Control and Identification of Invasive Species - Grow Native

5Burning bush, Buckthorn, Multiflora rose,Japanese knotweed.TreesAmur maple, Tree of heaven, Goldenraintree, Lacebark elm, Eastern red cedar.Newly emerged seedlings of woody plantsare easily hand-pulled when soil is moist(a day or two after rainfall).to the opposite hand when using hand pruners.Practice appropriate safety measures at all times.Stems more than an inch in diameter typicallyrequire a handsaw, chain saw, or a string trimmeroutfitted with a circular saw blade. Chainsawand circular-saw use require training andproper safety gear (helmet, ear and eye protection,leg and ankle protection, and sturdyleather boots).Stems less than one inch in diameter can becut with sharp hand pruners or loppers*. Thenuse a weed wrench, winch, or come-along toyank the roots out of the ground.If this is not an option, dig out roots with handtools or rent a stump grinder.For large shrubs and trees, remove trunksand stems first. Then roots are more easilyremoved. Leave 1-3 feet of stem attachedtoHand prunners, hand saw, and loppers.*The most common injury among horticulturistsand volunteers at Shaw Nature Reserve is a cutTop: Hand-pulling Bush honeysuckle after athe soaking roots rain. to use as a handle or lever and use aweed Bottom: wrench, Use of weed winch, wrench or come-alongfor larger stems after ato soaking yank rain. out the roots. If this is not an option,dig out the roots with hand tools

8Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for Missouriin place for a year to be effective.In large areas, dig up the top 3 inches of topsoil(including the roots) and remove it fromthe site.BiennialsGarlic mustard, Sweet clover, Hedge parsley,Musk thistle, Bull thistle, Canada thistle,Spotted knapweedMechanical removal of biennial weeds in smallareas is reliable. Mow, string trim, or hand cutplants close to ground-level justas the first blooms open or when plants beginto bolt. May need to repeat treatment ifresprouting occurs. In small areas, biennials canbe pulled by the roots. Seeding orflowering plants must be bagged andremoved from the site.be weedy in newly seeded/planted areas butare not considered invasive. Control them withregular mowing during the first growing seasonafter seeding.Perennial GrassesJohnsongrass, Tall fescue, Orchard, Smoothbrome, Reed canary, Maiden grass, Yellownutsedge.When carpets of these grasses occur insmall areas, they can be smothered with blackplastic, tin, rubber mats, or a 12 inch layer ofwood chips, which should remainin place for a year to be effective. Wood chipsmay not be affective on Miscanthusor Johnsongrass.In large areas dig up the top 3 inches of topsoil(including the roots) and remove it from thesite. Watch for and remove missed root segments.Annual Weeds(Not necessarily invasive)Ragweed, Smartweed, Yellow rocket, Marestail, Chickory, Queen Anne’s lace, Henbit,FoxtailThese mostly sun-loving native annuals canGuidelines forHerbicide UseWhen to Apply HerbicidesSeasons to applyLate spring/early summer when leaves are

9fully developed is an ideal time for foliar applications.Fall foliar applications alsoare effective, especially on woody vines.Winter is a good time to control invasive trees,shrubs, or vines. Cut stump and basal treatmentsare mixed at higher concentrations thanspring and fall foliar mixes.Seasons to avoidDuring dry summer months leaf cuticles arethicker and more difficult to penetrate withherbicides.In early spring when plants begin budding andleafing out, they are transferring water fromthe roots to the buds and developing leaves.This inhibits effective herbicide absorption.hours of application.• Do not spray when windy. Mornings tend tohave less wind.• Do not spray when temperatures exceed 90degrees Fahrenheit. Herbicides can volatilize.Safety Requirements• Follow all label recommendations.• Protective gear should always be worn.Be sure to use rubber gloves, safetygoggles or glasses, Tyvec suits or dedicatedoveralls.•Apply herbicides when weatherconditions permit• Do not spray if rain is expected within fourHow to Read an Herbicide LabelIf you read an herbicide label, you will see that it lists a percentage of active ingredient. Forexample, if herbicide A contains 50% active ingredient, then it is a 50% concentration of thatherbicide A. If the recommended concentration of herbicide A is…50% apply it full-strength directly from the container.25% dilute it at a ratio of 1 part water to 1 part herbicide.12.5% dilute it at a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part herbicide.10% is a ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part herbicide.6.25% is a ratio of 6 parts water to 1 part herbicide.3.125% is a ratio of 12 parts water to 1 part herbicide and so on.

10Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriWhen mixing herbicides avoid spillsand exposure to skin. Small amountsof concentrated herbicide spilled on skinis the equivalent to exposure received after afull day of applying herbicidesin the field.• When herbicides are used in public areas(near buildings, trails, meeting areas), postwarning signs.• Mix colored dyes with herbicides to increasespraying accuracy and to locate spills andpersonal exposure to herbicides. Inexpensiveclothing dye can be used with water-solubleherbicides such as glyphosate and triclopyr.• Rinse empty containers at least three timeswith clean water. If possible, store rinsewater for future use in mixing.• Store herbicides in a ventilated, dry areabetween 50-80°F. Floor should be concreteor lined with plastic to prevent leaks fromreaching the soil. The area should not beaccessible to the public and should belocked when not in use. Containers shouldbe labeled with contents and date mixed.Herbicide ApplicationMethods for the Removal ofInvasive PlantsFoliar TreatmentSpot sprayingUsed to control most invasive species inthis guide. It is recommended for annuals,Top: Protective gear includes safety glasses, rubbergloves, and Tyvec suit.Top: Avoid spills and use care when pouringconcentrated herbicides.Bottom: Always label unused herbicides.

11biennials, perennials and small woody plants(less than 3-4 ft. tall or 1⁄2 inch stem diameter). It isrecommended when native plants already existin the treatment area.• Glyphosate and triclopyr are typically used forthis application applied at a rate of2-4% concentration.• Adjust hand-held or backpack sprayer forlow-pressure/low volume applicationsby pumping minimally. This reduces driftcaused by light wind.• Use flat or cone-shaped nozzles to directspray to cover entire plant and adjust nozzlefor a coarse spray pattern.• Nonionic surfactants added to the mixturehelp ensure complete leaf coverage andincrease the rate of absorption.• Cover leaf surface thoroughly, but keep herbicidefrom dripping off the leaves.• Adjust hand-held or backpack sprayer forlow-pressure/low volume applicationsby pumping minimally. This reduces driftcaused by light wind.• Adjust nozzle to apply a coarse spraypattern over the plant.• Requires 50-75% of total foliage areato be covered by herbicide spray.Foliar Treatment (cont’d)Broadcast sprayingBroadcast spraying is used to kill vegetation inold fields, on roadsides and in lawns.• Glyphosate is typically used for thisapplication.• Hand-held and backpack sprayers are effectiveon small-scale home applications.•Crown sprayingCrown spraying or spraying over the top isused on shrubs and vines (more than 4-5 ft. tallor 1⁄2 inch stem diameter and less than 10 ft.tall).• Glyphosate and triclopyr are typically usedfor this application and applied at a rate of5-10% concentration.Crown spraying requires a coarse spray pattern toreach the top of shrubs.

12Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriWide-reaching boom-sprayers are neededon large-scale sites (one half acre and more).Cut-surface TreatmentThis treatment includes two methods for controllinginvasive trees, shrubs, and vines.It often is recommended when native plantsexist in the treatment area. The treatment isinexpensive and reduces non-target damage.Glyphosate and triclopyr are typically appliedat high concentrations using nozzles that havea straight or fan-shaped spray tip to minimizenon-target damage. Sub-freezing applicationsare made possible by substituting windowwashingfluid for water (mix with water-solubleherbicides only) or by using oil-based herbicideslike Garlon 4 or Pathfinder II.Top: Broadcast spraying with a 50-gallon tank.Cut stump method Cut stems off close toground level with loppers or a hand saw andimmediately apply concentrated herbicide tothe cambial area of the stump (outer edge). Forstems smaller than 3 inches in diameter, treatthe entire stump surface. For larger stems,apply herbicide to the outer 20% of the stump.The chemical moves to the roots and kills theroot system. Delays in application after cuttingresults in reduced control. Applications aremost effective during active growth and fullleaf expansion. Winterapplications are effective, but herbicidemust be applied at a 20% concentration.The hatchet and spray method is generallyused for stems larger than 3 inches in diameterusing an axe or hatchet. Makeuniformly spaced cuts around the base of thestem less than 1 inch apart. Angle cuts downward,going through the bark and into thesapwood. Spray herbicide into each cut. Thechemical moves to the roots and kills the rootsystem. Large trees may be left standing afterthey die.The cut stump methodAbove: Stems are cut, stumps are immediatelysprayed. Brush piles provide cover for wildlife.

13Basal bark treatment is used for controllinglarge trees, shrubs, and vines when cutsurface treatment is not feasible. For a largeacreage it may be cost-prohibitive to cut andspray thousands of plants. Spraying the barkwithout cutting stems saves time. Great caremust be taken to prevent non-target damage.Garlon 4 mixed with basal oil or Pathfinder IItypically are used for basal bark treatments anytime of year except when snow or water preventsspraying the base of the stem.A 20% concentration is needed for effectivecontrol. Use a sprayer at low pressure(20-40 psi) that has a straight stream orfan-shaped tip. Low pressure helps preventnon-target damage. Stems should be sprayedon all sides to a height of 1-2 feet from theground. It may require several months for asingle application to kill the target species, butby spring the tree or shrub either doesn’t leafout or dies later in the season. Eventually theroots die, and the planttopples to the ground. Basal treatment isnot effective on older trees with thick bark. Forlarger trees with thick bark, use the hatchetand spray method.Top: The hatchet and spray method.Middle: Correct container pressure with no splashing.2,4-D is active against broadleaf plants (perennials,biennials, and annuals) only; grasses areunaffected. This herbicide isBottom: High pressure results in splashing.

14Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriHerbicides and What They ControlHerbicide &ConcentrationTrade NameGeneralDescriptionControlMethodSpeciesAffectedNotesTargetSpecies2,4-D Weedone ® Foliar Broadleaf Will not kill Annuals,Dynamec ® applications herbaceous most grasses Thistle,Weed Pro ® plants Hedge parsley,TeaselGlyphosate Roundup ® Water-soluble, Foliar Nonselective Not safe to Crown vetch,(premixed with Roundup Pro ® no additional applications use near water. Red clover,surfactant) Buccaneer ® surfactant (use 2-10% Not effective Curly dock,Kill Zall ® needed concentration) on waxy-leafed Sweet clover,Glyphos ® Cut stump species like annualsKleenup ® application Wintercreeper,on woodyPeriwinkle,plantsand English ivy.(use 20%concentration)Glyphosate Rodeo ® Foliar spot Nonselective Can be used Purple(no surfactant) Accord ® spray safely near loostrifePondmaster ® applications water with a(use 2-3%concentration)nonionicsurfactantsuch as Sidekick ®Triclopyr 41% Garlon 3-A ® Cut stump Woody plants Will not kill JapaneseTurflon ® application and broadleaf grasses hops,Brush-B-Gon ® on woody herbacious Sericeaplants (use plants lespedeza,8-20% Bird’s footconcentration)trefoilTriclopyr 61% Garlon 4 ® Mix with basal Basal bark Woody plants Hackberry Wintercreeper,(should be oil, diesel or application is highly Asian elms,mixed with kerosene on woody sensitive to Amur maple,colorfast plants Garlon. Tree of heaven,purple ® dyes (use 20% Will not kill Goldenonly) concentration) grasses raintreeTriclopyr Pathfinder II ® Comes premixed Basal bark Woody plants Honeysuckles,(premixed with with basal oil application Autumn olive,basal oil, on woody Burning bush,surfactant plants Privet,and dye) (no dilution Buckthorn,necessary)English ivy,PeriwinkleSulfosulfuron Outrider® Highly Foliar Johnsongrass Herbicide that Johnsongrassconcentrated applications controls onlymaterial needsJohnsongrassto be dilutedcarefully

15used widely for weed control in lawns.It can be applied over native grasses tocontrol many invasive species.Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide thatkills most plants within days afterspraying (yellowing may take a month whenspraying in winter). It is used for foliar and cutstump applications.Triclopyr is used widely for the control ofwoody plants, but also controls broadleafperennials (does not affect grasses). It is oftenused in cut-stem and basal-barkapplications. Garlon 4 is the oil-based formused in basal bark treatments. Hackberryis highly sensitive to Triclopyr.Sulfosulfuron at low doses is specific forJohnsongrass. Follow label mixing ratescarefully because it is highly concentrated.Do not mix with Roundup or other herbicidesbecause it is slower acting. Spray foliagebefore flowering or plants may go to seed.Revegetation andMaintenance After Removalof Invasive SpeciesIn spot-treated areas that are minimallyto moderately infested, plant container orbare root native alternatives in spring orfall following treatment (see table on page16). If sowing seeds for revegetation, sow inDecember or January following treatment (SeeChapter 1: Reconstructing a Tallgrass Prairie: ASeeding Guide for Missouri forcomplete seeding directions). Choose nativespecies appropriate to your light, moisture andsoil conditions.In moderately to highly infested treatmentareas, sow an annual cover crop immediatelyafter treatment to prevent or reduce erosionand reinfestation of invasive species. A secondor third herbicide treatment may be necessaryfor quality control. You may need to reseedan annual cover crop after each herbicideapplication. When control is achieved, plantcontainer or bare root native alternatives (seetable on page 17) in spring or fall immediatelyfollowing treatment. If sowing seeds for revegetation,sow in December or Januaryfollowing treatment (See Chapter 1:Reconstructing a Tallgrass Prairie: A SeedingGuide for Missouri for complete seedingdirections). Choose native species appropriate toyour light, moisture and soil conditions.Long-term MaintenanceScout treated areas for re-sprout and/or newseedlings. Young seedlings are easily pulled byhand soon after rain or watering. Bush honeysuckleand Privet are easily visible in Octoberand November because their leaves are yellowand most other shrub leaves have alreadyfallen.Native alternatives to invasivenon-native landscape plants

16Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriInvasive SpeciesNative AlternativesCommon Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific NameShrubs and Small TreesAmur mapleAcer ginnalaAmerican hornbeamPagoda dogwoodIndian cherryCarpinus carolinianaCornus alternifoliaRhamnus carolinianaAutumn oliveElaeagnus umbellataServiceberryWinged sumacBlack chokeberryAmelanchier arboreaRhus copallinaAronia melanocarpaBush honeysuckleLonicera maackiiRusty blackhawRoughleaf dogwoodAmerican beautyberryViburnum rufidulumCornus drummondiiCallicarpa americanaGolden raintreeKoelreuteria paniculataFringe treeRedbudGreen hawthornChionanthus virginicusCercis canadensisCrataegus viridisCalifornia privetLigustrum obtusifoliumArrow woodWafer ashPrairie willowViburnum dentatumPtelea trifoliataSalix humilisBurning bushEuonymus alatusWahooStrawberry bushRed buckeyeEuonymus atropupureusEuonymus americanusAesculus paviaMultiflora roseRosa multifloraPrairie roseAlabama snow wreathDeciduous hollyRosa setigeraNeviusia alabamensisIlex deciduaJapanese knotweedPolygonum cuspidatumHazelnutBladdernutWild hydrangeaCorylus americanaStaphylea trifoliataHydrangea arborescensEuropean buckthornRhamnus catharticaGreen hawthornGum bumeliaWahooCrataegus viridisBumelia lanuginosumEuonymus atropupureus

17Invasive SpeciesNative AlternativesCommon Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific NameVinesChinese bittersweetCelastrus orbiculatusAmerican bittersweetSupplejackPassion flowerCelastrus scandensBerchemia scandensPassiflora incarnataEnglish ivyHedera helixVirginia creeperSensitive fernGolden ragwortParthenocissus quinquefoliaOnoclea sensibilisSenecio aureusJapanese honeysuckle Yellow Lonicera honeysuckle japonicaCarolina moonseedPale leather flowerLonicera flavaCocculus carolinusClematis versicolorJapanese hopsHumulus japonicusPale leather flowerLadies eardropsClimbing milkweedClematis versicolorBrunnichia ovataMatelea decipiensPeriwinkleVinca minorWild gingerBuxbaum’s sedgeRoundleaf ragwortAsarum canadenseCarex buxbaumiiSenecio obovatusWintercreeperEuonymus fortuneiVirginia creeperBog sedgeGolden ragwortParthenocissus quinquefoliaCarex buxbaumiiSenecio aureusHerbaceous Perennials and GrassesCrown vetchBird’s foot trefoilCoronilla variaLotus corniculatusLittle bluestemLanceleaf coreopsisShort’s sedgeSchizachyrium scopariumCoreopsis lanceolataCarex shortianaRed cloverWhite cloverTrifolium pratenseTrifolium repensSwitch grassEastern gama grassIndian grassPanicum virgatumTripsacum dactyloidesSorghastrum nutansSericea lespedezaPurple loosestrifeLittle Lespedeza bluestem cuneataCommon Lythrum rush salicariaBroom sedgeSwitch grassSchizachyrium scopariumAndropogon virginicusPanicum virgatumMajor Invasive Speciesof ConcernQueen of the prairieWinged loosestrifeJuncus effususFilipendula rubraLythrum alatum

18Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriInvasive SpeciesNative AlternativesCommon Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific NameMaiden grassFountain grassMiscanthus sinensisPennisetum stp.Prairie dropseedLittle bluestemBig bluestemSporobolus heterolepisSchizachyrium scopariumAndropogon gerardiTall fescueFestuca arundinaceaPrairie dropseedSideoats gramaFringed sedgeSporobolus heterolepisBouteloua curtipendulaCarex crinitaBiennialsGarlic mustardAlliaria petiolataGolden ragwortWild geraniumAmerican beakgrassSenecio aureusGeranium maculatumDiarrhena obovataYellow sweet cloverWhite sweet cloverMelilotus officinalisMelilotus albaPurple coneflowerRiver oatsGreyhead coneflowerEchinacea purpureaChasmanthium latifoliumRatibida pinnataHedge parsleyTorilis arvensisWild ageratumPalm sedgeBlue flagEupatorium coelestinumCarex muskingumensisIris virginicaMusk thistleBull thistleCanada thistleCarduus nutansCirsium vulgareCirsium arvenseAshy sunflowerIndian grassRosin weedHelianthus mollisSorghastrum nutansSilphium terebinthinaceumSpotted knapweedCentaurea biebersteiniiSlender mountain mintBroom sedgePale purple coneflowerPycnanthemum tenuifoliumAndropogon virginicusEchinacea pallida

