VOLUNTEERFIELD GUIDE
Central TexasInvasive Plants
e d u c a t I O Nrestoration
restoration
www.austintexas.gov/invasive
Central TexasInvasive Plants
United States Department of Agriculture plant codes are included in this guide. plants.usda.govTHIS PLANT LIST IS ONLY A RECOMMENDATION AND HAS NO LEGAL EFFECT IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. IT IS LAWFUL TO SELL, DISTRIBUTE, IMPORT, OR POSSESS A PLANT ON THIS LIST UNLESS THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LABELS THE PLANT AS NOXIOUS OR INVASIVE ON THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANT LIST.
TREES
Ailanthus altissima 1
Albizia julibrissin 3
Broussonetia papyrifera 5
Firmiana simplex 7
Ligustrum japonicum 9
Ligustrum lucidum 9
Ligustrum vulgare 9
Melia azedarach 11
Pistacia chinessis 13
Triadica sebifera 15
SHRUBS
Ligustrum quihoui 17
Ligustrum sinense 17
Nandina domestica 19
Photinia serratifolia 21
Photinia x frazeri 21
Pyracantha coccinea 23
Tamarix spp. 25 Vitex agnus-castus 27
VINES
Lonicera japonica 29
Macfadyena unguis-cati 31
Pueraria Montana var. lobata 33
Wisteria sinensis 35
HERBS
Centaurea melitensis 37
Colocasia esculenta 39
Cyrtomium falcatum 41
Rapistrum rugosum 43
Verbena brasiliensis 45
GRASSES
Arundo donax 47
Bothriochloa ischaemum 49
Cynodon dactylon 51
Phyllostachys aurea 53
Sorghum halepense 55
AQUATIC
Eichhornia crassipes 57
Hydrilla verticillata 59
Myriophyllum spicatum 61
Top 24 Austin Invasive Plants of 2013
Central TexasInvasive Plants
TREES
Tree of Heaven 1
Mimosa, Silk Tree 3
Paper Mulberry 5
Chinese Parasol Tree 7
Large Leaf Privets 9
Chinaberry 11
Chinese Pistache 13
Chinese Tallow 15
SHRUBS
Small Leaf Privets 17
Heavenly Bamboo 19
Photinia (red tip) 21
Photinia (Tawainese) 21
Scarlet Firethorn 23
Salt Cedar, Tamarisk 25
Lilac Chastetree 27
VINES
Japanese Honeysuckle 29
Catclaw Vine 31
Kudzu 33
Chinese Wisteria 35
HERBS
Maltese Star Thistle 37
Elephant Ear 39
Japanese Hollyfern 41
Annual Bastard Cabbage 43
Brazilian Vervain 45
GRASSES
Giant Cane 47
KR Bluestem 49
Bermudagrass 51
Golden Bamboo 53
Johnsongrass 55
AQUATIC
Common Water Hyacinth 57
Hydrilla 59
Eurasian Watermilfoil 61
Top 24 Austin Invasive Plants of 2013United States Department of Agriculture plant codes are included in this guide. plants.usda.govTHIS PLANT LIST IS ONLY A RECOMMENDATION AND HAS NO LEGAL EFFECT IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. IT IS LAWFUL TO SELL, DISTRIBUTE, IMPORT, OR POSSESS A PLANT ON THIS LIST UNLESS THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LABELS THE PLANT AS NOXIOUS OR INVASIVE ON THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANT LIST.
TREE OF HEAVENAilanthus altissima
AIAL
Identification• Deciduousoverstorytree• Lightgraytowhitishbark,fairlysmooth• Alternate,compoundleaves• Baseleafletwillhaveglandulartoothnearitsbase• Seedsheldinlargepaperysamaras.Oneseedpersamara
Leaf Seeds
TREE1.
Flowering tree Bloom
TREE
TREE OF HEAVENAilanthus altissima
AIAL
Habitat: Alongroadsandrightofways;cannottoleratefloodingorextremeshade.
Ecological Impact: Allelopathic-producestoxinsthatsuppressthegrowthofotherplantspeciesaswellaschang-ingthesoilchemistry.Fastgrowerandspreadsrapidly.Mayformmonoculturesovertime.
