Got Nature? Blog

Purdue Landscape Report: These three maples have somewhat similar-looking leaves. On the surface, you may think this is simply an academic exercise. But if you care about invasive plants and local ecology, this distinction is an important one.

Norway maple is an invasive tree species, while sugar and black maples are native tree species (sometimes called hard maples). Sugar and black maples are even more beloved for their gift of delicious sugary sap that can be made into maple syrup and similar products. They also make great shade trees. Note that there are other native and non-native maple species.

One way to distinguish between Norway (Acer platanoides), sugar (Acer saccharum), and black (Acer nigrum) maples is to count the number of lobes on the leaves. Lobes are large areas of the leaf that stick out, like an ear lobe, although that is not the clearest analogy. Norway maples typically have 5-7 lobes (commonly 7), sugar maples typically have 5, and black maples typically have 3-5. Black maple’s bottom two lobes are so much less prominent than sugar maple that it often looks like 3 main lobes. Additionally, black maple leaves droop on the sides, almost like they are starting to wilt from lack of water.

Another way to distinguish Norway maples from native maples (sugar and black) is to look at the winged seeds, called samaras. Children may call these “helicopters,” as they twirl on their way to the ground. The Norway maple has paired samaras arranged like a handlebar mustache. Sugar and black maple samara pairs look more like a Fu Manchu mustache, pointing downward rather than the near horizontal arrangement of Norway maple samaras.

A third way to distinguish Norway maples from native maples is to snap off the long leaf stem (petiole). Norway maples have a milky latex sap that exudes if you squeeze or pinch a petiole, while native maples have clear sap.

There are a few other identification nuances between these species. For example, black maples have stipules (leaf-like growths) at the base of their petioles (absent on sugar maple). They also have pubescence or hairiness on the underside of the leaves. Norway maple has hairs in the axils of leaf veins. Norway maple’s leaves are generally broader than long. Other differences may be seen in the bark, twigs, buds, and fall coloring.

Although Norway maple is an invasive species, it has been a long-time landscaping favorite of homeowners, especially cultivars like ‘Crimson King’ that retain their deep red color all year. This attribute has made Norway maple a popular choice because few other options exist to offer that color feature for the landscape. Other varieties or cultivars exhibit the normal green leaf color. Native to northern Europe, the tree was introduced in America in the late 1700s. George Washington reportedly purchased two trees in 1792 to plant at Mount Vernon.

For full article: Distinguishing Between Norway, Sugar, and Black Maples, Purdue Landscape Report.

Resources:
ReportINvasive, Purdue College of Agriculture
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Large Spots on Maple Leaves that Look Like Tar, Purdue Extension News
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resource (FNR) YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory

John E. Woodmansee, Extension Educator – Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR)
Purdue Extension – Whitely County

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Poison hemlock is native to Europe. It is a biennial plant, meaning that it has a two-year lifespan. Last summer, it went through vegetative growth and largely stayed out of sight as a basal rosette. This summer, a long stem (up to 3 to 10 feet tall) will bolt and produce small white clusters of flowers. Poison hemlock is a member of the parsley family and can sometimes be confused with wild carrot. However, its distinguishing feature is its hairless hollow stalks with purple blotches.

The biggest risk with poison hemlock is ingestion. Lethal doses are fairly small, so it is important for animal owners or parents of young children to identify it in their area and remove it if possible. The toxins can also be absorbed through the skin and lungs, so be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling these plants.

Symptoms of hemlock poisoning include dilation of the pupils, weakening or slowing pulse, blue coloration around the mouth and eventually paralysis of the central nervous system and muscles leading to death. Quick treatment can reverse the effects, so act quickly.

It is considered highly invasive and is listed on both Indiana’s noxious weed list and the terrestrial invasive plant rule list, Indiana General Assembly IC 14-24-12, IC 15-15, IC 15-16-7 to 10, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Terrestrial Invasive Species – Plants. Thus, its occurrence may have legal implications for landowners. Some Indiana counties aggressively monitor and spray poison hemlock, particularly along county roads. It primarily invades disturbed and early succession sites such as roadsides, stream and ditch banks, vacant lots, and field borders. However, it can spread into pastures, hay fields, and other grassland habitats.

