Got Nature? Blog

Purdue Landscape Report: Spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been the subject of a lot of media attention in the last few years.  In the east, states like Pennsylvania and New York have been dealing with heavy infestations since the insect was first detected in 2014.  In Indiana, this invasive planthopper arrived three years ago, infesting two counties on the eastern side of the state.  Since then, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue University have been working together to mitigate the spread of this insect as well as educate Hoosiers on what they can do to help.  Spotted lanternfly is still on the move, and this update will help refresh you on how this bug works, and where they are headed.

Figure 1. Upper left: early-instar SLF; upper right: late-instar SLF; bottom left: adult SLF with egg mass; bottom right: uncovered SLF eggs.

Figure 1. Upper left: early-instar SLF; upper right: late-instar SLF; bottom left: adult SLF with egg mass; bottom right: uncovered SLF eggs.

Life cycle
Spotted lanternfly is an annual insect, having only a single generation in a year under normal conditions.  The insect goes through incomplete metamorphosis; immature stages, called nymphs, resemble smaller, wingless versions of the adults.  Nymphs will begin to appear in April or May, developing through four instars, until they reach adulthood in late summer.  With each instar, the period in between molting, the nymph will grow larger, develop wingpads, and eventually change color.  Early instars are black with a white dot pattern, while later instars will be bright red with black and white patterning (Fig. 1).  Late instar nymphs are often compared to milkweed bugs or lady beetles.  Once they complete development in the late summer or early fall, they will mate and lay egg masses covered in a protective substance that makes them resemble mud.  Eggs masses will overwinter until the spring, while adult insects will die as temperatures cool.  In Indiana, depending on temperature, adults can be seen as late as early November.

Impact
Spotted lanternfly is a sap-feeding insect, using syringe-like mouthparts to drain nutrients directly from plant tissues.  Like other sap-feeding insects, the activity of SLF wounds the plant, creating openings for various pathogens to exploit.  Feeding by SLF has been shown to reduce overall health of their hosts, reducing their capacity to survive overwintering, and potentially kill the host plant depending on species.  They also produce a sugary waste known as honeydew; while honeydew itself is not harmful, it acts as a growing substrate for sooty mold, which can have a serious impact the photosynthesis of understory foliage as well as attract other nuisance insects.

Spotted lanternfly is a generalist herbivore and can feed on over 100 different species of plant and tree in Indiana.  However, this insect has shown strong preference towards certain species, often with devastating consequences.  The most preferred host is tree-of-heaven, an invasive tree species in North America.  Tree-of-heaven is the primary host of SLF in their shared native range, and the insect appears to experience high reproductive success on it even when they share a new environment.  Grapes are also highly preferred by SLF, and infestations will typically result in overfeeding and the death of the plant.  Black Walnut, American river birch, and various maple species are also at risk of severe damage from this insect.   Evidence has also suggested that maple, when used for syrup production, will experience reductions in yield and quality when attack by spotted lanternfly.

Where are they now?
Spotted lanternfly has been present in Indiana since 2021, first arriving in Huntington and Switzerland Counties.  In Huntington, the infestation occupies a stand of tree-of-heaven next to an industrial parking lot.  Tree-of-heaven moved into the neighboring residential area, allowing SLF to also spread with it. The more rural infestation in Switzerland County was traced to a vehicle transported from Pennsylvania, and the insect has taken advantage of patches of tree-of-heaven in nearby wooded areas.  While both infestations have strongly associated with the insect’s primary host, there is some evidence that SLF is beginning to take advantage of other nearby plants, such as maple.  In the last year, SLF moved a significant distance and has been detected in several more counties, including Elkhart, St. Joseph, Porter, Allen, Dekalb, and Noble Counties.  Most of the activity has been found on tree-of-heaven along rail lines, supporting the idea that the insect is dispersed by rail traffic moving westward out of infested areas.