Similar Native Species: DesertWillow,HoneyLocust,HoneyMesquite,Retama,FragrantMimosa
Removal: Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumpsandremovesproutsastheyappear.Discardseeds.
Spreading: Spreadsbyseedsfromfemaletreesandcolonizesbyrootsprouts.
2.
MIMOSA, SILK TREEAlbizia julibrissin
ALJU
Identification• Deciduousoverstorytree• Growsto40'• Lightgraytowhitishbark,fairlysmoothwithraiseddotsanddashes
• Alternate,compoundleaves• Oftenmulti-trunked• Baseleafletwillhaveglandulartoothnearitsbase• Showypinkflowersbloomfromspringtosummer• Seedsheldinflatbeanpod,5-7"long
Seed Pods Foliage
TREE3.
MIMOSA, SILK TREEAlbizia julibrissin
ALJU
Habitat: Occursondry-to-wetsitesalongstreambanks.
Ecological Impact: Competeswithnativetreesandshrubsinopenareasandforestedges.Maycreatedensestandsthatreducethesunlightandnutrientsavailabletootherplants.
Similar Native Species: DesertWillow,HoneyLocust,HoneyMesquite,Retama,FragrantMimosa
Removal: Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumpsandremovesproutsastheyappear.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadsbyseeds,colonizesbyrootsprouts.
TREE4.
PAPER MULBERRYBroussonetia papyrifera
BRPA4
Identification• Deciduousoverstorytree• Growsupto45’• Leafshapevaries;somehavea“mitten”appear-ance;fuzzyandroughontop,velvetyunderneath
• Fruitsareroundandredtoorange• Smoothbarkwithsomefurrows• Softbrittlewood•Milkywhitesapwhenleavesarebrokenoffatthestem
• Twigshavereddishbrownhairs
Male flower in spring Fruit in summer
TREE5.
Habitat: Thrivesinopenhabitatssuchasforests,fieldedges,riverterraces,anddisturbedareas.Riverterracesareespeciallypronetoinvasionbythistreespecies.
Ecological Impact: Exhibitsaggressivegrowthandquicklyinvadesdisturbedlandsdisplacingnativeplants.Ithasashallowrootsystemthatmakethetreessusceptibletoblowoverduringhighwinds.
Similar Native Species: RedMulberry,Redbud,Catalpa,CherryLaurel,TexasPersimmon
Removal: Removesmallplantsbyhand.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Spreading: Spreadsbyseeds,colonizesbyrootsprouts.
PAPER MULBERRYBroussonetia papyrifera
BRPA4
TREE
6.
CHINESE PARASOL TREEFirmiana simplex
FISI2
Identification• Deciduousoverstorytree• Growsto30’-40’• Large12"leaveswith3-5lobes,leavesbrightgreenaboveandfuzzyunderside,yellow fallfoliage
• Greenbark• Flowersinmid-summer
Green Bark Leaf
TREE7.
CHINESE PARASOL TREEFirmiana simplex
FISI2
Leaves Fruit
TREE
Habitat: Prefersmoistareas
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.Aprobleminsouthernhardwoodforests.MostlikelytobefoundinriparianareasinAustin
Similar Native Species: BaldCypress,AmericanSycamore,ArizonaCypress
Removal: Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumpsandremovesproutsastheyappear.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadbyseeds
8.
PRIVETS, LARGE LEAFLigustrum lucidum - LILU2Ligustrum japonicum - LIJALigustrum vulgare - LIVU
Identification• Fastgrowingevergreentree• Growsto15’to40’• Oppositeleavesaredarkgreen,withapalergreenundersurfaceandhavenarrow, translucentmargins
• Smallwhiteflowersbloominspring• Clustersofblueberriesresemblingasmallgrapecluster
• L. vulgare specific:deciduousshrub,fruithangsonintowinter
TREE
Japanese Privet Leaves9.
Flowers
Berries
TREE
Habitat: Woodedandriparianareas.
Ecological Impact: Hasthepotentialtoreplacemid-canopytreesinforestsandcompletelydominateanareaofforestorforestfragmentsifnotcontrolled.