Its sap contains alkaloid toxins which are highly toxic to humans and animals. Although humans would not normally purposely or accidentally ingest poison hemlock (Socrates was a notable exception), care should be taken when mowing or cutting to avoid dermal and respiratory inhalation exposure. Livestock farmers should control poison hemlock in pastures, feed lots and holding pens and ensure it is not baled in hay.

Poison hemlock spreads via seed, so effective management must prevent new seed production, prevent spread of existing seed, and exhaust the existing seed supply in the soil seed bank.

Poison hemlock seed is often inadvertently spread by mowing, road maintenance or agricultural equipment. Mow infested areas along roadsides, ditch banks and field edges before seed develops. A single mowing may delay but  not stop poison hemlock from growing another shoot and ultimately flowering and producing seed. Multiple mowings are likely required to prevent new seed production.

Herbicide control should focus on the first-year basal rosette. Herbicide control can still be achieved in the early stages of flower stem development. However, as the flower stem grows so grows the amount of herbicide required to provide full coverage and thus full control.  A 2% solution of glyphosate (41% active ingredient) in water with a non-ionic surfactant will provide good control of poison hemlock basal rosettes. If the poison hemlock is growing among desirable grasses, broadleaf-specific herbicides such as triclopyr and 2,4-D are also very effective on poison hemlock and will not harm the grasses. AS always, read the pesticide label for proper, safe handling and use.

For more information see Purdue Cooperative Extension Invasive Plant Fact Sheet Series FNR-437-W, Poison Hemlock.  For further guidance on poison hemlock control, contact your county Purdue Cooperative Extension office.

Resources:
Noxious and Invasive Weeds and the Weed Laws in Indiana, Purdue Extension – Botany & Plant Pathology
Be Careful Around Highly Toxic Poison Hemlock Plant This Summer, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Poison Hemlock, Pest & Crop Newsletter, Purdue Extension – Entomology
Pest & Crop Newsletter, Purdue Extension
Recognizing and Managing Poison Hemlock, Purdue Landscape Report
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Distribution Update, Purdue Landscape Report
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension & Indiana Invasive Species Council
Purdue Pest and Plant Diagnostic Lab

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester, Southern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

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Explore the dual nature of goldenrods in conservation plantings. While goldenrods like tall and Canada goldenrod benefit pollinators and wildlife, their aggressive growth can outcompete other plants, reducing diversity. This guide offers insights into managing goldenrods to maintain a balanced and thriving ecosystem. It is essential reading for land managers and conservationists committed to maintaining a diverse grassland ecosystem.

Check out the Managing Conservation Plantings series which include details on how to control invasive species and other problematic plants in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings and native warm-season grass and wildflower conservation plantings.

Plant Facts

• Herbaceous broadleaf, typically 3-5 feet tall (can range from 1 to 7 feet)
• Perennial warm-season forb
• Growing period: April to October
• Flowering: late July through October
• Reproduction: by seed and rhizome

Whether you’re managing a pasture, wildlife area, or prairie restoration, this resource provides science-based strategies to control goldenrod effectively. Learn more about managing goldenrod species in grasslands and wildlife habitats, enhancing your land’s ecological health by reading the full publication: Managing Conservation Plantings: Goldenrod Control, (330kb, pdf).

This publication is part of a seven publication series The Managing Conservation Plantings Series. Publications in this series include:

• Golden Rod Control
• Thinning Native Warm-Season Grasses
• Sericea Lespedeza Control
• Woody Encroachment and Woody Invasives
• Johnson Grass Control
• Reed Canarygrass Control
• Teasel Control (Common and Cut Leaved)
• Controlling Introduced Cool-season Grasses
• Crownvetch, Sweetclover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Control

Resources:
Deer Impact Toolbox & Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour and Pocket Guide, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings – Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Plantings, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Project Overview & Drone Setup, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

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Welcome to “ID That Tree.” In this edition, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to an autumn olive shrub found across Indiana. This dense shrub requires extensive control and management due to its effects on the habitat. Watch the video to learn about its aggressive growth, wildlife impact, leaf pattern, and other features!

 

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
101 Trees in Indiana, Amazon
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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The Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL) proudly presents its latest Annual Report, offering a comprehensive overview of the year’s most significant insights, diagnostics, and trends. This essential document covers critical topics such as spruce-tordon uptake, hosta virus X, ophiostoma ulmi, diamond back moth, lettuce slime mold, and bentgrass dollar spot. As an indispensable resource for growers, researchers, and the public, PPDL remains at the forefront of providing expert analysis on plant diseases, insect identification, and environmental concerns throughout Indiana and beyond.

