Invasive Exotic Plants: Chart

The names of several invasive exotic plant species that pose a threat to southeastern Ohio can be found on the list below. You will also find a commentary on the dangers unique to certain species or recommended methods of control. Use field guides and the advice of experts to familiarize yourself with the appearance and habits of each species. Only you can prevent the spread of invasive exotics. Do what you can to remove them and never plant an invasive exotic plant.

Name: In this chart each plant is identified by one of its common names and its scientific name. The common name may not be its only common name. Use scientific names as you look-up plants in field guides or conduct research. Threat Level: The threat to Southeastern Ohio's forests from each species has been rated on a scale of 1 to 3, with 3 being the worst. Propagation: How does it spread? Plants marked S spread by seed. Plants labeled V spread vegetatively (by roots, underground stems, or viney stems).

NAME	Threat Level	Propagation	COMMENTS
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database	2.5	S	Formerly promoted as a valuable plant for wildlife, this species will invade woodlands, interrupting the regeneration of native tree species.
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester, PA. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. Usage Guidelines.	1	S, V	It can be pulled if caught early, otherwise cut it close to the ground.
Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) Herman, D.E. et al. 1996. North Dakota tree handbook. USDA NRCS ND State Soil Conservation Committee; NDSU Extension and Western Area Power Admin., Bismarck, ND. Courtesy of ND State Soil Conservation Committee. Provided by USDA NRCS ND State Office. ND. Usage Guidelines.	3	S	Invades a wide variety of habitats. Remove it with hand pulling or use annual cuttings to slowly weaken it.
Chinese Yam (Dioscorea batatas) Steve Hurst. Provided by ARS Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory. Usage Guidelines.	2	V	This plant is not widespread but is very invasive when it appears. Mostly in low woods along large or small streams, and old home sites. Control it by pulling repeatedly
English Ivy (Hedera helix) Steve Hurst. Provided by ARS Systematic Botany and Mycology Laboratory. Washington, DC. Usage Guidelines.	1	V	Never plant next to woodlands. Remove it by hand when soils are wet.
Winter Creeper (Euonymus fortunei)	1	S, V	Never plant this species next to a woodlot. If birds have distributed seeds, begin a pulling program several times a year.
Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)	1	S	Although it is currently being sold, planting it is discouraged. To remove, keep it cut to the ground.
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)	3	S	Invades woodland habitats and can completely replace native herbs within 10 years. Control by removing whole plant before April 15th.
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)	2	S	Remove it by pulling it out with gloves.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)	3	S, V	Remove by hand when the soil is wet. Pull it several times a year, November and December are an ideal time.
Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)	3	V	Japanese Knotweed spreads along roads and waterways by pieces of rhizome (underground stem). Cut it back repeatedly
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)	1	V	If this species shows up on your land promptly remove it by pulling. Not yet a serious problem in southeastern Ohio.
Mile-A-Minute (Polygonum perfoliatum)	3	S	Its spiny stem and triangular leaves will cut hands. It spreads fast and can climb 30 ft into trees, creating a blanket of death for plants in its path.
Multiflora Rose (Rose multiflora)	3	S, V	May be controlled with the Rose virus. Spread trimmings from blight- infected plants (yellow and withering) to vigorous stands. Otherwise keep it cut close to the ground.
Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)	3	S, V	Leaves are round and roots are bright orange. Will cover trees if not controlled. Pull it year after year for control. The native species is beneficial, if in doubt consult a botanist.
Periwinkle, Myrtle (Vinca minor)	1.5	V	Never plant it next to a woodland. Control by pulling it.
Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)	2	S, V	Pull and/or cut to the ground over a period of years
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)	2	S	This species seeds into disturbed ground. Pull or keep cut to the ground.
Wisteria (Wisteria spp)	1	V	Wisteria is often found around old home sites. Keep it cut to the ground and remove as much of surface roots as possible.

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Images courtesy of USDA, NRCS. 2006. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 6 November 2006). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. © 2000-2006 Rural Action Inc. All rights reserved. Write to: webwizard@ruralaction.org