Similar Native Species: CherryLaurel,Silktassle
Removal: Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseWeedWrench™for2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumps–removesproutsastheyappear.Disposeofseeds.
Spreading: Spreadsbyseeds,colonizesbyrootsprouts.
PRIVETS, LARGE LEAFLigustrum lucidum - LILU2Ligustrum japonicum - LIJALigustrum vulgare - LIVU
10.Glossy Privet Leaves
CHINABERRYMelia azedarach
MEAZ
Identification• Deciduous,oftenmulti-trunked,treewithanopencrown
• Growsto50’• Alternate,muskysmellingdarkgreenleaves• Youngbarkissmoothwithwhitelenticels.Olderbarkisrougher
• Glossygreenish-brownstemswithlightdots• Purplefragrantflowersinthespring• Yellowfallfoliagewithyellowberries
Spring Flowers Mature Fruit
TREE
11.
CHINABERRYMelia azedarach
MEAZ
Bark Leaves
TREE
Habitat: Roadsides,olderhomesitesandfloodplains
Ecological Impact: LeaflitteralterssoilchemistrybyincreasingthenitrogenandpH.Crowdsoutnativeplants.Haschemicaldefenses,fewinsectseatit.Berriespoisonoustohumansandsomemammals.
Similar Native Species: MexicanPlum,Pecan,Honeylocust
Removal: Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumpsandremovesproutsastheyappear.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadsvegetativelyandbyseed.Prolific seedproducer.
12.
CHINESE PISTACHEPistacia chinensis
PICH4
Identification• Compoundoppositeleaveswithupto10pairsofleaflets
• Yellowtoorangetoscarletleavesinthefall• Growsto25’• Deciduoustree• Glossygreenleafletsinspringandsummer• Redseedsturnblueinfall
Red Fruit Leaves
TREE
13.
CHINESE PISTACHEPistacia chinensis
PICH4
Seeds Fall Foliage
TREE
Habitat: Woodlandsandfieldsnearurbanareas.
Ecological Impact: Recentescapesraiseconcernsaboutthistreereplacingnativespecies.
Similar Native Species: BigtoothMaple,TexasRedOak,Flame-leafSumac
Removal: Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumpsandremovesproutsastheyappear.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadsbyseedsfrommaturefemaletrees.
14.
Flowers Fruit 15.
TREE
CHINESE TALLOW TREETriadica sebifera
TRSE6
Identification• Deciduoustree• Growsto60'• Heart-shapedalternateleaves• Flowerswithlongyellow,spike-likebranchesinfall
• Threelobedsmallclusteredfruitssplittoreleasepopcorn-likeseedsinspring
• Leavesreleasewhite,milkysubstancewhencut
CHINESE TALLOW TREETriadica sebifera
TRSE6
Fall FoliageBark
TREE
Habitat: Wetlands,streambanks,openfieldsanddisturbedareas.
Ecological Impact: Severelyimpactsriparianareasandwetlandsandcanchangethechemistryofwater,increasingtherateofeutrophication.Leavesdecayquickly,increasingthelevelofnitrogenandphosphorous.
Similar Native Species: BigtoothMaple,TexasRedbud,CedarElm,RedOak
Removal: Removeseedlingsbyhand.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumpsandremovesproutsasneeded.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadsbyseeds,colonizesbyrootsprouts.
16.
PRIVETS, SMALL LEAFLigustrum quihoui - LIQU2
Ligustrum sinense - LISI
Identification• Semi-evergreentoevergreenshrub• Growsto3'to9'• Oppositeleaves,withshortpetioles;bladesupto2"long,usuallyroundedatthetip
• Flowerswhite,fragrant,about3/8"wide,innar-rowclustersupto4"long,appearingfromspringthroughsummer
• Fruitberrylike,bluishblack,inclusters,andhangsonintowinter
Fall Berries Leaves17.
SHRUB
Habitat: Woodedandriparianareas.
Ecological Impact: Outcompetesnativevegetationandwhennotcontrolledcancreateamonoculturechangingtheunderstoryofaforest.Oftenformsdensethickets,particularlyinforestsandcreeksides.
