Porcelain berry, also commonly known as Amur peppervine, is a deciduous, woody, perennial vine in the grape family (Vitaceae), which closely resembles native species of grape in the genus Vitis. Porcelain berry vines can grow to be 15-20 ft long, twining around adjacent trees and structures with the help of non-adhesive tendrils. Its fruit is a distinctive speckled berry that ranges in color from blue, pink, purple, to cream. Porcelain berry is often confused not only with native grapes but also with its closer relatives in the genus Ampelopsis, such as native heart-leaved peppervine.
VTInvasives has a recently revised list of early detection terrestrial plant species. The list was developed in consultation with Vermont's Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and the Agency of Natural Resources, including its Departments of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and Fish and Wildlife. Visitors to the website will see an icon next to these species, encouraging them to report suspected sightings.
There are two species of non-native, invasive swallowwort known in Vermont, pale swallowwort (Vincetoxicum rossicum; syn. Cynanchum rossicum) and black swallowwort (Vincetoxicum nigrum; syn. Cynanchum louiseae). Both species are of particular concern because they form dense, extensive patches of vegetation that alter the chemical and physical structure of their habitat; they crowd out native plant species, release toxic compounds, and in so doing disrupt natural succession and reduce biodiversity.
For many Vermonters and out-of-state visitors, summer means camping, hiking and taking part in other outdoor recreational fun. However, these activities can all spread invasive plants, insects and diseases, unless steps are taken to minimize damage to the environment.
The Nature Conservancy is asking everyone that plans to use firewood for the solar eclipse celebration weekend to buy local firewood near their destination, bring packaged certified heat-treated firewood, or gather their firewood responsibly on site if permitted by the campground or landowner.
The newly launched Vermont Forest Invasive Pest Status Map offers an interactive platform to track the spread of invasive species such as beech leaf disease, elm zigzag sawfly, elongate hemlock scale, emerald ash borer, and hemlock woolly adelgid across the state.
There’s a new invasive insect zigzagging its way across North America. First reported by citizen scientists in Quebec in 2020, the elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopoda) has now spread to North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. This new pest, which is native to Asia, has the potential to cause major devastation to one of our native tree species.
A new study led by a team of scientists from the Yale School of the Environment found differences at the cellular level of leaves from infected Beech trees — variations that may account for tree mortality.
Did you know that alert community members are the first to spot most invasive insect infestations? The Forest Pest First Detectors (FPFD) program trains volunteers to protect our forests. If you care about preserving our natural heritage, this free, on-line training is for you!
Beech leaf disease (BLD), caused by the invasive nematode or roundworm Litylenchus crenatae mccannii, has been confirmed for the first time in Vermont.
The invasive insect known as Elm zigzag sawfly (EZS) has been confirmed for the first time in Vermont. After receiving a report of potential EZS activity in northwestern Vermont, staff from both the Forest Health program of the Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) and Plant Health program of the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets (AAFM), collected larval samples from affected elm foliage in May 2023. Samples were sent to the US Department of Agriculture Plant Protection and Quarantine program for identification, and EZS has now been officially confirmed within the state.
Public reports and staff observations recorded damages across the state from Highgate to Halifax, with cold pockets and river valleys seeing the most extensive damage. Most reports of freeze damage in forests stated damage to members of the Fagaceae family, including American beech (Fagus grandifolia) and red oak (Quercus rubra) regardless of geographic location.