19sometimes confused with privet. The flowersof Amur honeysuckle are faintly fragrant. Thisshrub was improved by breeding for greaterfruit production bythe USDA in Missouri, and has been plantedfor landscaping and attracting wildlife acrossthe eastern US. In fact, bush honeysuckle providespoor quality food and habitat for birds. Itthrives from Maryland and Virginia to Missouriand eastern Kansas. Plantings are known torapidly spread to nearby forests where theycan occupy several square miles of woodedareas within 5 years. Similar stories could berepeated all over the St. Louis and Kansas Cityregions in Missouri.Small infestations can be killed with mostwide-spectrum and broadleaf-specificherbicides (RoundUp or Garlon) applied to thefoliage at 1.5-4% concentration. Timingis important, with late growing season(September-October) applications oftenreported to be more lethal than those inearlier or later months. Homeowners should beaware that brush from bush honeysuckle containingberries contains seeds and should notbe put into municipal mulch piles to avoidspreading the seed further. Largerindividuals are best controlled in fall orwinter with either basal or cut stumptreatments of Garlon or related herbicidesat 20% concentration.In cold weather, diluting herbicides withwindshield-washer fluid rather than waterprevents freezing and may improve penetrationinto plant tissues. Prescribed burning will onlytop-kill plants. Plants will re-sprout from theroots but flowering and seed production areset back two seasons. Unless burning is frequent,mechanical or chemical removal are theonly effective means of control.Japanese honeysuckleLonicera japonicaJapanese honeysuckle (an “evergreen” woodyvine) historically was much-loved in gardensfor the delicious fragrance of its flowers.In nature however, it is a plague throughoutthe Eastern United States. The flowers openwhite and turn creamy yellow, emitting thefragrance for which they are famed. The fruit isThe berries of Amur honeysuckle (above) are attractive to the human eye and are eaten eagerlyby migrating and resident birds, which disperse the seeds in their droppings.Amur or Bush honeysuckleLonicera maackiiBushhoneysuckle (a woody shrub) is often mistakenlyreferred to as Japanese honeysuckle, and

20Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for Missouria shiny, black berry that is eaten by robins andother birds that gobble them up and dispersethe seeds “down the flyway a piece”.The evergreen foliage can be sprayed in fall andwinter when many other plants aredormant. Though death is slow (typicallywell into the following spring), fall spraying with1.5-2% Roundup or other common foliar herbicidesis highly effective. Japanesehoneysuckle resprouts after prescribed burning,but frequent burning reduces their abundance.More importantly, it limits flowering andfruiting. This reduces the establishment of newpopulations through seeds dispersedby birds and mammals.dark-green, elliptical leaves are also paired, andCalifornia privetLigustrum obtusifoliumCalifornia privet (a woody shrub) is a species ofshiny-leafed, sweet-flowered privets from Asia.Various species of this exotic privet are plantedin different parts of North America. All ofthem have become invasive. California privethas smooth gray bark. Its stems have paired,thorn-like twigs along their lengths. The shiny,Top: Japanese honesuckle in flower. The corollasfall away to leave a tiny green fruit that ripens toa plump, black berry in fall (bottom).

21missing photoonly a little over an inch long. Small, whiteflowers appear in June and are fragrant. Theyare eagerly visited by pollinators ranging fromtiny sweat bees to largeswallowtail butterflies. As autumn arrivesall the early-summer pollinator activity paysoff in the form of a large crop of blue-blackberries that birds love. This privet speciestraditionally has been maintained by heavypruning into a hedge that does not set fruitand presents little danger of spreading.Unfortunately, once such a shrub isabandoned to grow freely, abundant seedproduction spread by birds starts an invasion.At Shaw Nature Reserve, the population of thisplant, negligible in numbers before 1990, hasexploded in the last 15 years.(For control methods, see comments on Amurhoneysuckle on page 19.)Autumn oliveEleagnus umbellataThis woody shrub was widely planted for itspresumed value to wildlife, especiallymigratory birds who eat the plentiful berries.The fruits and younger twigs are coveredwith characteristic tan or whitish scales. Theupper side of the leaves hasa grayish cast and the underside is nearlywhite. The fine hairs, which cause this gray orwhiteness, reduce moisture loss through theleaf surface during hot and/or dry weather. The

22Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for Missouriflowers of autumn olive are produced in profusionin early May and exude a powerful andalluring fragrance. Autumn olive shrubs buzzwith pollinating insect life when in bloom.Autumn olive is killed easily with Roundup orGarlon applied to the foliage of small plants at1.5-4%. Timing is important, with late growingseasonapplications generally more lethal.Larger plants are best controlled in fall or winterwith either basal or cut stump treatmentsof Garlon at 20% in paraffin oil or diesel. Freshlycut stumps also may be painted with 20%Roundup witha good kill rate. In cold weather, dilutingRoundup with automobile window-washingfluid prevents freezing and may improvepenetration into plant tissues.WintercreeperEuonymus fortuneiWintercreeper (an evergreen woody vine)is a native of Asia, and Missouri’s mostworrisome member of the bittersweet family.The plant forms a handsome, solid evergreenground cover attractive to gardeners and thebright red berries are irresistible to birds. Whencreeping on the ground, wintercreeper rarelyflowers, but when it grows to the top of a treeor post, it produces plentiful fruits. The firstline of defense against wintercreeper is to sever