Similar Native Species: Yaupon,WaxMyrtle,Possumhaw
Removal: Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseWeedWrench™for2.5"diameterandsmaller. Cuttreestostumps–removesproutsas theyappear.Discardseeds.
Spreading:Birdsdisperseseedsrapidly.
PRIVETS, SMALL LEAFLigustrum quihoui - LIQU2
Ligustrum sinense - LISI
18.
SHRUB
Identification• Erect,evergreenshrub• Growsto8’• Glossy,dark-greenbipinnatelycompoundleaves•Multiplestemsthatresemblebamboo• Leavesturnredinfall• Redberriesinfallandwinter•Whitetolightpinkblossoms
Flowers Berries
SHRUB
HEAVENLY BAMBOO, SACRED BAMBOO
Nandina domesticaNADO
19.
Habitat: Shadyareasofforestsandwoodedareas.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.Candominateunderstory.Producesmanybrightredberriesthatareattractivetobirdsthatdispersetheseeds.
Similar Native Species: TexasSage,AutumnSage,Yaupon
Removal: Ifdigging,removealltheroots.Cutplantsasclosetogroundaspossible.Repeatasplantsresproutforseveralgrowingseasonsuntilenergyreservesofrhizomesareexhausted.Discardseeds.
Spreading: Spreadbyseedsandrootsprouts.A3’deepbarrierenclosingtheplantreducesspreading.
SHRUB
HEAVENLY BAMBOO, SACRED BAMBOO
Nandina domesticaNADO
Many horticultural cultivars exist, most of which are considered invasive. Some do not produce viable seeds. 20.
Identification• Erect,evergreenshrub• Growsto8'inCentralTexasbutmaygrow15-30'inotherareas
• Glossy,dark-greenbipinnatelycompoundleaves• Leavesturnredinfall• Redberriesinfallandwinter•Whitetolightpinkblossoms
PHSE17 PHFR9
SHRUB
TAIWANESE PHOTINIAPhotinia serratifolia-PHSE17RED TIPPED PHOTINIA
Photinia x frazeri-PHFR9
21.
P. serratifolia P. x fraseri
SHRUB
Habitat: Frequentinjuniper-oakwoodlandsonlimestoneslopesandincanyonbottoms,oftencommonnearolderresidentialdevelopments.
Ecological Impact: Cancrowdoutnativeplants.
Similar Native Species: CherryLaurel,SilkTassle,Possumhaw,EvergreenSumac
Removal:Pullplantsbyhandwhenyoung.UseWeedWrench™for2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumps–removesproutsastheyappear.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadsbyseeds.
TAIWANESE PHOTINIAPhotinia serratifolia-PHSE17RED TIPPED PHOTINIA
Photinia x frazeri-PHFR9
22.
Identification• Tangledevergreenshrub• Growsto20'• Simpleroundedleaves• Short,straightsidestemsendinapointcreatingathorn
•Whiteflowersinspringthroughsummer• Clustersoffleshyorange-redberriesinfallandwinter
Berries Flowers
SHRUB
SCARLET FIRETHORNPyracantha coccinea
PYCO2
23.
Habitat: Edgeofwoodedareas.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.Candominateunderstory.
Similar Native Species: EvergreenSumac,Agarita,Yaupon
Removal: Cutbacktobaseofplantwithloppersoratreesaw.Discardseeds.
Spreading: Birdseatberriesanddisperseseeds.
SHRUB
SCARLET FIRETHORNPyracantha coccinea
PYCO2
Seeds Diagram24.
SALT CEDAR OR TAMARISKTamarix spp.TAMAR2
Identification• Smalltree,largeshrub• Growsto10-15'• Deciduousorevergreen• Narrow,thin,grayishgreenalternateleaves• Scalelikeleaves,reddishbrownstemsandbark• Pinktowhiteflowersspringthroughsummer• Formsdensethickets
Scale-like Leaves Pink Flowers25.
SHRUB
SALT CEDAR OR TAMARISKTamarix spp.TAMAR2
Flowering Plant Foliage
Habitat: Riparianandwetareas.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.Degradeswildlifehabitatofthreatenedandendangeredspecies.Useslargequantitiesofscarcegroundwater.Reducesstreamflowsandaltersstreamchannels.
