecosystems in our woodlands are under increasing pressure from invasive plant species and from both native and invasive vines. Providers of invasive plant and vine control are listed here.

Since its introduction in the United States, goldenrain tree became popular as a landscape tree. It was planted throughout the mid-Atlantic and as far away as California. While initially prized for its resilience and speed of growth, observers and researchers began to recognize its invasive nature as it outcompetes native flora, significantly altering local ecosystems.

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.

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.