Visit the PPDL Annual Reports webpage to find the 2024 report and view past reports.

About PPDL:
The Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL) remains dedicated to helping protect Indiana’s agriculture, the green industry, and individual landscapes, by providing rapid and reliable diagnostic services for plant disease and pest problems. PPDL also provides appropriate pest management strategies and diagnostics training. They are a participating member lab in the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN), a consortium of Land Grant University diagnostic laboratories established to help protect our nation’s plant biosecurity infrastructure.

Resources:
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Diseases in Hardwood Tree Plantings, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources

Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory (PPDL)
Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology

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Join David and Mary Ray on a tour of their award winning forest in southwest Jackson County! The Rays are hands-on managers of their beautiful southern Indiana oak forest, and are excited to share the results of their management strategies with you!

Registration is required for this FREE EVENT. To register call or email Let the Sun Shine In – Indiana, Judi Brown, coordinator, 812-631-4904, JBrown@abcbirds.org. Registration is due April 3rd. Please share any dietary restrictions if needed.

Date: April 5, 2025
Time: 9:30am to 1:00pm EDT
Location: David & Mary Ray Property, Southwest Jackson County, 5 miles SW of Medora, event signs will be posted

Schedule:
Onsite Registration: 9:00 AM
Forestry Tour: 9:30 to Noon
Lunch: 12 to 1 PM, sponsored by Indiana Forestry and Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Maple Sap Gathering 1 PM, optional

Speakers Include:
David Ray, Property Owner
Dan McGuckin, ACF, CF, CWB
Dan Shaver, NRCS State Forester
Judi Brown, LSSI IN

Take note: This is a walking tour in a hilly forest. Be prepared for rough terrain; please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Limited on-site transportation assistance available, if needed. In the event of storm rain date is April 12, 2025.

To print flyer and view large map visit: Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA): Oak Management Forestry Field Day: Jackson County flyer (pdf).

For all IFWOA events and woodland resources view Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA) website.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Deer Impact Toolbox, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Liz Jackson, IFWOA engagement specialist & Walnut Council Manager
Indiana Forestry & Woodlands Owners Association (IFWOA)

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Invasive species are any plant, animal, insect or plant disease not native to a specific location that can cause harm to the environment, impact the diversity of native species, reduce wildlife habitat or disrupt important ecosystem functions.

Why should you care about invasive species? Invasive species limit land use, degrade natural resources and inhibit recreational pursuits such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, and foraging. They also negatively impact fisheries, agricultural and forestry industries, destabilize soil and alter water resources. Invasive species also out compete natives and are costly to control with estimates showing that the U.S. spends $137 billion/year to control/manage invasive species.

As spring approaches, many invasive plants will begin to leaf out in woodland areas. Spring is a good time to stop them in their tracks so they don’t overtake native plants, affect water availability or damage the quality of soil among other potential impacts.

Here are some resources to help you identify various invasive plants in woodland areas near you, to know when to report them and also what you can do help control their spread.

Videos on Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel, Invasive Species Playlist

• Asian Bush Honeysuckle
• Burning Bush
• Callery Pear
• Multiflora Rose
• Invasive Plants Threaten Our Forests Part 1: Invasive Plant Species Identification
• Invasive Plants Threaten Our Forests Part 2: Control and Management

Don’t miss this YouTube Shorts video, Lenny Farlee Talks About Invasive Plants Emerging in Early Spring

More Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Video Series –
Woodland Management Moment Videos:

• Against Invasives
• Garlic Mustard
• Autumn Olive

Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Videos:

• Common Buckthorn
• Japanese Barberry

ID That Tree Videos:

• Invasive White Mulberry
• Invasive Siberian Elm
• Invasive Tree of Heaven
• Invasive Amur Honeysuckle
• Asian Honeysuckle

FNR Extension Publications, The Education Store:

• Invasive Plant Species: Oriental Bittersweet
• Invasive Plant Species: Wintercreeper
• Japanese Chaff Flower
• Kudzu in Indiana
• Mile-a-minute Vine

Purdue Landscape Report:

• Alternatives to Burning Bush for Fall Color
• Now is the Time to Identify Callery Pear
• Keyword search: Invasive

FNR Extension Got Nature? Blog:

• Woodland Invaders
• Invasive Species: the Good News and the Bad News

When and how do I report an invasive species?
The Purdue Invasive Species website will help you identify invasive species and explain how to send in your findings. If you notice something is killing an otherwise healthy stand of trees or shrubs, you will want to identify it and report it if it is on the invasive list. If you see a plant that is taking over an area where it doesn’t belong, you will want to identify it and report it if it is on the invasive list.