Similar Native Species: DesertWillow,TexasRedbud,HoneyMesquite,BlackWillow
Removal: Handpullplantsunder1"diameter.Largethicketscanbebulldozedbyrootplowing.Floodingwillkillplantsifrootcrownsaresubmergedforatleastthreemonths.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadsbyseeds,vegetativeroots.
26.
SHRUB
LILAC CHASTE-TREEVitex agnus-castus
VIAG
Identification• Deciduoussmalltreeorlargeshrub• Growsto20'• Leavesaregrayishgreentodarkgreen,finger-like,palmatelycompoundwith5-9leaflets
• Purplespikesofbloomsspringtofall
Leaf Fruit27.
SHRUB
LILAC CHASTE-TREEVitex agnus-castus
VIAG
Flower Leaf cluster
Habitat: Riparianareas.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplantsespeciallyinriparianareas.InvasionshavebeennotedinAustinnaturepreserves.Donotplantnearcreeksandpreserves
Similar Native Species: AmericanBeautyberry,RedBuckeye,MexicanBuckeye
Removal: Removeseedlingsbyhand.UseaWeedWrenchTMfor2.5"diameterandsmaller.Cuttreestostumpsandremovesproutsastheyappear.Discardseeds.Spreading: Spreadbyseeds.
28.
SHRUB
Identification• Semi-evergreentrailingorclimbingvine• Growsto80+'• Elongated,oppositeleavesareusuallyglabrous•Whiteandyellowtrumpetlikeflowers• Blackberriesthatcanbedispersedbybirdsandmammals
Berries Flowers
VINE
sbc.utexas.edu
JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLELonicera japonica
LOJA
29.
Diagram Leaves
VINE
JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLELonicera japonica
LOJA
Habitat: Disturbedareas,roadsides,woodlandedgesandabandonedfields.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.Candominategroundcoverandunderstory.
Similar Native Species: CoralHoneysuckle,TrumpetVine,PurplePassionVine,Crossvine
Removal: Removesmallplantsbyhandincludingroots.Mowingmayslowvegetativespread.
Spreading: Spreadsvegetativelyandbyseeds.
30.
Identification• Climbingwoodyvine• Branchesandrunnerswithadventitious aerialroots
• Leavesopposite,compound,with2leaflets• Tipsoftendrilforksstifflyhooked,claw-like• Flowersareyellowfloraltubeswithorangelinesinthethroat
Flower Leaves
VINE
CATCLAW VINEMacfadyena unguis-cati
MAUN3
31.
Tuber Tendrils
VINE
Habitat: Woodedandriparianareas.
Ecological Impact: Densematwillcovertheforestfloorandsmothernativevegetation,includingtrees.Areasthataresusceptibletoinvasiontocatclawvineincluderiverorstreambanks,nearhumanhabitations,andundisturbedareas.
Similar Native Species: CarolinaJessamine,TrumpetCreeper,Crossvine
Removal:Digupsmallplantsbyhand,includingtubers.Mowingmayslowvegetativespreadandpreventtheplantfromproducingseeds.Discardseeds.
Spreading:Spreadsbylongrunnersandbyseed. Prolificseedproducer.
CATCLAW VINEMacfadyena unguis-cati
MAUN3
32.
Identification• Climbing,semi-woodyperennialvine• Growsto100+'rapidly• Alternateleaveswith3leaflets,upto4"across,hairymargins
• Hairystems• Purpleclustersofpealikeflowers;grapesmell
Seed Pods Leaves
VINE
KUDZUPueraria montana var. lobata
PUMOL
33.
Flower Bark
VINE
Habitat: Roadsides,abandonedlotsandalongstreambanks.Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.Candominateunderstory.
Similar Native Species: LeatherFlower,PurplePassionvine, TrumpetCreeper
Removal: Call512-974-2550immediatelyifsighted.
Spreading: Spreadsprimarilybyrunners,rhizomesandvinesthatrootatthenodestoformnewplants.Toalesserextentitmayspreadbyseeds.
KUDZUPueraria montana var. lobata
PUMOL
34.
