Invasives are pervasive! On a walk this morning in one of our local parks, I observed many invasive plants happy as a child on Christmas Eve!
As I walked along, I came across the following vines, shrubs, and trees:
Ailanthus altissima, Tree of Heaven still has seed clusters.
Reynoutria japonica, Japanese Knotweed was still visible in clusters above ground.
Celastrus orbiculatus, Oriental Bittersweet still had a large amount of seed.
Rosa multiflora, Multiflora Rose had rose hips present.
Ligustrum vulgare, wild privet showed some green leaves and purple fruit.
Lonicera japonica, Japanese Honeysuckle was still very green.
Alnus glutinosa, European Alder has formed a monospecific stand preventing other plant growth.
This can be harmful when trying to encourage other species to grow like this Betula nigra, River Birch to grow along this riverbank as the European Alder outcompetes the birch.
Phragmites australis, Common Reed will grow in any retention basin or ditch where water persists.
Merry Invasive Christmas Eve from Northeast Ohio!