• The GLEDN Phone App – Great Lakes Early Detection Network
• EDDMaps – Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System
• 1-866 No EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684)
• depp@dnr.IN.gov – Email Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

More Resources
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Episode 11 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
What Nurseries Need to Know About the Invasive Species Regulation, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

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Purdue Landscape Report: Dieback and canker diseases caused by Botryosphaeria, Sphaeropsis, Diplodia and other closely related fungal pathogens are exceptionally common on woody landscape plants. This group of diseases are often referred to collectively as Botryosphaeria diseases and this article will follow that convention to discuss them as a group. Examine any mature oak tree long enough and you’re likely to find at least some stems dying due to Botryosphaeria. Check the base of dying stems of cranberry bush viburnum and you’re likely to find a Botryosphaeria canker. Look closely at sunken cracked stems and dieback on redbud and, you guessed it, more Botryosphaeria.

Botryosphaeria is opportunistic and is often seen killing individual branches that have been wounded or attacked by other diseases, providing an entry point for the fungus. (Fig 1) Stress factors like drought, freezing or defoliation due to disease or insect attack increases susceptibility to infection, and reduces plant defenses so that existing infections often move faster down the stem. However, wounds are not required for infection. In susceptible trees and shrubs, the fungus may attack the smallest twigs and later spread to larger branches where they cause cankers.

Symptoms:
Discoloration and death of leaves on individual stems may point to Botryosphaeria canker at the base of the dying stem (Fig 2). As the canker girdles a stem, the portion of the stem above the canker gradually dies. Smaller twigs with immature bark may become discolored as the pathogen spreads. Symptoms may vary depending on the plant species infected. In many cases the infection fails to completely encircle the stem, resulting in stems with half necrotic and half living stem tissue (Fig 3).

Botryosphaeria cankers usually cause bark to be cracked, sunken and discolored (Fig 4). Fruiting bodies of the fungus appear as pinhead-sized black specks embedded in the bark, which may be raised in small bumps covering the cankers.

Management:
Prevention of infection depends mainly upon avoiding unnecessary wounding and minimizing environmental stresses that induce susceptibility. Avoid allowing trees and shrubs, especially those recently transplanted, to become drought stressed. Keep plants in good condition and in moderate growth. Avoid high fertilizer rates that induce rapid, succulent growth that may be more susceptible to infection.

Prune out and destroy any dead branches at least six inches below discoloration in the bark or sapwood. Be sure to clean pruning tools with a disinfectant after working on infected plants.

Fungicides have not been effective at preventing infections, and once the fungus is inside the wood fungicides can’t touch it, so they are generally not recommended in the landscape.

Avoid using highly susceptible plants, such as Viburnum trilobum or Salix spp., in drought prone sites.

Resources:
Botryosphaeria Canker, Purdue Plant Doctor
Beat Back Borers Attacking Pines, Purdue Landscape Report
Black Spot of Elm, Purdue Landscape Report
Inonotus Dryadeus – Butt and Root Rot of Oaks, Purdue Landscape Report
Stories in the Bark – Patterns and Growth, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources Got Nature? Blog
Root Rot in Landscape Plants, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Dead Man’s Fingers, Purdue Landscape Report
ID That Tree Fall Color: Sugar Maple, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
ID That Tree Fall Color Edition: Black Gum, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana, The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube playlist
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube playlist
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Subscribe, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

Tom Creswell, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory Director
Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology

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Weekly Review, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Indiana DNR: Will Drews, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer with the DNR Division of Entomology & Pathology shares in September Weekly Review e-newsletter how staff will continue to help coordinate kudzu control throughout the state and expands upon the state funded kudzu control program.