Identification• Deciduous,woodyvine• Growsto70'• Showy,abundantflowersinspring• Flowersarepea-likeandvioletblue• Long,green,flattenedseedpod• Alternate,pinnatelycompoundleaves
Flowers Vines
VINE
CHINESE WISTERIAWisteria sinensis
WISI
35.
Leaves Flowers
VINE
CHINESE WISTERIAWisteria sinensis
WISI
Habitat:Disturbedareas,roadsides,forestedges,ditches;escapesnearoriginalplantings;canpersistinlowlightsettings.
Ecological Impact: Overpowersshrubsandtreesbystrangling orshading.
Similar Native Species: TexasWisteria,TrumpetVine,Crossvine,MountainLaurel
Removal:Severvineatbase.Removevinesthatarecoilingaroundtrunkstopreventgirdling.
Spreading:Spreadsbyvegetativereproductionandseeds.
36.
Identification• Annualweedto24"tall• Basalrosette(circleofleavesatgroundlevel)appearsinwinter
• Roundedbasalleavespinnatelylobed• Spiny,yellow-floweredhead• Stemswinglikeinappearance
Flower Stem
HERB
MALTESE STAR THISTLECentaurea melitensis
CEME2
37.
Spines Diagram
Habitat: Open,sunnyfields,disturbedareas,riparianareas.Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplantsespeciallyinriparianareas.Whenstarthistleinfestationsarehigh,nativespeciescanexperiencedrought-likeconditionseveninyearswithnormalrainfall.
Similar Native Species:TexasThistle,Gaillardia,Engelmann’sDaisy
Removal: Mowduringearlyfloweringstageorwhenbudshaveproducedspines.Mowtoalevelwherenoleavesarepresent.
Spreading: Spreadsbyseeds.Mayproducethousandsofseedsperplant.
HERB
MALTESE STAR THISTLECentaurea melitensis
CEME2
38.
Identification• Herbaceousplant• Growsto3'tall• Terrestrialandaquaticplant• Basal,arrowheadshapedleaves• Largetubers
Leaf Flower
HERB
ELEPHANT EARColocasia esculenta
COES
39.
ELEPHANT EARColocasia esculenta
COES
Roots Stalks
Habitat: Alongcreekbanksandponds.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants,especiallyinriparianareas.
Similar Native Species: DeltaArrowhead,MaracaAmarilla,PickerelWeed
Removal: Useashoveltoremove.Whenremoving,caremustbetakentokeepplantintactandremoveallfragmentstodiscouragespread.
Spreading: Spreadsvegetatively.
HERB
40.
Identification• Evergreenfern• Growsto3'• Foliageresemblesholly• Darkgreenserratedleaves• Sporesonbottomoftheleaf
Spores under leaf New growth
HERB
JAPANESE NETVEIN HOLLYFERNHOLLY FERN
Cyrtomium falcatumCYFA2
41.
Leaves New growth
Habitat: Shadedunderstory.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.
Similar Native Species: RiverFern,Coralberry,DwarfYaupon
Removal: Digupplants,gettingalloftherootsystem.
Spreading: Spreadbyspores.
HERB
JAPANESE NETVEIN HOLLYFERNHOLLY FERN
Cyrtomium falcatumCYFA2
42.
Identification• Annualweed• Growsto30"• Basalrosetteinwinterwithleaveshaving deepsinuses
• Basalleavesdarkgreen,deeplylobedandwrinkled
• Bloomsyellowinearlyspring(bloomsatthesametimeasbluebonnets)
• Flowershave4petalsincross-likearrangement• Seedcapsuleisstalkedwithlongbeakattipandcontains1-2seeds
Leaf Plant
HERB
ANNUAL BASTARD CABBAGE,TALL MUSTARD WEED
Rapistrum rugosumRARU
43.
Fruit
Habitat: Roadsides,opensunnyareas,disturbedareas,anddegradedpastures.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants,especiallyinriparianareas.Formsmonoculture.
Similar Native Species: Engelmann’sDaisy,PlainsCoreopsis,MaximillianSunflowers
Removal: Digupwholeplantincludingtaprootandthenplantnativeseedstocompetewithinvasiveplantseedsleftinthesoil.
