Invasive plant

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Posted on by colleenrobinson
Giant hogweed. Photo by Donna Ellis.

Giant hogweed. Photo by Donna Ellis.

Giant hogweed can be a threat to human health. Its sap has Furocoumarins (photosensitizing compounds) that can cause a skin reaction known as phyto-photodermatitis. This makes the skin highly sensitive to ultraviolet light. Swelling and blistering of the skin may lead to permanent scarring, and contact with the eyes can cause temporary and sometimes permanent blindness.

In Wisconsin, giant hogweed is classified as a prohibited species under the Invasive Species Rule (Wis. Adm. Code ch. NR 40). Its presence potentially causes economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Isolated populations of Giant hogweed have been found in Wisconsin with immediate control taking place after verification.  Continue reading “Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)” →

Amur cork tree is an emerging threat to Wisconsin forests.

Posted on by colleenrobinson

Amur cork tree (Phellodendron amurense) is a relatively new invasive plant found in at least four Wisconsin counties. It is classified as Prohibited under Wisconsin’s invasive species law, NR 40. The female cork tree cannot be possessed, transferred, transported or introduced in Wisconsin. We ask that you report this tree to DNR because it is invasive here and in other states and DNR is mounting control efforts before it becomes widespread. DNR works with property owners to achieve this by providing advice, tools and resource opportunities. Continue reading “Amur cork tree is an emerging threat to Wisconsin forests.” →

Lesser celandine is an emerging threat to Wisconsin forests – be on the lookout.

Posted on by colleenrobinson
Spherical bulbils of lesser celandine form during the spring growing season. Later they drop off and sprout to form new plants.

Spherical bulbils of lesser celandine form during the spring growing season. Later they drop off and sprout to form new plants.

Lesser celandine (Ranunculus ficaria), also known as fig buttercup, is a ground layer plant and an aggressive invader of forests in North America. So far, it is relatively unknown in Wisconsin but has been found in the southeastern part of the state, especially in moist (mesic and wet-mesic) forests and along river banks.

Lesser celandine is a spring ephemeral that emerges in early spring, develops flowers, dies back by early summer, and remains dormant in underground tubers. During the short growing period the plant produces bulbils which sprout and give rise to new plants. After the round bulbils drop off they are spread by gravity, water, small animals, and like the tubers, transported when soil is moved. Continue reading “Lesser celandine is an emerging threat to Wisconsin forests – be on the lookout.” →

Financial assistance is available for controlling invasive species.

Posted on by colleenrobinson

Looking for a financial assist in your efforts to control invasive species?

The Wisconsin Invasive Species Council website lists 61 different grant opportunities that are available from Federal and State agencies as well as private foundations. The list is searchable by applicant (tribe, government agency, company, non-profit, individual) and type of invasive organism (plant, animal, aquatic, invertebrate, disease). All but one has a link that takes you to more information or a contact person.

Why not take a few moments to explore these opportunities?

Written by: Michael Putnam, invasive plants program specialist, Madison (Michael.Putnam@wisconsin.gov), 608-266-7596.

Apply for 2016 Great Lakes grant

Posted on by Ellen Clark

The U.S. Forest Service has announced that they are accepting proposals for potential grant funding. There are $575,000 in new funds that are available for Cooperative Weed Management Areas (CWMA) in the Great Lakes Basin. The deadline for approval is January 6, 2017 at grants.gov. The goal of the program is to detect, prevent, eradicate and/or control invasive plants to promote diverse benefits on Federal, State or private land. Continue reading “Apply for 2016 Great Lakes grant” →