Wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius), also commonly known as wine raspberry, dewberry, and Japanese raspberry, is a perennial, deciduous shrub that is a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) and shares many characteristics of its close relatives in the genus Rubus, such as raspberries and blackberries. Like raspberry, wineberry has silvery underleaves, a fruit core that remains on the stem when the ripe fruit is picked, and thorns. It is differentiated from other similar species by the fine red hairs that grow densely on its stems and flowers, giving the plant a reddish hue. Its fruit is edible, sweet and somewhat tart, and is a sought- after ingredient in many baking and cocktail recipes.
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.
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.
Vermont’s Noxious Weeds Quarantine rule was adopted in 2002, and most recently amended in 2012, and is implemented by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets under its statutory authority. The rule regulates the importation, movement, sale, possession, cultivation, and/or distribution of certain plants known to adversely impact the economy, environment, or human or animal health.
Invasive spindle-tree evolved in Asia and Europe and was introduced to North America most likely because of industrial uses for this woody shrub. The hard wood has historically been used to create spindles for wool, charcoal for art, and oils for soap making. More recently, this plant has become an ornamental landscaping plant.
One eerie feature catching eyes right now is Celastrus orbiculatus, an invasive vine commonly called “bittersweet." Invasive bittersweet originated in Asia, evolving in an ecosystem full of predators and pathogens that provided natural checks and balances on population levels.
Phenologyis the study of the life cycle events of living things – like tracking when plants get their leaves, their flowers, and their fruits. Knowing this information gives us a better understanding of the species in our ecosystems, can guide the timing of our invasive plant management work, and can help us track the impacts of climate change on plants in Vermont. In 2022, The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation is spearheading a few projects geared towards tracking the phenology of invasive plants and we need your help!
Landowners interested in enrolling in the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) to receive financial assistance to help treat invasive plants on their property or perform other habitat enhancement activities (such as releasing mast trees, planting riparian buffers, or creating young forest patches) are encouraged to reach out to wildlife biologists from the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The VT FPR Invasive Plant Program is asking you to send in photos of invasive plants through the winter period to add to the dataset. Your photos can help increase our collective understanding of invasive plant phenology.
Over 75% of Vermont is beautiful forests – with more than 80% of that being privately owned – but much of that forest land faces a significant forest health threat in the form of invasive plants. It is up to each of us to do our part, whether on our own land or in our communities, to help protect Vermont forests for future generations. Even small actions, like choosing locally evolved plants for your garden or pulling up garlic mustard on town trails add up to make a big difference. At the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, our burgeoning Invasive Plant Program is working to help steward Vermont’s state-owned public lands and, through grant funded programs, help communities do the same with support by trained professionals.
Go take a hike. Or a walk. Or a drive. Whatever gets you outside and looking at plants! This was the directive Lina Swislocki, the VT Forests Parks & Recreation’s Assistant Invasive Plants Coordinator playfully gave to volunteer observers. During the second full week of each month from April to September, these observers take note of all things invasive plants – getting up close and personal to collect data on invasive plant phenology.
In mid-August, a concerned community member brought to the attention of scientists, the presence of an invasive insect. The insect, spotted lanternfly, had never been reported before in Vermont, and was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania, but has spread across the eastern US to 8 states.
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an invasive herbaceous biennial plant. It is thought to have originated in Europe where it was historically grown as food and medicine. It likely came to the Vermont region with colonizers in the 1600s – so long ago that many people don’t realize it didn’t evolve here – and has been widely seen in area woodlands since the late 1800s.