Spreading: Spreadsbyseedsandquicklycoversgroundwithablanketofleafyrosettes(circlesofleavesatgroundlevel).
HERB
ANNUAL BASTARD CABBAGERapistrum rugosum
RARU
44.
Identification• Largeherbaceousperennial• Growsto6'• Squarestem• Elliptictolanceolateleaveswithserratededges• Oppositeleavesandbranching• Purpleflowersinlatespringtosummer
Flowers Seed head
HERB
BRAZILIAN VERBAINVerbena brasiliensis
VEBR2
45.
HERB
BRAZILIAN VERBAINVerbena brasiliensis
VEBR2
Flowers Stem
Habitat: Roadsides,disturbedareas,alongcreeks.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants,especiallyinriparianareas.
Similar Native Species: PrairieVerbena,Liatris,WoolyIronweed
Removal: Pullplantsbyhand.
Spreading:Spreadsbyseeds.
46.
Identification• Perennialgrasswithwoodycanes• Growsto20'• Alternateleaveswithparallelveins• Leavesare2-3"atbaseandtapertoapoint• Plumelikeflowersinlatesummerare1-2'
Stalk Flower
GRASS
GIANT REEDGIANT CANE
Arundo donaxARDO4
47.
Plant Diagram
Habitat: Riparianandfloodplainareas.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants,especiallyinriparianareas.
Similar Native Species: Sotol,Sugarcaneplumegrass,ThompsonYucca,Horsetail
Removal: Handpullsmallplants.Hand-digwithagrubbingtoolandremoveallrootstalks.
Spreading: Spreadsvegetatively.
GRASS
GIANT REEDGIANT CANE
Arundo donaxARDO4
48.
Identification• Perennialgrassto24"whenflowering• Extrememlyhairyligule• Round,blonde,strawlikestemswhendry•Multiplespikeletshavepurplishhuewhennew• Nodesarepurplewithfuzzyring
Bunchgrass Flowering
GRASS
KING RANCH BLUESTEMBothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica
BOISS
49.
Habitat: Openfieldsandgrasslands.
Ecological Impact: Formsmonoculturesthatcrowdoutnativeplants.Destroyshabitatofquailandothergrasslandbirds.
Similar Native Species: Buffalograss,BlueGramagrass,Little Bluestemgrass
Removal: Mowingbeforeseedheadsareproduced.Professionallysupervisedprescribedburns.
Spreading: Spreadsbyseed.Mostinfestationsareduetointentionalseedingforcattleorroadsidevegetation.
GRASS
KING RANCH BLUESTEMBothriochloa ischaemum var. songarica
BOISS
Seeds Clumpgrass 50.
51.
Identification• Growsto1.5'• Narrowleaf• Formsadensesod• Creepingrhizomesandstolons• Rootsfrombaseofplantandnodes/joints onrunners
Roots Flowering
GRASS
BERMUDAGRASSCynodon dactlyon
CYDA
52.
GRASS
Habitat: Gardens,sportsfields,andotherareaswhereitwasintroducedasturf.Growsbestinfullsunorpartialsun.
Ecological Impact: Invadesgardenbedsandcompeteswithornamentalandvegetableplants.Spreadsintodisturbedareasandoutcompetesotherearlysuccessionalspecies.Allelopathic–producestoxinsthatsuppressthegrowthofotherplantspecies.
Similar Native Species: Buffalograss,BlueGrama,Curly-Mesquite.ItisrecommendedthatamixofnativegrassesorimprovedhybridsofBermudagrasssuchasTifgreen,Tifdwarf,TifwayandSantaAnabeusedinareaswhereadurablelawnisdesiredasthesehybridsdonotproduceseed.
Removal: Repeatedhandremovalofrhizomesandstolons.Solarization.
Spreading: Spreadsbyrunnersandseeds.Producesseedsthatremainviableinsoilforatleasttwoyears.
BERMUDAGRASSCynodon dactlyon
CYDA
Identification• Evergreengrass• Growsto16'-40'• Longpointedleavesinfanlikeclusters• Jointedstems•Wood-likestem
Stems Leaves
GRASS
GOLDEN BAMBOOPhyllostachys aurea
PHAU8
53.
