What's so bad about:
Eurasian Phragmites
Eurasian phragmites is a giant grass species that has been noted moving into northern Michigan at an alarming rate over the past two years. Eurasian phragmites grows in very dense stands, pushing out native vegetation and causes changes to the hydrology where it grows due to its water uptake capacity and sediment trapping properties. It can grow to 13 feet tall, and has the potential to reduce property values because of its ability to block waterfront views. The plant produces immense amounts of seeds and also self propagates by its aggressive rhizomes (roots). There is a native form of phragmites in the area which looks quite similar, but does not have as agressive of growth habits, which can complicate identification of this plant.
Eurasian phragmites is a giant grass species that has been noted moving into northern Michigan at an alarming rate over the past two years. Eurasian phragmites grows in very dense stands, pushing out native vegetation and causes changes to the hydrology where it grows due to its water uptake capacity and sediment trapping properties. It can grow to 13 feet tall, and has the potential to reduce property values because of its ability to block waterfront views. The plant produces immense amounts of seeds and also self propagates by its aggressive rhizomes (roots). There is a native form of phragmites in the area which looks quite similar, but does not have as agressive of growth habits, which can complicate identification of this plant.
Japanese and Giant Knotweed
Japanese and giant knotweed have been frequently planted as a part of landscaping projects. Regionally knotweed is sometimes called Michigan bamboo, but it is NOT native to Michigan. In fact, the purposeful propagation or distribution of this plant is prohibited under Michigan law. This plant is so virulent in its growth that it has been known to grow through pavement, sometimes resulting in damage to building foundations and roads.
Japanese and giant knotweed have been frequently planted as a part of landscaping projects. Regionally knotweed is sometimes called Michigan bamboo, but it is NOT native to Michigan. In fact, the purposeful propagation or distribution of this plant is prohibited under Michigan law. This plant is so virulent in its growth that it has been known to grow through pavement, sometimes resulting in damage to building foundations and roads.
Black and Pale Swallow-worts - Watch List Species
Black and pale swallow-worts have characteristics that make them resemble milkweed, but in contrast to milkweed, they grow as vines. They have opposite waxy leaves, which have a pungent herbal smell when crushed. The roots of the swallow-worts contain a substance that is toxic to livestock, so it has the potential to poison hay. The swallow-worts are further suspected of having a detrimental impact on monarch butterfly populations. Due to its similarity to milkweed, monarch butterflies sometimes mistakenly lay their eggs on swallow-wort, but monarch caterpillars cannot survive on this plant.
Black and pale swallow-worts have characteristics that make them resemble milkweed, but in contrast to milkweed, they grow as vines. They have opposite waxy leaves, which have a pungent herbal smell when crushed. The roots of the swallow-worts contain a substance that is toxic to livestock, so it has the potential to poison hay. The swallow-worts are further suspected of having a detrimental impact on monarch butterfly populations. Due to its similarity to milkweed, monarch butterflies sometimes mistakenly lay their eggs on swallow-wort, but monarch caterpillars cannot survive on this plant.
European Frogbit - Watch List Species
It has been said that one word can sum up European frog-bit: tangled! It is a floating aquatic plant whose leaves look like miniature lily-pads. It has pretty 3-petalled white flowers with a prominent yellow center. Its roots grow so thick into the water that it blocks the movement of fish and ducks, and stops boats when the roots get tangled around their propellers. It can spread readily from lake to lake by fragments stuck to boats. European frog-bit has not been found in this area, but particularly since there is presently no know viable control for this plant, our best bet is to keep it out in the first place or contain it early if it is found.
It has been said that one word can sum up European frog-bit: tangled! It is a floating aquatic plant whose leaves look like miniature lily-pads. It has pretty 3-petalled white flowers with a prominent yellow center. Its roots grow so thick into the water that it blocks the movement of fish and ducks, and stops boats when the roots get tangled around their propellers. It can spread readily from lake to lake by fragments stuck to boats. European frog-bit has not been found in this area, but particularly since there is presently no know viable control for this plant, our best bet is to keep it out in the first place or contain it early if it is found.
Flowering Rush - Watch List Species
Flowering rush has been found as nearby as Newaygo County. It grows submersed in shallow water, and resembles other rushes and sedges. It has stems that are triangular in cross-section and has very pretty pink flowers when in bloom. It is known for creating the ideal habitat for the great pond snail, which hosts the parasite that causes swimmer's itch.
Flowering rush has been found as nearby as Newaygo County. It grows submersed in shallow water, and resembles other rushes and sedges. It has stems that are triangular in cross-section and has very pretty pink flowers when in bloom. It is known for creating the ideal habitat for the great pond snail, which hosts the parasite that causes swimmer's itch.
Asian Longhorned Beetle- Watch List Species
Asian longhorned beetle has been found as nearby as northern Ohio. It is a wood boring insect that prefers maples, ash, birch, elm. The insect is very destructive leaving large exit holes in the trunk of the tree causing the tree to die. Once found the host trees need to be removed to keep the beetle from spreading to nearby trees, as well as to protect homes and other personal property since infested trees will die and can drop branches. The beetle is slow to spread on its own during the early stages of an infestation, so early detection and reporting is critical to containing it. Pay attention to trees, especially maples, with dying branches. Look for the characteristic exit holes in large branches or the trunks. If you see a suspect tree or beetle, take photos, record the location try to collect suspect beetles in a jar and report it to: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDA-Info@michigan.gov or phone the MDARD Customer Service Center, 800-292-3939.
Asian longhorned beetle has been found as nearby as northern Ohio. It is a wood boring insect that prefers maples, ash, birch, elm. The insect is very destructive leaving large exit holes in the trunk of the tree causing the tree to die. Once found the host trees need to be removed to keep the beetle from spreading to nearby trees, as well as to protect homes and other personal property since infested trees will die and can drop branches. The beetle is slow to spread on its own during the early stages of an infestation, so early detection and reporting is critical to containing it. Pay attention to trees, especially maples, with dying branches. Look for the characteristic exit holes in large branches or the trunks. If you see a suspect tree or beetle, take photos, record the location try to collect suspect beetles in a jar and report it to: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDA-Info@michigan.gov or phone the MDARD Customer Service Center, 800-292-3939.
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