It’s important to remember that trains aren’t the only vehicles that can have SLF passengers.  These insects, and their egg masses, can be found on just about any surface, including the car you drive to work, the RV you used for recreation, semi-trucks that cross the country, and more.  Purdue Entomology and Indiana DNR are encouraging everyone to inspect their vehicles when traveling through any of the infested areas.  Also check all recreational vehicles and trailers for spotted lanternfly egg masses; if found, scrape them off into a bag or bucket filled with soapy water.  This fall and winter, we also want to encourage everyone to please burn any firewood where you buy it, and please don’t move it off your property if you chop it yourself- especially if you are burning tree of heaven.  Egg masses will stick to firewood and can survive our winters very well.

What can I do?
We are still learning about the spotted lanternfly’s distribution through Indiana, and we need the help of citizen scientists to effectively track the insect’s movement.  If you believe you’ve seen spotted lanternfly, please report it using any of the resources listed below.  You can also feel free to reach out to Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator, by emailing them at rfbruner@purdue.edu, or you can report sightings by calling 1-866-NOEXOTIC.

Original article posted: Spotted Lanternfly is on the Move!.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Spotted Lanternfly Resources:
Spotted Lanternfly Found in Indiana, Indiana Woodland Steward
Spotted Lanternfly – includes map with locations, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Entomology
Report Spotted Lanternfly, Purdue College of Agriculture Invasive Species

Other Resources Available:
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
What are invasive species and why should I care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Report Invasive, Purdue College of Agriculture – Entomology
ReportINvasive, Purdue Report Invasive Facebook posts include webinars and workshops

Bob Bruner, Exotic Forest Pest Educator
Purdue Entomology

As the crisp autumn air settles in and campfires become a seasonal staple, October brings an important reminder: your firewood choices matter. That’s why October is officially Firewood Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the risks of moving firewood and the spread of invasive forest pests.

Don't Move Firewood website.Why “Don’t Move Firewood” Matters
Transporting firewood, even just a few miles, can unintentionally spread destructive pests like emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle and spongy moth. These invaders often hide inside or on firewood, threatening Indiana’s forests, parks and urban trees.

The Don’t Move Firewood website offers excellent resources to help you make informed choices. Whether you’re heating a cabin, heading out to hunt, or planning a backyard bonfire, they recommend:

  • Buying firewood where you’ll burn it
  • Choosing certified heat-treated wood
  • Gathering wood on-site when permitted

You can also explore their Firewood Month Toolkit, maps of regulations and a webinar series designed for professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

While October is Firewood Month, the risk of spreading invasive pests lasts well beyond the fall. Many forest pests remain a threat throughout the year. Adults may still be visible until the first hard freeze, and egg masses can be observed from now through June. The spotted lanternfly females lay egg masses in late summer through early winter, often peaking in October. These masses can survive through winter and hatch in the spring. Learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. This is why it’s important to practice safe firewood habits year-round.

Spotlight on ReportINvasive
Check out the latest post on the ReportINvasive Facebook which reinforces the importance of Firewood Month. ReportINvasive is a trusted source for updates on invasive species in Indiana, and their social media outreach is a great way to stay informed and engaged. Give the Facebook page a LIKE and FOLLOW for future webinars and workshops.

Concerned About Insects? Purdue Extension Entomology Can Help
ReportINvasive Facebook post, October Firewood Month.If you suspect insect damage or want to learn more about forest pests, the Purdue Extension Entomology team is an outstanding resource. Their experts provide science-based guidance on insect identification, management strategies, and outreach materials to help protect Indiana’s ecosystems.

Let’s work together to keep Indiana’s forests healthy and resilient. This October, make the smart choice—don’t move firewood!

More Resources
Spotted Lanternfly – including map sharing locations, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
October is Firewood Awareness Month!, Purdue Landscape Report
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Aquatic Invasive Species, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant (IISG)
Emerald Ash Borer Information Network, Purdue University and Partners
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Entomology Weekly Review, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to multiflora, a non-native invasive shrub that has become widespread across Indiana. Once planted for practical purposes, it now creates big challenges for landowners and natural areas. Learn where you’re most likely to encounter it, why it spreads so aggressively and what makes it stand out on the landscape. Whether you’re a student, nature enthusiast or land manager, this video gives you a quick introduction to one of Indiana’s most troublesome invasive plants.