Habitat: Oldhomesitesandadjacentnaturalareas.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants,especiallyinriparianareas.
Similar Native Species: Yaupon,BambooMuhly
Removal:Cutplantsasclosetogroundaspossible.Repeatasplantsresproutforseveralgrowingseasonsuntilenergyreservesofrhizomesareexhausted.Ifdigging,removealltheroots.
Spreading: Spreadsbyrunnersandrootrhizomes.A3'deepbarriersurroundingtheplantmayreducespread.
GRASS
GOLDEN BAMBOOPhyllostachys aurea
PHAU8
54.New root sprout Foliage in July
Identification• Growsto6'•Wideleafbladewithwhitestripedownthecenter• Thick,creepingundergroundstems
Young Flower Flower
GRASS
JOHNSONGRASSSorghum halepense
SOHA
55.
Leaf Roots
Habitat:Allsoils,roadsides,creeksides,sunnytoshadyareas.
Ecological Impact: Crowdsoutnativeplants.Longtermseedviabilityandextensiverootsystem.
Similar Native Species: LittleBluestem,BushyBluestem,Lindheimer’sMuhly
Removal:Manuallyremoveasmuchoftherootsystemaspossible.Persistentsomaytakeseveraltries.
Spreading: Spreadsvegetativelyandbyseed.
GRASS
JOHNSONGRASSSorghum halepense
SOHA
56.
Identification• Aquaticplantthatfloatsonwater• Thick,shiny,brightgreen,kidney-shapedleaves;1-5"inwidth
• Largelavenderflowersingroupsof8-15
Flower Floating Vegetation
AQUATIC
WATER HYACINTHEichhornia crassipes
EICR
57.
Habitat: Foundinalltypesoffreshwaterbodies.Growsanywhereitcanavoidfreezingtemperatures.
Ecological Impact:Formsdensematontopofthewaterthatblockssunlightfrompenetratingthewaterandresultsindecreaseddissolvedoxygenlevels.Threatenswaterintakesandimpedesboattraffic.
Removal:Forsmallinfestations,removeplantsbyhandorwitharake.Largerareasmayneedharvestermachines.
Spreading: Spreadsbyrhizomesandprolificseeds.Populationmaydoublein6-18days.
AQUATIC
WATER HYACINTHEichhornia crassipes
EICR
58.
Identification• Rooted,submersedaquaticplant• Formsdensematsinwater• Growsin1'-20'ofwater• ¾"leavesgrowinwhorls• Fineteethonedgeofleaves• Tinyflowers
Vegetation Foliage
AQUATIC
HYDRILLAHydrilla verticillata
HYVE3
59.
AQUATIC
Habitat:Freshwaterbodies.
Ecological Impact: Formsdenseunderwaterstandsthatreduceaquaticplantdiversity.Mayreducewaterqualityasdensevegetationdiesanddecomposes.Threatenswaterintakes,recreationandnavigationonthelake.
Similar Native Species: SouthernWaternymph,HumpedBladderwort,AmericanEelgrass
Removal:Mechanicalharvesters.Herbivorousfishsuchassterilegrasscarp.
Spreading: Spreadsbyrootcrownsandplantfragments.
HYDRILLAHydrilla verticillata
HYVE3
60.
Identification• Rooted,submersed,aquaticplant• Growsin3-10'ofwater• Grayish-greenleavesinwhorlsaroundstem• Featheryappearance
Vegetation Hydrilla Comparison
AQUATIC
EURASIAN WATERMILFOILMyriophyllum spicatum
MYSP2
61.
AQUATIC
EURASIAN WATERMILFOILMyriophyllum spicatum
MYSP2
Habitat: Spreadsintodisturbedwaterareas.
Ecological Impact:EcologicalImpact:Formsdensematontopofthewaterthatblockssunlightfrompenetratingthewaterandresultsindecreaseddissolvedoxygenlevels.Impedesboattraffic.
Removal:Forsmallareasremovebyhandorwithrake.Forlargeareas,usemechanicalharvesteratthepeakofbiomassinearlysummer.Betterresultswithrepeatedharvesting.Allplantpartsmust beremoved.
Spreading: Spreadsbyplantfragments.
62.