Invasive Woody Plants

Since its debut as a regular Branching Out feature in 2016, "Invasives in Your Woodland" has profiled a wide variety of invasive plant species that threated the health of Maryland's ecosystems.

In this issue: Help us learn more about our readers and subscribers by taking our short survey. Read about a potential ally in the fight against hemlock wooly adelgid, and how Marylanders can get a rebate for planting native trees. There's information about our spring session of "The Woods in Your Backyard" online course, plus our regular features: the "Woodland Wildlife Spotlight" looks at the American beaver and "Invasives in Your Woodlands" looks at Princess tree. And don't forget the events calendar and the Brain Tickler challenge.

How to identify and manage invasive tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

How to identify and mange Japanese knotweed using an Integrated Pest Management approach.

Invasive plants that should not be introduced into your yard and garden.

Tree-of-heaven has been receiving a significant amount of attention lately, and not just because it is a fast-spreading invader of woodlands throughout the mid-Atlantic states and beyond. the recent discovery of a new invasive insect in Pennsylvania, and its subsequent spread into adjoining areas, has lent new voice to advocates for the plant’s removal. Spotted Lanternfly, a recent arrival from Asia prefers tree-of-heaven as its host. This has led to an increased movement to remove tree-of-heaven from the landscape.

Native ecosystems in our woodlands are under increasing pressure from invasive plant species and from both native and invasive vines. Providers of invasive plant and vine control are listed here.

How to manage invasive trees.

Drive along many of Maryland’s major roads in the spring, and you will see what seems like a wall of white, as the Callery pear (and its offshoot, the Bradford pear) are in bloom. While these may be an impressive sight, these trees are an invasive and highly competitive species.

How to identify and manage invasive Norway maple (Acer platanoides).