 

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

Posted on October 9th, 2025 in Disease, Forestry, Urban Forestry, Woodlands | No Comments »

Purdue Landscape Report: By now, the emerald ash borer (EAB) invasion is an old story for landscapes and forests in the Midwest. Since EAB was first found in North America in 2002 more millions of ash trees than we can know have died and this tiny insect continues to kill ash in an ever widening zone that currently includes 37 US states and 6 Canadian provinces. Arborists and landscape managers continue to protect valuable ash trees by use of systemic insecticides, typically applied via trunk injection every 2-3 years.

While EAB is the overarching threat, ash survival may also be threatened by wood decay fungi, which may colonize insect exit holes, injections sites and other wounds. The most common decay fungi we see in the lab are Perenniporia and Fomitopsis.

Perenniporia fraxinophila is the most frequently reported wood decay fungus on ash and causes a heart rot that contributes to loss of structural integrity of the tree. Infection sites tend to be high on the tree and may be easily overlooked until decay is advanced. The fungal structure is perennial, expanding each year, and may be confused with Ganoderma applanatum, the artist’s conk. The upper surface turns black or brown with age and the underside is white with pores instead of gills.


Figure 1: Upper ash branches colonized by a suspected Perenniporia sp. (PLR)
Figure 1: Upper ash branches colonized by a suspected Perenniporia sp. (PLR)

Figure 2: Fungal conks of a suspected Perenniporia sp., beginning to emerge from decaying ash branches. (PLR)
Figure 2: Fungal conks of a suspected Perenniporia sp., beginning to emerge from decaying ash branches. (PLR)

Figure 3: Fungal conks of a suspected Perenniporia sp., beginning to emerge from decaying ash branches. (PLR)
Figure 3: Fungal conks of a suspected Perenniporia sp., beginning to emerge from decaying ash branches. (PLR)

 

In the last few years, we have had a few samples of a similar fungus colonizing the trunk and base of ash trees, often near injection sites. Initially we were unable to identify the fungus, but DNA analysis revealed the fungus was a Fomitopsis species. This fungus develops a shallow shelf structure with white top and tan underside.

Fungal decay presents a greater risk to ash because it lacks the preservative enriched heartwood found in oak, walnut and other hardwoods that tends to slow down internal spread of fungi. Even fungi that initially invade dead areas of ash may rapidly colonize and degrade stem and trunk tissue.


Figure 4: Fomitopsis sp. colonizing the trunk of ash trees damaged by EAB. (PLR)
Figure 4: Fomitopsis sp. colonizing the trunk of ash trees damaged by EAB. (PLR)

Figure 5: Fomitopsis sp. colonizing the trunk of ash trees damaged by EAB. (PLR)
Figure 5: Fomitopsis sp. colonizing the trunk of ash trees damaged by EAB. (PLR)

Figure 6: Fomitopsis sp. colonizing the trunk of ash trees damaged by EAB. (PLR)
Figure 6: Fomitopsis sp. colonizing the trunk of ash trees damaged by EAB. (PLR)

 

Fungal decay also disrupts vascular tissues in the stems and trunk, which further limits the movement and effectiveness of insecticide injections, so that infected trees may face greater damage from EAB. When found on small side branches the infection might be successfully pruned out, but in most cases the decay is in major branches or the trunk, which means the tree will need to be removed. If your ash trees that are being regularly treated for EAB but continue to show thinning and decline, check for these fungal invaders, they may be partly responsible.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Fungal Decay of Ash Trees.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Diplodia Tip Blight of Two-Needle Pines, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Boxwood Blight, The Education Store
Disease of Landscape Plants: Cedar Apple and Related Rusts on Landscape Plants, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Tree Planting Part 2: Planting a Tree, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Find a Certified Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Video: Step by Step to Find an Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Trees and Storms – The Education Store
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
What are Invasives Species and Why Should I Care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Tom Creswell, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory Director
Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology

Purdue Landscape Report: It’s finally October, and we should be enjoying lovely fall temps and colors. While some of the trees are changing, it’s not necessarily due to the change in seasons. As I write this, the temperature is 84 F (29 C). I look out my window and see mostly green leaves with some colors from the short cold snap we had and some from heat and drought stress. Whether you are worried about the trees in your yard and community or not, there are some simple tasks that we can do to assist them as we await the cooler temperatures of Autumn.