23climbing vines to stop them from producingfruit. Be sure to remove a one-inch stem segment.Wintercreeper is difficult to control because itsthick, waxy foliage resists penetrationby herbicides. Recent experimentation at theGreen Center in St. Louis provides some hope.The waxy cuticle of wintercreeper’s leafwears thin in late summer and this, plusa high level of physiological activity in theplant, are factors that may lead to higher susceptibilityto Roundup in September than atother times of year. A single spraying of 1.5%Roundup Pro plus surfactant showed initial efficacyand a small amount of mortality.The experiments indicate that spraying with1.5% Roundup Pro two September days in arow increases the mortality rate and sprayingfour days in sequence kills it completely. Bycomparison, spraying once with 6% RoundupPro yielded slightly less than 100% mortality.Weedwhipping or mowing wintercreeper tothe ground and then spraying immediately with2% Roundup in July-August has been foundeffective at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center.Tall fescueFestuca arundinaceaTall fescue (a perennial grass) was first used inthe United States in the late 1800’s for pastureimprovement. Today it is the most commonlyused grass in lawns, pasture, and roadsidesin Missouri because it is aggressive and resistantto heavy foot traffic, grazing, drought,and short-term flooding. Throughout Missourithousands of acres have beenconverted from prairie to tall fescue pasture. Inthe Missouri Ozarks, it was promoted asa way to increase pasture productivity and

24Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for Missourifarming income. It also spreads into naturalhabitats on its own and out-competes nativeplants. Quail and other ground nesting birdsavoid tall fescue fields because they lacksufficient food and are too dense to nest, feed,and take cover in.The seed is dispersed readily by small rodents,transported on the hooves of large animalsand the tires of heavy equipment. More thanhalf of the 100-million-plus pounds of fescueseed sold in the U.S. annually is produced inMissouri, and is a testament to the value of fescueas a lawn grass, roadside vegetation andforage for cattle.Because it is virtually evergreen, tall fescueis susceptible to Roundup applied any timeof the year. Grass-specific herbicides are usedwhen desirable broad-leaved plants (e.g.coneflowers or blazing star) are comingledwith fescue.Sericea lespedeza(a.k.a. Sericea,Chinese bush clover)Lespedeza cuneataSericea lespedeza (a perennial herb) is a memberof the bean/clover family that has becomea pest as a result of an aggressive marketingprogram. Originally, sericea was promotedwidely as food for quail and other small gamebirds. It turns out these birds avoid sericea.Also, it was promoted asprotein-rich forage for livestock though cowswill only eat the tender young stems. Lastly, it

25was promoted as a superior erosion controlalong highways but it turns out to have acoarse root system. Dense-rooted nativegrasses are a far better choice. The saying“beware of anything that sounds too good tobe true” applies here. This tough andprolific weed has diminished the qualityof more acres of pasture and corrupted theecological integrity of more acres of nativeprairie than any other broadleaved herbin Missouri.While sericea lespedeza is susceptible tomany herbicides, it is difficult to control. Seedcan live in the ground for over twenty years,which makes reinfestation likely.In addition, it often grows nearby desirableplants that may be damaged by herbicide.By spot-spraying individual plants withRoundup using low pressure, these problemscan be avoided. For treatment of largerpopulations that are mixed with nativegrasses, September spraying with Garlonworks well (Garlon will not kill native grasses).There are two mechanical methods to deal withsericea lespedeza. First involves mowing withsharp blades shortly after plants bloom inSeptember. This will not kill the plants but willprevent seed development. The only way tocontrol a serious infestation of sericea mechanicallyis to remove the top 3-6 inches of topsoil.This involves use of heavy machinery suchas a skid steer or high lift. This may well bethe only effective method of removal for thisincredibly difficult invasive species.JohnsongrassSorghum halepenseJohnsongrass (a suckering perennial grass)is increasingly noticeable along Missouri highwaysand is a concern because of its ability toinvade gravel bars, prairie plantings and openfloodplain habitats. Its seeds are spread bymowing equipment and in natural areas byflood waters and in mud on the feet of animals.Johnsongrass was imported as a prolificlivestock forage, though the food value ofJohnsongrass is questionable. It is a perennialgrass, with stout underground stems (rhizomes)that spread rapidly.

26Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriThe only herbicide that effectively controlsJohnsongrass is Outrider. A tiny dose of thischemical kills Johnsongrass and is non-toxicto most other plants (please read labelinstructions carefully). The herbicide, however,must be applied by licensed applicators. Nonrestrictedgrass herbicides such as Poast andSelect are less effective on Johnsongrass, butare more readily available. The only mechanicalcontrols for Johnsongrass include frequentmowing, which only prevents seed production,and removal of the top 6 inches of soil.The Sweet cloversMelilotus alba, M. officinalisSweet clover (a biennial) was originallyintroduced in the Midwest as a forage crop andsoil nitrogen-builder. Though it has becomea serious invasive species, it is still promotedfor large animal forage. Sweet clover containsa high amount of coumarins that give them asweet, pea-like smell.Sweet clover aggressively invades nativeprairie and open woodland habitats and outcompetesnative plants by shading them out. Itis a common plant along roadsides, fields, andcan be a problem plant in prairie reconstruction.Unfortunately, use of fire increases seed

