An invitation from Eryn Maynard to do Citizen Science: I lived in St. Louis for a couple of years doing invasive plant research at Washington University. I went on a few native plant walks with your WGNSS-Botany Group. It came up in conversation fairly regularly that...
Blog
Multiyear Study Evaluates Control Options for Swallowwort Vines
LAWRENCE, Kansas – April 5, 2016 – Scientists have just concluded a six-year study of potential controls for pale swallowwort and black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum spp.) – two perennial vines native to Europe that are invading habitats in northeastern North America. To...
Fayetteville, AR, Bans 18 Invasive Species
Fayetteville, AR--Fayetteville is the first city in Arkansas to put a ban on invasive plant species. Read the city's document on its 18 banned plant species, or see the video on nwahomepage.com for more about how the city is working toward supporting native plant...
Plants can alter West Nile virus risk
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new study looks at how leaf litter in water influences the abundance of Culex pipiens mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile virus to humans, domestic animals, birds and other wildlife. Read full article here...
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.