A 3 foot radius mulch ring around a medium sized tree

A 3 foot radius mulch ring around a medium sized tree (Purdue Landscape Report)

Mulching: One simple task to better prepare your trees for winter is to add a new layer of mulch, which benefits your trees in multiple ways. Adding a 2-3 inch thick layer of mulch will better maintain moisture levels and buffer extreme temperature changes in the soil and will add some organic matter too. Mulching to the drip line will benefit the tree the most, but in the case of larger trees it’s not always feasible. Try for at least a 3-foot radius from the trunk and make sure to leave a 2 inch or so gap between the trunk and the mulch. Remember, no volcano mulching.

Fertilizing: That mulch you just added will add some organic material to your soil as it slowly breaks down, but an autumn fertilization can benefit your trees too. Unlike trees in the forest that have a natural supply of nutrients from fallen leaves and twigs, trees around our homes are usually deprived as we rake and clean up our yards. Adding a slow-release fertilizer in the fall helps provide a nutrient boost over the winter, can promote root growth, and better prepare your tree for Spring.

Watering: Water is still an essential part of your tree care plan, but as temperatures drop and trees begin to head into dormancy they don’t need as much water as is required in the hit summer months. If you have irrigation systems in your yard start to drop the frequency of watering. You can water up until the first freeze, but make sure soils are just a little damp and not soaked. Evergreens in particular will benefit from slow deep watering 1-2 times a week until the soil freezes. Winter winds and temperatures can desiccate the needles without an adequate supply of water.

Pruning: Now is a good time to prune out any dead, damaged, or diseased limbs in your trees. If you have access to hand saws and pole saws or pruners, you can remove smaller branches or those closer to the ground. Make sure you are making proper pruning cuts though, and if there are large limbs, those at heights, or you are just unsure of how to make a good cut enlist the help of a professional arborist.

Use of white tree guards can protect the trunk from temperature changes that cause damage

Use of white tree guards can protect the trunk from temperature changes that cause damage (Joseph O’Brien, USDA Forest Service)

Trunk Damage: Sunscald or southwest damage occurs on young and/or thin barked trees in the winter. Wounds can occur between the south to southwest facing part of the trunk on sunny days in the winter as temperatures rise and suddenly drop. Over time these wounds can become quite large. Trees can also incur damage from deer during the rut. Bucks will scrape trees with their antlers, scraping off the bark and damaging the cambium. Both of these injuries can be reduced one younger trees by installing tree guards in the fall. Tree guards are plastic barriers you place around the main stem of the tree. I recommend using white corrugated drainage pipe that can be found at most home centers. You can make a cut lengthwise along the pipe for easy installation and make sure it has a large enough diameter to leave a space between it and the tree. Just remember to remove it come Spring.

Inspections: Visual inspections can be done year-round, but this time of the year it might be easier to see changes in your tree as leaves are falling and the canopy becomes more visible. From the ground up to the canopy, some of the things you’re looking for include fungal growth around the base of the tree, any sort of damage on the main stem or branches, premature leaf drop or color change, and branches that are dead, cracked, diseased, or seem weak. Any concerns you find are also great information to share with an ISA Certified arborist which can be found using the Trees Are Good website.

