Invasive plant

First Populations Of Invasive Pale Swallow-wort Confirmed In Wisconsin

Posted on by akabelowsky
Closeup of pale swallow-wort flower cluster.

Pale swallow-wort flowers along the stem at the leaf axils. / Photo Credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

By Mackenzie Manicki, DNR Natural Resources Research Scientist

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the state’s first populations of the invasive vine pale swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) have been found.

The populations were first detected in Oconto and Shawano counties, within the outskirts of Krakow along the shared county line.

These are the first known populations in the state, making rapid response efforts critical in preventing the establishment of this species in Wisconsin.

Continue reading “First Populations Of Invasive Pale Swallow-wort Confirmed In Wisconsin” →

Public Hearing On Invasive Species Regulations Set

Posted on by akabelowsky
A wide-angle photo of an infestation of Japanese stilt grass in a forest.

A field at the Coulee Experimental Forest near La Crosse is infested by Japanese stilt grass. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Jenn Janness, DNR Urban Forestry Communications

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a virtual public hearing on a permanent rule to revise Ch. NR 40, relating to changes to invasive species regulations.

Meeting details:

  • Date: 5, 2026
  • Time: 5 p.m.
  • Online: Join via Microsoft Teams
  • Phone: Join by calling 608-571-2209 and entering phone conference ID 496 793 478#

Continue reading “Public Hearing On Invasive Species Regulations Set” →

Species Spotlight: Red Hailstone

Posted on by akabelowsky
A large creeping vine blankets neighboring trees and plants.

A red hailstone infestation in Dane County blankets surrounding vegetation and can be seen climbing into trees. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@wisconsin.gov

Note: This is the third installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a series of articles released monthly during the growing season.

What is heart-shaped and hairy all over? Red hailstone!

Two hands holding tubers of the red hailstone plant.

Underground tubers of red hailstone. The tubers easily break off to create new plants. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Also known as golden creeper or Manchu tubergourd (Thladiantha dubia), this invasive perennial vine can grow 18 feet in a single growing season and spreads through underground potato-like tubers that break off from the root system to create new populations.

 

 

 

Continue reading “Species Spotlight: Red Hailstone” →

Invasive Species Action Month: Action Awards, Awareness Weekend

Posted on by akabelowsky

The 2025 winners of the Invasive Species Action Awards. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Mackenzie Manicki, DNR Invasive Plant Specialist, Madison

In Wisconsin, June is Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM), and plenty of activities are planned to educate and motivate residents and visitors into action.

Invasive species are defined as nonnative organisms whose introduction can cause harm to the environment, the economy, or pose threats to human health.

Continue reading “Invasive Species Action Month: Action Awards, Awareness Weekend” →

Invasives Spotlight: Black and Pale Swallow-wort

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@Wisconsin.gov

Note: This is the second installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a monthly series of Forest Health News articles.

Monarch butterflies are dependent on native milkweed for survival. But did you know there are invasive plants within the milkweed family that negatively impact this relationship?

Continue reading “Invasives Spotlight: Black and Pale Swallow-wort” →

Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Wisconsin DNR

With 145 invasive plants regulated under Wisconsin’s Invasive Species Rule NR40, it can be challenging to identify some of these plants while out in the woods.

The task can be further complicated by the presence of native lookalikes — plants that have a similar appearance to harmful invasive species, but are native plants that benefit wildlife, pollinators and ecosystems in Wisconsin.

Continue reading “Invasives And Imposters: Native Look-Alikes To Know” →

Species Spotlight: Japanese Honeysuckle

Posted on by akabelowsky

Japanese honeysuckle climbing up nearby trees. / Photo Credit: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@Wisconsin.gov  

Note: This is the first installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a monthly series of Forest Health News articles.

Many people recognize honeysuckle as a fast-spreading invasive shrub that can quickly displace native vegetation. But did you know that some honeysuckles exist as a vine?

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is an invasive perennial vine that can grow to a length of 80 feet or longer. Birds will often eat and disperse the berries the vine produces, allowing for the creation of new populations.

Continue reading “Species Spotlight: Japanese Honeysuckle” →

Controlling Buckthorn With Plants

Posted on by janness

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744 and Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675

buckthorn The Cover It Up project is a suite of related research projects conducted by multiple partners in Minnesota that are evaluating the ecology and management of buckthorn and other invasive plant species. Buckthorn is an invasive understory plant that was introduced to Wisconsin well over 100 years ago. It was used primarily in hedgerows, prized for its lack of pest issues and the fact it greens up early and holds its leaves well into the fall. These once desirable characteristics are also what turned this non-native into one of our state’s worst invasive species, easily outcompeting our natives, taking over Wisconsin’s forests, riparian woods, savannas, prairies, old fields, roadsides and vacant lots. Continue reading “Controlling Buckthorn With Plants” →

Keep Invasive Plants Out Of Spring Planting Plans

Posted on by akabelowsky
The invasive plant japanese barberry growing in a woodland area.

Originally planted as a garden ornamental, Japanese barberry can quickly escape cultivation and invade Wisconsin’s woodlands. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Wisconsin DNR

As winter begins to loosen its grip on Wisconsin, many gardeners have turned their thoughts to that unmistakable harbinger of spring: Planting season.

While dreaming of spring blooms and designing your next garden or landscape layout, consider that invasive plants may try to weed their way into your plans.

Continue reading “Keep Invasive Plants Out Of Spring Planting Plans” →

Stilt Grass StoryMap Updated For 2026

Posted on by akabelowsky
Main page of the Wisconsin DNR's StoryMap on Japanese stilt grass.

The main page of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ StoryMap titled “Japanese Stilt Grass on the Coulee Experimental State Forest.” / Graphic Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@wisconsin.gov

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Health program has updated the Japanese stilt grass StoryMap to reflect all the work completed in 2025. The StoryMap documents the history of this invasive species on the Coulee Experimental State Forest in La Crosse County.

A StoryMap is a web-based content creation and communication tool that allows creators to share maps, apps and multimedia in the context of a narrative. Users can see an overview of Japanese stilt grass, how to identify it and what control efforts have been implemented since the plant was first detected in Wisconsin in 2020.

Continue reading “Stilt Grass StoryMap Updated For 2026” →