Missouri Invasive Plant Council
making early detection and control of known and potential invasive plants a statewide priority
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News & Events
Missourians Making a Difference: Interview with Jack McDonnell
Throughout Missouri are many individuals making significant progress in the early detection and control of invasive plants. The Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP) is pleased to highlight their work! Jack McDonnell, the Program Manager for the Forestry and...
2025 Invasive Plant Action Award Winners
The Missouri Invasive Plant Council is pleased to announce the 2025 Invasive Plant Action Award winners. 2025 MoIP Award Winner: Individual Citizen Alan Hopefl is the winner in the Individual Citizen category, awarded to an individual for outstanding contributions to...
Governor Kehoe Signs Missouri Invasive Plant Bill into Law
Pictured above are members of the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (Bill Ruppert (back) and Carol Davit (front), both second from left, with other supporters of SB 105 at the bill signing. Photo courtesy of the Governor's Office. On July 14, 2025, Missouri Governor...
Invasive to Watch This Season
Round leaf (Oriental) bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is a perennial deciduous, climbing, woody vine that can grow to lengths of 60 feet and up to 4 inches in diameter. The striated bark is brown to dark brown. The smooth twigs can range from light gray to dark brown. The alternate, elliptical to rounded leaves are light green and 2-5 inches long. Small, inconspicuous, axillary, greenish white flowers bloom from May to early June. Small, round fruits are green when young; ripen to yellow; then split to reveal showy, scarlet berries that persist into winter. Celastrus orbiculatus is often found in old home sites, fields, and road edges. The fast-growing vines can cover, shade, and outcompete other vegetation, and even girdle and kill large trees.