KNOW YOUR INVASIVE SPECIES
In this article we’ll tell you the quickest ways to identify a species of concern, because whether you’re a rambler, landowner or working in construction knowing your invasive species is in some instances vital for health and safety.
At this time of year plants are emerging from winter dormancy and in many cases their full features are not yet visible – it may simply be a shoot, or some signs of life along branches. You may see new plants popping up in new places that could be offshoots from last year’s plants or it could be an invader! How can you tell at its early growth stage what it will end up looking like if you’re not familiar with its life cycle.
Some plants can change dramatically from season to season, take American skunk cabbage for example. Below is a fine root specimen that could be any number of plants that grow near to water, yet come the spring/summer it looks like the second image with bright yellow (and very smelly) flower heads.
WOULD YOU, FOR INSTANCE KNOW WHAT THIS PLANT IS?
The plant below could be mistaken for common woodland fern or other harmless species seen in woodlands, however, it is the highly toxic Giant hogweed. This species if brushed against or touched creates very painful blisters that flare up when skin is exposed to sunlight, and this can last for several years! The second image shows Giant hogweed in summer when it can reach 3.5 meters tall, which as you can see looks very different and has its distinctive large white flower heads. It’s worth noting that all parts of this plant are toxic.
WHAT IS INVASIVE BEHAVIOUR?
In most instances of invasive plant infestation, the concern starts when the plant appears to be taking over your land or property – it is showing invasive growth behaviour. The difference between a non-invasive and an invasive weed is the latter is capable of dominating other plants and can be difficult to remove. Many invasive plants have complex root systems that if not completely removed allows it to spread. The best way to find out is to have the suspect plant identified by professionals in this field, but there are options:
- Use a plant app
Of course there are plant identifying apps available, but these do not always show true results. The picture above shows a Parrot’s feather infestation that is blocking the flow of the river, and unless you could get a close up of the plant, it’s unlikely an app would be able to correctly identify it. - Contact an expert
Our invasive and aquatic plant experts are available via an online identification service where you can upload images of the suspect plant, and quickly get the results. - Book a professional survey
But for the full picture really the best option is to have a survey as that will give a report on all findings and should include a quote for remediation services.
In conclusion
It’s very difficult even to the trained eye to accurately identify an invasive species. there are online resources available to help you, but to be completely safe it’s best to ask the professionals.