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Help Your Trees Transition into Autumn.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
Re-mulch Your Trees, Purdue Landscape Report
Find an Arborist video, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Moist soil and rotten roots makes it easy for trees to come crashing down – Fox 59 News
Expert: Some storm damage can be easily prevented – Fox 59
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Mechanical Damage to Trees: Mowing and Maintenance Equipment – The Education Store
Trees and Electric Lines – The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Tree Installation, The Education Store
Tree Wound and Healing, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Ben McCallister, Urban Forestry Specialist
Purdue Forestry & Natural Resources

Posted on October 2nd, 2025 in Forestry, How To, Wildlife | No Comments »

Welcome to ID That Tree! In this episode, Purdue Extension Forester Lenny Farlee introduces us to a widespread native shrub called smooth sumac. Found in open fields, roadsides and woodland edges across Indiana, this shrub is easily identified by its recognizable stems and leaves. Watch the video to learn about these characteristics, along with the differences in smooth sumac through the different seasons. For example, in summer, this shrub has flowers that turn into fruit heads! Whether you’re a student, naturalist or simply curious about native plants, this video offers a quick and helpful guide to identifying smooth sumac in the wild.

 

If you have any questions regarding wildlife, trees, forest management, wood products, natural resource planning or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana, Purdue Extension – FNR
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA)
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Habitat University, Episode 12 – Exploring the challenges of Invasive Species, Habitat University-Natural Resource University
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

Purdue Landscape Report: Aspen, cottonwood, and poplar are all names for the fast-growing Populus tree species. Used widely for building materials, these trees are often located around ponds, riverbanks, and sloping areas toward water bodies (especially cottonwood). Cottonwood flowers produce little white tufted seeds that float through the air which a lot of people love (my kids included), unless it lands in their mouth. These beautiful trees are susceptible to a fungus that can cause significant damage under the right conditions: Marssonina (newer name is Drepanopeziza).

There are three species of Marssonina that can infect Populus – different tree species may only be susceptible to one of the Marssonina species. The fungi cause the same kind of disease and develop similarly on the host. Marssonina can infect the leaves, stems and seeds of Populus, which can lead to large amounts of leaf loss during wet weather, girdled stems and dieback, and aborted seeds. Since seeds can carry the fungus, the seed will take it with it to where it lands and can become infected immediately after germinating. It is common to see high disease severity in the canopy, but unless there is significant leaf loss (up to 70% defoliation) it may not reduce plant vigor. Leaf lesions typically develop as small black to brown dots or flecks which expand in size as time goes one. As the disease progresses, large areas of the leaf will become necrotic, creating odd dead blotches, potentially killing the majority of the leaf blade.

The fungus produces asexual spores in a small black pustule on the upper surface of the leaf which will eventually burst and release the spores during humid weather early in the spring. Marssonina will continue to produce spores and cause disease the whole season, creating repeat infections on the same tree. Symptoms tend to start lower in the canopy and ascend up the tree as the season progresses. The spores are spread by water splash, so rainfall will help spread this fungus in the landscape.

For trees planted in native landscapes, this disease will likely be inevitable and may make the foliage look less than stellar. That being said, removing leaves that drop or at the end of fall will reduce total inoculum for future seasons and can reduce total disease long-term. Similarly, trees that are stressed will typically develop increased disease severity, so if you are seeing large amounts of leaf spots or leaf loss, I would recommend employing stress mitigation strategies to keep the tree happy and healthy (fertilizer, mulch, irrigation as needed, etc.). If a tree appears to develop significant disease every year and has reduced limb growth, you may consider removing the tree if you are concerned it may die early and replace with a resistant clone, as disease susceptibility can vary greatly between clones of the same species.

