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Swallow-worts
Swallow-worts
Cynanchum spp.
Pale and black swallow-worts are herbaceous, perennial, twining vines. Pale swallow-wort (Cynanchum rossicum) has small maroon to pale pink flowers with 5 hairless, triangular petals that are twice as long as they are wide. Black swallow-wort (Cynanchum louiseae) has small dark purple flowers with 5 pointed, downy, triangular petals that are the same length as their width. Pods split open, releasing innumerable downy seeds that are easily carried miles by wind.
Tree-of-Heaven
Tree-of-Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
Tree of heaven thrives in disturbed habitats but is highly intolerant of shade. Infestations are most commonly found beneath powerlines and along rights of way, as well as in riparian zones, forest edges and openings.
Wavyleaf Basketgrass
Wavyleaf Basketgrass
Oplismenus hirtellus subsp. undulatifolius
Wavyleaf basketgrass is a perennial grass with a distinctly hairy stem and leaf sheath. Its seeds grow in 3-5 pairs of spikelets with long awns (pointed tips) that produce a sticky substance to aid in dispersal.
White Nose Syndrome
White Nose Syndrome
Pseudogymnoascus destructans
White nose syndrome is caused by an invasive (non-native) fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which affects hibernating bats. The fungus exists in caves and abandoned mines where bats spend the winter hibernating.
Wild Parsnip
Wild Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
Wild parsnip is a biennial herb that grows to 2-5 ft. Alternate, compound, branched leaves have serrated edges. First year rosettes have pinnately compound leaves. Adult plants bloom June through August with small, five-petaled, yellow flowers arranged in a flat-topped, broad umbel of 2-6".
Yellow Flag Iris
Yellow Flag Iris
Iris pseudacorus
Yellow iris is an herbaceous perennial that can grow between 3-4 ft. The broad, lance-shaped leaves are stiff and erect. The yellow, showy flowers bloom from April to June.