In this ecosystem, there are many different invasive species which disrupt the natural environment.
The following species have been identified as invasive in this ecosystem. Try to find them as you walk through the trail!
This is an invasive shrub from Asia. Its name is the Rosa multiflora, but it also goes by the names Japanese rose, many-flowered rose, and rambler rose. This invasive shrub climbs over other plants as it grows, and sometimes sprouts thorns from its branches. The flowers when bloomed, will be a beautiful white or pink. These flowers, especially in grazing areas, are considered to be majorly invasive, and most consider them a pest.
Also known as "a burning bush", this invasive shrub came from Asia. Its name comes from the bright red leaves it grows in the fall. The burning bush also grows purplish-red berries in the fall, which will stay until the end of winter. It is considered to be invasive because it will gather nutrients better than the native plants, and will grow over them.
This plant, which is also known as the common privet, come from Europe and Northern Africa. This invasive shrub grows long and stiff branches, that grow far into the air. In the middle of summer, it will grow very small white flowers along the branches. These shrubs are very dense, and will overtake other plants easily.
Also known as an autumn berry, this invasive shrub comes from Eastern Asia. The branches commonly grow thorns to protect the fragrant white flowers. This shrub will eventually create berries that are used for tarts and jams.
Japanese stillgrass is native to much of Southern and Eastern Asia, yet it has become established across much of North America. The invasive species looks similar to native grass, Leersia virginica (cutgrass or whitegrass), although the stillgrass can be identified by a distinctive sliver stripe on the leaf.
Present in all 50 states, tall fescue came from Europe. Also known as Kentucky 31 grass, the seed can be readily bought and planted for agricultural use. The grass is disease resistant and low maintenance, making it easy to spread and out-compete the native species.
Kentucky bluegrass is actually not native to Kentucky. As shocking as this may seem, it is true. This grass is actually native to much of Europe, North Asia, and the mountainous regions of Morocco and Algeria. Thought to be brought over by the Spanish Empire, Kentucky bluegrass has established itself across the North American continent and has degraded much of the land.