Invasive Plants Flashcards (pdf)

http://luirig.altervista.org/cpm/albums/thome/thome00424-piceaabies.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e0/Plantago_l
anceolata_flowers.jpg
Status: Exotic.
Native to: Europe.
Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Effects: Although it spreads relatively slowly, once
established, Norway spruce forms single-species stands
because few other plant species can tolerate the newly
formed habitat. Its dense canopy means it casts a very
intense shade. In addition, the decomposing needles
cause the soil to become acidic and make nutrients
unavailable for uptake by other species.
Distinctive features: This very large spruce can grow
more than 150 feet tall. The short (less than 1”) needles
are square in cross section and dark green on all four
sides. The needles form a spiral around orange-brown
branches and are very shade tolerant. Needles of this
tree can live for many years before being dropped. The
oval female cones can be as much as 6” long, which is the
longest of any spruce. Norway spruce is often planted
as a lawn or border tree.
Status: Exotic.
English plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Native to: Europe.
Effects: This is a common weed on lawns and fields, as
well as in roadsides and other disturbed habitats. As a
common lawn weed, it has no known detrimental effects.
Distinctive features: The slender, 3-ribbed leaves are
about 3-10” long and form a “rosette” at the soil
surface. The leaves usually have short hairs. The
flowers grow from heads that are egg-shaped and are
about 1” long. The flowers themselves are tiny. The
open flowers have protruding white structures called
stamens (male flower parts). A similar lawn weed and
relative, the Common Plantain, has broader smooth
bright green leaves and a long narrow seed head. The
tiny flowers are similar.