Aggressive Natives at LREC, Where They Live, and Their Control Methods

Ground nut (Apios americana)—a perennial herbaceous native vine that is aggressively spreading across wet areas of the prairie, smothering the growth of conservative species. To control its growth, we are mowing it and overseeding native species capable of competing with it in this habitat.

Mulberry (Morus spp.)—perennial native trees that invade the prairie. We control these species by burning or by cutting and painting them with herbicide.

Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)—an annual native forb that spreads aggressively by seed in areas of part shade in the prairie and woodland edge, common cause of early fall allergies. We control it by mowing it or cutting it and bagging seed heads.

Raspberry (Rubus spp.)—perennial native shrubs that spread in shaded partly shaded areas of the prairie. We control them by burning and cutting and painting them with herbicide.

Tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima)—a native perennial forb in the prairies that grows aggressively, spreading by rhizomes to cover large areas. It is the most common species in our prairies (see Research).