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Great Lakes Center, SAMC 319
SUNY Buffalo State
1300 Elmwood Ave., Buffalo, NY 14222

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Photo by Paul Rischmiller
<em>Phragmites</em> or Common Reed

Phragmites or Common Reed

Phragmites australis ssp. australis

Common reed grass, or phragmites, is a tall, herbaceous perennial ranging in height from 3-15 ft. Leaves and stems are stiff and sharp. Large, feathery plumes of flowers change from purple-brown in July, to tan-grey later in the season.

Autumn Olive, Elaegnus umbellata, Photo by WNY PRISM
Autumn Olive

Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus umbellata

Autumn olive is a large deciduous shrub that can grow to a height of 15 ft, and a width of 20 ft. Its leaves are oval or lance-shaped with entire and wavy margins, dull green in color with silvery underside.

Black jetbead flower and fruit
Black Jetbead

Black Jetbead

Rhodotypos scandens

Black jetbead is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It forms a dense shrub layer that shades out native species and restricts the establishment of tree seedlings. Black jetbead is one of our Data Gap Species Priorities for 2024.

Black Locust

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Black locusts threaten prairies, savannahs and upland forests. They have an extensive root system that allows them to reproduce clonally, sprouting many clones in one area. As they grow, they'll form islands of dense canopy which shade out any plants below them.

Border Privet, Lingustrum obtusifolium, fruit, Photo by Lower Hudson PRISM
Border Privet

Border Privet

Ligustrum obtusifolium

Border privet is a deciduous shrub that may grow to be 20 ft. tall. It forms dense thickets, shading out native plants. It also displaces native shrubs and seedlings in regenerating forests.

Bull Thistle

Bull Thistle

Cirsium vulgare

A tall biennial that produces a single purple flowerhead atop its stem. Leaves, stem and bracts are all covered in hairs or spines which makes it unpalatable to wildlife and livestock.

Burning Bush

Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus

Burning bush is an invasive ornamental woody shrub that is easily recognized by its vibrant red fall foliage. This invasive species has been introduced into natural landscapes through escaping cultivation.

Bush Honeysuckle

Bush Honeysuckle

Lonicera tartarica, L. morrowii, L. maackii x L. bella

The invasive bush honeysuckles are deciduous shrubs that may grow to be 15 ft. tall. Honeysuckle leaves are opposite, have smooth margins, and can vary in shape, being oval or tapered at the tip.

Canada Thistle

Canada Thistle

Cirsium arvense

Canada thistle is a perennial thistle that grows 1.5-5 ft. tall. Canada thistle displaces native vegetation, lowering plant and animal diversity. It also poses an economic threat to farmers and ranchers, reducing crop yields and pasture productivity.