Fig 1: Populus sp. with significant leaf loss due to Marssonina leaf spot. Photo credit: PPDL
Fig 1: Populus sp. with significant leaf loss due to Marssonina leaf spot. Photo credit: PPDL
Fig 2: Aspen wit thinning tree canopy due to Marssonina infection. Photo credit: PLR
Fig 2: Aspen wit thinning tree canopy due to Marssonina infection. Photo credit: PLR
Fig 3: Necrotic flecks and dots associated with early infection by Marssonina. Photo credit: PPDL
Fig 3: Necrotic flecks and dots associated with early infection by Marssonina. Photo credit: PPDL
Fig 4: Leaf necrosis and twig dieback caused by Marssonina. Photo credit: PLR
Fig 4: Leaf necrosis and twig dieback caused by Marssonina. Photo credit: PLR
Fig 5: Severely leaf necrosis of an aspen tree caused by repeat infections by Marssonina. Photo credit: PPDL
Fig 5: Severely leaf necrosis of an aspen tree caused by repeat infections by Marssonina. Photo credit: PPDL

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Marssonina leaf spot and blotch of Poplar.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Invasive White Mulberry, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven)
Eastern Cottonwood, Article, Purdue Fort Wayne
Find a Certified Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Video: Step by Step to Find an Arborist, Trees are Good-International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association
District Forester, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres
Trees and Storms – The Education Store, Purdue Education’s resource center
Why Is My Tree Dying? – The Education Store
Tree Risk Management – The Education Store
Tree Pruning Essentials, Publication & Video, The Education Store
Tree Defect Identification, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree, video, Purdue Extension
Tree Installation, The Education Store
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Against Invasives, Garlic Mustard, Autumn Olive)
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel (Common Buckthorn, Japanese Barberry)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Invasive Species
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

John Bonkowski, Lead Extension Administrator
Purdue Department of Botany and Plant Pathology

 

Posted on September 29th, 2025 in Invasive Plant Species, Plants, Wildlife | No Comments »
Figure 1. Chart comparing plant traits of bindweed, morning glory, and honeyvine milkweed. Credit: K. Mitchell

Figure 1. Chart comparing plant traits of bindweed, morning glory, and honeyvine milkweed. Credit: K. Mitchell

Purdue Landscape Report: Few garden problems cause as much frustration as untangling vines. Sometimes the vines are beautiful climbers planted with intention. Other times, they creep in uninvited and smother everything in their path. Among the most common, and the most confusing, vines in Indiana are bindweed, morning glory, and honeyvine milkweed. To the untrained eye, they look similar: all are fast-growing vines with heart-shaped leaves. However, there are noticeable differences in their physiological traits (Fig. 1) and ecological value. Recognizing the distinctions can improve management and help strike a balance between aesthetics, control, and ecological benefits.

Bindweed (Hedge bindweed: Calystegia sepium; Field bindweed: Convolvulus arvensis)
Bindweed is an aggressive vine with alternate, arrowhead-shaped leaves (Fig. 2) and small white or pink funnel-shaped flowers (Fig. 3). This perennial spreads readily from rhizomes (underground stems), forming vegetative colonies that become increasingly difficult to control. Hedge bindweed and field bindweed differ slightly in appearance, but both are aggressive invaders; in fact, field bindweed is listed as a prohibited noxious weed in Indiana. Cultural control methods, such as cultivation or light exclusion, can take 3 to 5 years to achieve eradication. The best results often come from combining these approaches with carefully timed herbicide applications.

Figure 2. Bindweed leaves are arrowhead-shaped with the basal lobes pointing outwards. With an alternate leaf arrangement, each node has only one leaf. Credit: K. Mitchell
Figure 2. Bindweed leaves are arrowhead-shaped with the basal lobes pointing outwards. With an alternate leaf arrangement, each node has only one leaf. Credit: K. Mitchell
Figure 3. Bindweed has white or pink funnel-shaped flowers. Field bindweed flowers (shown here) are typically less than an inch. Hedge bindweed has slightly larger flowers that can be 1 to 3 inches. Credit: Purdue Weed Science
Figure 3. Bindweed has white or pink funnel-shaped flowers. Field bindweed flowers (shown here) are typically less than an inch. Hedge bindweed has slightly larger flowers that can be 1 to 3 inches. Credit: Purdue Weed Science

Morning Glory (Ipomoea spp.)
Morning glories are a familiar vine often planted intentionally for their large, colorful flowers. Unlike bindweed, morning glory is an annual and dies off in winter. However, its abundant seed production allows it to return year after year. A single vigorous vine can produce hundreds of colorful, funnel-shaped flowers (Fig. 4) resulting in over a thousand seeds which may remain viable in the soil for decades. Morning glory will become weedy if left unmanaged. Thoughtful containment and regular deadheading can help to keep it under control.

