A Natural Areas Inventory of the - Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory ...

Multiflora rose is not thought to represent a major threat to native biodiversity on FLMR at this
time. However, as it is officially designated as a noxious weed in Kansas, there are requirements
for its control. Extreme care must be exercised in controlling this species where it occurs within
or near native communities so as not to damage non-target species.
Securigera varia (Fabaceae; common crown-vetch; synonym = Coronilla varia)
Native to Europe, southwest Asia, and northern Africa, crown vetch is a perennial legume, which
can have stems up to 2 m tall with rhizomes up to 3 m long. The agent of dispersal is unknown
but animals may play a role. It has been planted for erosion control, bank stabilization, and
temporary ground cover. Its rapid spread by rhizomes and seeding ability poses a threat to
natural areas. It is found in open sunny areas such as roadsides, open fields and gravel bars along
streams. Prescribed burning alone has not shown success. Repeated late spring mowing has
shown some success and may at least stop its spread. It should be watched for along rights-ofway
and controlled to prevent invasion of natural areas.
Common crown-vetch is not thought to be a major threat to native biodiversity at FLMR at this
time. This species is generally associated with disturbed habitats, especially where it occurs as a
relict of plantings for erosion control. Because of its potential to interfere with native and
restored areas, its use as a cover plant for erosion control should be severely limited (alternatives
for erosion control include native grasses and forbs). Extreme care must be exercised in
controlling this species where it occurs within or near native communities so as not to damage
non-target species.
Sorghum halepense (Poaceae; Johnson grass)
Native to the Mediterranean, Johnson grass was introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s as a potential
forage crop. It is a coarse, perennial grass that can reach 2.5 m tall and is characterized by having
stout rhizomes. It spreads by seed and rhizomes, forming dense clumps. It can crowd out native
species, reducing plant diversity and complicating restoration efforts in areas it comes to
dominate. It is found invading disturbed sites including fallow fields, forest edges, and
riverbanks. It also can be a pest in annually tilled agricultural fields. Johnson grass grows on a
variety of soils but can thrive on fertile lowlands. Individual plants in small infestations can be
hand-pulled in June after rain has softened the ground. This may need to be repeated several
times for control. Individual plants also can be sprayed with a backpack sprayer. Repeated,
close mowing can kill seedlings and reduce rhizome growth.
Johnson grass can become highly invasive, forming dense populations that diminish native
biodiversity or impede efforts at ecosystem restoration. It is officially designated as a noxious
weed in Kansas, and therefore certain control measures are required. The current population at
FLMR is large and widespread. It occurs abundantly in low, mesic restoration areas on former
agricultural land and in disturbed areas throughout FLMR. Extreme care must be exercised in
controlling this species where it occurs within or near native communities so as not to damage
non-target species.
NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY OF FT. LEAVENWORTH II 198