MONTICELLO — As fall begins to give way to winter, this is a good time to spot invasive species in yards and forests and try to limit their harm to native plants and wildlife.
For homeowners in Central Illinois, bush honeysuckle — identified by its bright red berries — is a common invasive. At Allerton Park and Retreat Center, European privet (maroon-colored berries) has also been a problem since it escaped from the Formal Gardens decades ago, according to Natural Areas Manager Nate Beccue.
He said invasive plants are easier to spot this time of year because their leaves remain bright green after most plants and trees have shed theirs.
“Bush honeysuckle will not lose its leaves right away. So, if you notice something in your yard is still bright green, there is a good chance it is not native,” Beccue said.
Why should people care? Because invasives can reduce biodiversity in several ways, such as providing too much shade in the spring, stunting the growth of colorful natives like bluebells, spring beauties and other wildflowers.
“Those things all get their start on the ground when the leaves haven’t come out and there is plenty of sunlight,” Beccue said. “But honeysuckle gets its leaves early and can shade the natives.”
Invasive species — which also include, multiflora rose, oriental bittersweet, garlic mustard and the popular burning bush – can take a forested area from a dozen species of shrubs down to as few as one if not addressed.
Allerton crews stay busy cutting down the larger invasive plants, then hold prescribed burns in the fall and spring.
In residential areas there are several ways to handle the issue. University of Illinois Extension Forester Christopher Evans said small plants can be hand pulled, while the larger ones should be cut down and treated with herbicides so they do not grow back.
“It’s important because they can overrun an area. They really just disrupt our native ecosystems,” Evans said. “So if you want to preserve our native plants and keep wildlife value, that’s why it’s important to manage them.”
Additional information on invasive species and how to manage them can be found on the Allerton Park and Retreat Center website and from the University of Illinois Extension.