As some of you may know, kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) is an invasive woody vine that can now be found throughout the state of Indiana. It is referred to colloquially as “the vine that ate the south,” and if you took a drive through some southern states (e.g. Tennessee, Georgia, the Carolinas, etc.) right now, you’d see why. Kudzu has tremendous growth potential, sometimes as much as 1 foot per day. Some vines reach lengths of up to 100 feet. Because of this it is a detriment to Indiana’s natural resources, kudzu has been listed as a prohibited invasive plant under the DNR’s Administrative Code as per 312 IAC 18-3-16 Control of kudzu.

While part of the language includes that the landowner “must take efforts to eliminate this species in such a manner as is consistent with federal and state law,” the Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology have been leading a state funded control program where sites are treated on a rotating, priority basis to eradicate or suppress further spread with no cost to the landowner. Over the last month, around 40 kudzu sites in Indiana have been treated and we have seen some great progress from last year.

If you think you have seen a new kudzu population, please send me that information (photos and GPS coordinates or address) at my email address provided below. A couple of the sites treated this year are new reports from last year that we were able to address. With your help, we can try to reduce the impact of this incredibly invasive vine and protect our natural resources.

For more information regarding this invasive vine Kudzu see the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Kudzu.

Subscribe: Entomology Weekly Review.

Resources:
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Natural Resources Conservation Service Plants Profile
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-National Invasive Species Information Center
Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Kudzu Information
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR Youtube Channel
Mile-a-minute Vine, The Education Store
Invasive Plant Series: Swallow-worts, The Education Store

Will Drews, Nursery Inspector & Compliance Officer, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, WDrews@dnr.IN.gov
Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IN DNR)

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Purdue Landscape Report: As summer comes to a close, plants are rapidly releasing seeds and the most noticeable are the flying fluffy type. Thistles, asters and milkweed are just a few of the summer-flowering plants that depend on the wind to disperse their seeds, sometimes carrying them miles away to potentially suitable locations, though seeds typically land within a few meters of the mother plant. This may not be a concern if it’s a desirable plant, but can become extremely problematic when that seed comes from Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) (Fig. 1).

Canada thistle is found on the list of Indiana Noxious Weeds (IC 15-16-7-2), which mandates that landowners take necessary steps to control and contain the spread of this highly invasive species. Formal enforcement of this Indiana Code falls to Township Trustees, though weed control is a responsibility that is often overlooked. Landowners and homeowners shouldn’t wait for a notice, or knock at the door, from a Township Trustee to begin controlling Canada thistle. It’s listed as a noxious weed for good reason.

Canada thistle is a perennial plant that can reproduce from seed or rhizomes making it difficult to control and contain. Each plant can produce thousands of wind-blown seeds that may remain viable for up to 20 years in the soil. Rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that can grow several feet and put out new shoots (Fig. 2). To add insult to injury, if a rhizome is cut or tilled, a separate plant may grow from each piece of rhizome.

Mechanical and cultural control options for Canada thistle are limited and may reduce plant density, but are not effective at eradicating large, established populations in a landscape. A new population, without an established root system, may be controlled with frequent mowing to deplete food reserves and prevent seed production.Small, isolated populations may be controlled with hand-pulling, but this will need to be repeated every few weeks.

Chemical control options include pre- and post-emergent herbicides and, in many cases, applications of both types are needed for complete eradication. A pre-emergent herbicide, with an active ingredient of dichlobenil, is effective at preventing seed from germinating, but will not control established plants. A post-emergent herbicide with the active ingredient of clopyralid is the most effective option for home gardeners. Clopyralid is a selective herbicide for broadleaf weeds, but most vegetable and ornamental plants are susceptible. Precautions should be taken to avoid off-target damage. Read and understand the herbicide label before use. The label is the law.

Regardless of the method used, complete control of an established Canada thistle population will take persistence over multiple seasons. If the fluffy seed is beginning to fly from your thistle patch, it will likely take many more seasons to rid the garden of this pest, but it is possible. To win the battle against Canada thistle, it takes serious grit and an effective herbicide, or a good realtor.

View the original article here: What the Fluff?!

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Planting Your Tree, Video, The Education Store
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management Website
Control of Canada Thistle in CRP and Other Noncrop Acreage, The Ed Store
Invasive Thistles
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Understanding and Controlling Thistle in the Nursery and Landscape, Purdue Landscape Report
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist
Purdue Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

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