27germination and its ability to spread.Eradication of a serious sweet clover infestationis very difficult, and control must be ongoing.Treat thick patches of seedlings with Garlonherbicide as the clover is greening up inFebruary/March. The leaf surface of sweetclovers is waxy so use surfactants to preventwater from rolling off the leaves.Individual seedlings scattered betweennative plants may be difficult to treat andso herbicide is not recommended. Instead,annual hand-pulling is recommended followinga soaking rain when the plants begin toflower (June or July). This method graduallydiminishes the soil seed bank of this persistentbiennial weed.Burning bushEuonymus alatusBurning bush is a woody landscaping shrubthat is commonly used in foundation and parkinglot plantings and has the ability to spreadby seed into nearby woodlands. It is a popularnursery plant because it produces brilliantfall color and handsome winged branches inwinter. Unfortunately, the berries are loved bybirds who carry seeds into nearby natural forestswhere plants often sucker to form densethickets. This species became invasive in the St.Louis area only recently and it has proven difficultto control because it does not respond wellto herbicides and is difficult to pull from theground (seedlings under two feet tall can bepulled after a soaking rain. Suckering sproutsYellow sweet cloverWhite sweet clover

28Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for Missouriresemble small seedlings and are impossible tohand pull). Larger plants can be dug out witha shovel or mattock but suckers are easily leftbehind and re-sprout.Herbicide treatments include cut stumpor basal bark methods using Roundup Proor Garlon. Please note that cut stumpherbicide treatments alone do not completelykill the roots of the plant, so repeat herbicideapplications may be necessary. Wherepopulations are so dense that cutting isimpractical, foliar applications may be used.

29Garlic mustardAlliaria petiolataIn a forest habitat it oftendominates the ground layer over wide areas andhas the potential to produce solid stands. Itis believed that garlic mustard infestationsdisplace several species of native plants, salamanders,mollusks, and possibly woodlandbutterflies, groundforaging birds and reptiles. It is consideredto be one of the most potentially harmfuland difficult to control invasive plantsbecause it spreads so rapidly, producesthousands of seeds and has no naturalpredators. It tolerates shade and can invadeundisturbed natural woodlands or disturbedareas such as trails, roadsides and forests wheretrees have been logged.Garlic mustard is a member of the mustardfamily (Brassicaceae). Young leaves smelllike garlic when crushed, although the odordecreases as plants grow older. It is a biennial; aplant with a two-year life cycle. The first year itgrows in a dark purple to green rosette stage(stemless and low to the ground) and the secondyear it flowers ona 3-4 foot stalk. Plants bloom March throughMay with white flowers. The flower is typicalof other plants in the mustard family withsix stamens: two long and four short.Top: First year plant.Middle: Second year plant.Bottom: Flower.Garlic mustard (a biennial) is an invasive plantfrom Europe that invades natural woodlands.It reproduces only by seed and seeds canremain viable in the soil for up to fiveyears. Seeds are produced in slender, oneto two inch long pods. People disperse seedsinadvertently on boots, clothes,mowers, or cars, however birds, smallmammals and whitetail deer may alsodisperse seed. Seeds only germinate in springafter exposure to winter cold.Garlic mustard (cont’d)Hand PullingOnce large colonies of garlic mustard exist,control may be difficult. The easiest way to

30Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for Missouricontrol it is to catch the invasion in the earlystages, before it has a chance to becomewidespread. If you know that garlic mustard isin your community, it is important toscout your property or neighborhood forearly invasions. Small patches can be easilycontrolled by pulling plants by hand. Thebest time to pull seedlings is just after asoaking rainfall. If pulling first-year seedlings,you may need a dandelion digger. If pullingsecond-year plants, pull before plants are intheir final bloom stage. Do not leave anylarge roots in the ground because they mayresprout. Also, do not put plants in compostpiles or leave lying on the ground becausethey may continue to set seed or root into thesoil. Place all plants in bags and send them to alandfill where they will be buried.Mowing or String TrimmingWhen dense stands of garlic mustard occur,cutting plants in their second growing season atground level may be an effective control method.Plants should be cut prior to the full bloomstage to avoid seed ripening.This method needs to be repeated annuallyuntil colonies are under control.Herbicide ControlWhen large colonies of garlic mustard existthe best control is with glyphosate (Roundup)sprayed in late fall and winter (late Novemberthru mid-March) when garlic mustard isstill green and most native wildflowers aredormant. A 1-2% concentration applied witha backpack sprayer works well when appliedabove 50 degrees. Avoid spraying non-targetplants because some native plants remaingreen well into early winter.Because garlic mustard has a 5-year seed bankyou will need to monitor for seedlings andresprouting. Repeat control methodsfor several years until the area is undercontrol and always be on the lookout for newinfestations.When control is achieved, plant container orbare root native alternatives in spring or fallimmediately following treatment. If sowingseeds, sow in December or January followingtreatment (See Chapter 1: Reconstructing aTallgrass Prairie: A Seeding Guide for Missouri forcomplete seeding directions). Choose nativespecies appropriate to your light, moistureand soil conditions.Oriental or Asian bittersweetCelastrus orbiculatusOriental bittersweet is a climbing woodyvine that can grow 60 feet into tree canopies