Figure 4. Morning glory produces colorful, funnel-shaped flowers that can be 2 to 4 inches. Credit: K. Mitchell
Figure 4. Morning glory produces colorful, funnel-shaped flowers that can be 2 to 4 inches. Credit: K. Mitchell
Figure 5. Ivyleaf morning glory (left) has leaves with three deeply divided lobes. Common morning glory (right) is typically grown as an ornamental and has large, heart-shaped leaves. Both have an alternate leaf arrangement. Credit: K. Mitchell
Figure 5. Ivyleaf morning glory (left) has leaves with three deeply divided lobes. Common morning glory (right) is typically grown as an ornamental and has large, heart-shaped leaves. Both have an alternate leaf arrangement. Credit: K. Mitchell

Two types are most often seen (Fig. 5):

  • Common morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) has large, heart-shaped leaves and showy, funnel-shaped flowers in a wide variety of colors.
  • Ivy-leaf morning glory (Ipomoea hederacea) has leaves with three distinct lobes that resemble ivy, and its smaller flowers are typically light blue or purple with white.

Honeyvine Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve)
Honeyvine milkweed has slender heart-shaped leaves like bindweed, but unlike bindweed, this native vine provides ecological value as a food source for monarch caterpillars. It’s easily distinguished from morning glory and bindweed by its opposite leaf arrangement (Fig. 6), small clusters of greenish-white flowers (Fig. 7), and long seed pods, typical of the milkweed family, that release hundreds of windblown seeds. While beneficial to pollinators, honeyvine can overwhelm a home landscape and should be contained to naturalized areas or pollinator gardens.

Figure 6. Honeyvine milkweed has slender, heart-shaped leaves in an opposite arrangement (two leaves per node). Credit: K. Mitchell
Figure 6. Honeyvine milkweed has slender, heart-shaped leaves in an opposite arrangement (two leaves per node). Credit: K. Mitchell
Figure 7. Honeyvine milkweed has clusters of small, greenish-white starlike flowers. Credit: K.Mitchell
Figure 7. Honeyvine milkweed has clusters of small, greenish-white starlike flowers. Credit: K.Mitchell

Correct identification is the first step toward effective management. Though bindweed, morning glory, and honeyvine milkweed are all fast-growing vines, they have key differences in their physiological traits and ecological value. Proper identification determines whether you are eradicating noxious weeds, containing ornamentals, or conserving natives where appropriate.

Quick Tips for Identification

  1. Leaf arrangement:
    • Alternating leaves (only one leaf per node) – bindweed or morning glory
    • Opposite leaves (two leaves per node) – honeyvine milkweed
  2. Flowers:
    • White or pink funnel-shaped (~1 to 3 in) – bindweed
    • Colorful funnel-shaped (2 to 4 in) – morning glory
    • Small, greenish white clusters – honeyvine milkweed
  3. Seed pods:
    • Tiny capsules – bindweed or morning glory
    • Long pods with silky seeds – honeyvine milkweed

View the original article on the Purdue Landscape Report website: Untangling the Vines: Identifying Bindweed, Morning Glory, and Honeyvine Milkweed.

Subscribe and receive the newsletter: Purdue Landscape Report Newsletter.

Resources:
ReportINvasive, Purdue College of Agriculture
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Large Spots on Maple Leaves that Look Like Tar, Purdue Extension News
Find an Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture
Fifty Common Trees of Indiana
An Introduction to Trees of Indiana
Native Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry & Natural Resource (FNR) YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
ID That Tree, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube playlist
Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory

Karen Mitchell, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist
Purdue Horticulture & Landscape Architecture

Purdue Extension was recently honored as the 2025 National Runner-up for the Innovation & Creativity: Team Award by the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) for its work in leading Wind Energy End-of-Service Listening Sessions.

