Early Spring Invasive Plants to Watch For
Once winter comes to a close and spring is in the air, you may notice several plants making themselves known early in the season. These early rises are most likely an invasive species. Several of these invasive species in Michigan include plants such as; Lesser celandine (a watchlist species), Garlic mustard, Dame’s rocket, and even Callery Pear (aka Bradford pear).
What makes these species so invasive is their ability to aggressively grow before other native plants have had a chance. They will then go dormant earlier in the season, leaving bare patches of soil that can increase the risk of erosion and provide space for other invasive species to move in. Species like Callery Pear can also aggressively outcompete our Native trees, disrupting the ecosystem and providing little benefit to local wildlife.
How to Identify Invasive Plants in Early Spring
So, as a resident, what can you look for? You can do this simply by looking for green in early April. While this alone will not tell you if it is an invasive species, it does give you a good starting point.
You can look for plants that blanket an area with showy yellow flowers and glossy, heart-shaped leaves (Lesser Celandine) or tall, flowering stalks with white flowers that smell like garlic if crushed (Garlic Mustard).
The first rule for invasive plant control is proper identification, so if you think something looks suspicious and is growing early, utilize plant identification tools and report it to your land conservancy, CISMA, or MISIN for confirmation.
Managing and Controlling Invasive Species
Okay, so now you found a suspected invasive species, have identified it, and confirmed it, now what? At Six Rivers Land Conservancy, there are several ways we can work to manage these plants.
Volunteer Efforts for Garlic Mustard Removal
In the Spring, you may notice a call for volunteers at a local stewardship workday for garlic mustard removal. This is a hands-on event, with easy control; Pulling.
The best way to manage Garlic mustard and Dame’s rocket is to simply pull the plant by the roots, making sure to get all of it, and disposing of it in a black trash bag. This method allows for immediate results and prevents the plants from spreading more seed.
Community Action Against Invasive Plants
You may see communities taking on invasive plant control by removing Callery pear from public areas and replanting with a native tree species.
Whether it be identifying and reporting, volunteering at a stewardship workday, or simply making that promise to plant natives rather than invasive ornamentals, you are able to take control and protect your natural areas from these invasive species.
FAQs About Spring Invasive Plants in Michigan
What are some invasive plants that appear in spring in Michigan?
Some invasive species in Michigan that appear early in the season include Lesser celandine (a watchlist species), Garlic mustard, Dame’s rocket, and Callery Pear (also known as Bradford pear).
Why are some plants more noticeable in early spring?
Some plants grow earlier than others in the season. This early growth can make them more visible before other plants have had a chance to grow.
How can you begin identifying possible invasive plants?
One way to start is by looking for green growth in early April. While this alone does not confirm that a plant is invasive, it can serve as a starting point for further identification.
What are some visible signs to look for in early spring plants?
Some plants may cover an area with yellow flowers and glossy, heart-shaped leaves, while others may have tall flowering stalks with white flowers that produce a garlic-like smell when crushed.
Protect the Nature Near You
So as the season begins to change, keep your eye out for opportunities in your area. Much of the work we do relies on the engagement of our community. So get out there and Protect the Nature Near You!