31smothering native trees. It grows at forestedges and openings, and will occasionallybecome established in fields. It colonizes rapidlyand produces prolific amounts of seed thatare dispersed by birds, animals and especiallyhumans who collect the showy vines for homedecoration in autumn and winter. Droopingclusters of fruits are green in summer turningyellow-orange by late summer and fall, andthen tan in winter. Invasive Oriental bittersweetresemblesthe native American bittersweet, Celastrusscandens. Native American bittersweet leavesare usually twice as large. Fruits of the nativeAmerican bittersweet have orange seed podsand red berries while invasive Oriental bittersweethas yellow-orange seed pods withorange-red berries (see photos). Plants bloomin May with flowers in clusters. Each clusterhas three to seven small yellowish flowers; eachflower with five petals.Oriental bittersweet is easily killed withRoundup or Garlon applied to the foliagewith late growing-season applicationsgenerally more lethal. Large vines are best controlledin fall or winter with either basal or cutstump treatments of Garlon at 15-25% in paraffinoil or diesel. Freshly cut stumps also maybe painted with 15-25% Roundup with a goodkill rate. In cold weather, diluting Roundup withautomobile window-washing fluid preventsfreezing and may improvepenetration into plant tissues.Other Invasive Species ofConcernAsian bittersweet (left) and American bittersweet (middle and right).Asian bittersweet (left) and American bittersweet (middle and right).

32Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriLacebark elm Amur maple BuckthornMultiflora rose Tree of heaven Golden rain treeJapanese knotweedEnglish ivyKudzu

33Other Invasive Species of Concern (continued)Bindweed Japanese hops PeriwinkleCrown vetch Bird’s foot trefoil Red cloverWhite clover Spotted knapweed Hedge parsleyPurple loosestrife Curly dock Canada thistleBull thistle Musk thistle Teasel

34Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriInternet ResourcesThese internet sites offer additional information about invasivespecies, the problems they create and potential solutions.Missouri Department of ConservationYellow nutsedge Maiden grass Reed canary grassAnnual WeedsThese mostly sun-loving native annuals can be weedy in newly seeded/planted areasbut are not considered invasive. Control them with regular mowing during the first

35growing season after seeding.Yellow rocket Smartweed HenbitGiant ragweed Common ragweed Mares tailmissing photoQueen Anne’s lace Chickory Foxtailmissing photo

36 Control and Identification of Invasive Species:A Management Guide for MissouriVegetation Management Manual http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/exotic/vegman/index.htmThe Nature Conservancy Global Invasive Species Initiativehttp://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/TNC Guidelines for Herbicide Usehttp://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/products/handbook/07.HerbicideGuidelines.pdfTNC Weed Control Methods Handbookhttp://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/handbook.htmlTNC Tool Review Pagehttp://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/tools.htmlInvasive Plants of the Eastern U.S.http://www.invasive.org/easternInvasive Plants Association of Wisconsinhttp://www.ipaw.org/National Park ServiceWeeds Gone Wild http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/moreinfo.htmEcological Society of AmericaBiological Invasions: Recommendations for U.S. Policy and Management. http://www.esajournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-abstract&issn=1051-0761&volume=016&issue=06&page=2035Additional ResourcesThe Missouri Department of Conversation through its Private Lands Sources andits regional biologists provide technicalinformation about invasive species. Companies that produce herbicides offerreliable information and assistance through their technical representatives.

37Sources for Safety Equipment and HerbicidesA.M. Leonard, Inc.241 Fox DrivePiqua, Ohio 45356-0816Phone: 1-800-543-8955Web Address: http://amleo.com(c) John M. Randall/The Nature Conservancy(c) Barry A. Rice/The Nature Conservancy(c) Mandy Tu/The Nature ConservancyBen Meadows Company190 Etowah Industrial CourtCanton, GA 30114Phone: 1-800-241-6401Web Address: http://www.benmeadows.comHummert International4500 Earth City ExpresswayEarth City, MO 63045800-325-3055314-506-4500Fax: 314-506-4510Web Address: http://www.hummert.comForestry Suppliers, Inc.P.O. Box 8397Jackson, MS 39284-8397Phone: 1-800-647-5368Web Address: http://www.forestry-suppliers.comVegetation Management SupplyMexico, MO 65265800-295-5791Fax: 573-581-3916Photo CreditsMost of the photographs in this documentwere taken at Shaw Nature Reserve.Photographers who contributed imagesto this publication include:Scott Woodbury/Shaw Nature ReserveMalinda Slegle/Litzinger Road Ecology CenterGeorge Yatskievych/Missouri Botanical GardenDan Tenaglia/Missouriplants.comShaw Nature ReserveA division of the Missouri BotanicalGardenP.O. Box 38Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512Copyright © 2008 SNR

This Management Guide is a collaborative effort between Shaw NatureReserve and the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Grow Native!Program.Missouri Department of ConservationMissouri Department of Agriculture