Kara Salazar, Marty Huseman, Jon Charelsworth, and Tamara Ogle

Winning Team: Kara Salazar, Marty Huseman, Jon Charlesworth, and Tamara Ogle

Kara Salazar, assistant program leader for Community Development and Sustainable Communities extension specialist, and her team members, Tamara Ogle, Purdue extension community development regional educator, Jon Charlesworth, senior extension educator, and Marty Huseman, Purdue extension educator, partnered with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to organize and host listening sessions across the Midwest region, focused on wind turbine decommissioning and end-of-service considerations. These sessions created forums where community members and landowners could learn, ask questions and share their perspectives about what should happen when wind turbines reach the end of their life cycle. What roles different stakeholders should play, what responsibilities exist and how transitions can be managed fairly and transparently.

The goal of this work has been twofold. First, to ensure that public education about wind turbine decommissioning is accessible and tailored to local concerns. Second, to gather real on-the-ground insights from those most affected by end-of-service processes. Feedback from these listening sessions will directly inform NREL’s future research and resource development, helping ensure that when wind energy infrastructure transitions occur, communities are supported with the tools, knowledge and policies needed to navigate those changes.

This work also connects to Purdue Extension’s Wind Energy Resources, a collection of research, tools and outreach materials designed to help communities, landowners and local leaders understand the opportunities and challenges of wind development. These resources cover topics ranging from economic impacts and land use planning to community engagement and end-of-service issues, equipping Indiana residents and decision-makers with the information needed to make informed choices.

Other Resources:
Environmental Planning in Community Plans, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces: Creating Healthy Communities, The Education Store
Conservation through Community Leadership, The Education Store
Tree Installation: Process and Practices, The Education Store
Planting Forest Trees and Shrubs in Indiana, The Education Store
Planting Your Tree Part 1: Choosing Your Tree, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Sustainable Communities Extension Program
Subscribe – Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources Calendar, workshops and Conferences

Diana Evans, Extension and Web Communication Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

A screen shot of the Explore Oak Resources web page on the FNR Extension website.We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Explore Oak Resources webpage — a dynamic new hub created by Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Extension to celebrate and support one of Indiana’s most iconic tree groups: the oaks.

Whether you’re a landowner, educator, natural resource professional or simply an oak enthusiast, this comprehensive collection of science-based resources is designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your stewardship of oak ecosystems.

What You’ll Find
The new oak resource page is packed with tools and insights, including:

  • Expert-reviewed publications on forest stewardship, oak regeneration, and habitat management
  • Engaging videos like the ID That Tree series, featuring 17 oak species native to Indiana
  • Webinars and podcasts exploring topics from oak woodland restoration to wildlife-friendly forestry
  • Practical guides on threats like oak wilt and invasive beetles
  • Seedling purchasing info for select white and red oak varieties developed at Purdue

Why Oaks Matter
Oaks are more than just majestic trees — they’re keystone species that support biodiversity, provide critical wildlife habitat and contribute to Indiana’s ecological and cultural heritage. With challenges like invasive pests and regeneration difficulties, informed management is more important than ever.

Start Exploring
Ready to dive in? Visit the new Explore Oak Resources page and discover how you can help steward Indiana’s oak landscapes for generations to come.

Other Resources of Interest:
Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success
ID That Tree, Playlist
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist

The Education Store – Purdue Agriculture’s resource center:
Investing in Indiana Woodlands
Forest Improvement Handbook

Purdue University Press:
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest
Native Trees of the Midwest

Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog:
Learn How to Support Oak-Hickory Ecosystems
Inonotus Dryadeus, Butt and Root Rot of Oaks

Hardwood Tree Improvement & Regeneration Center (HTIRC):
Predicting the Height Growth of Oak Species Reproduction Over a 23-year Period Following Clearcutting,

Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA):
Find an Indiana Professional Forester

Purdue Arboretum Explorer

District Foresters, Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Diana Evans, Extension & Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Got Nature?

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