{"id":13815,"date":"2026-04-16T13:59:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T17:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/?p=13815"},"modified":"2026-04-24T10:37:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T14:37:24","slug":"woodland-invaders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/woodland-invaders\/","title":{"rendered":"As the spring wildflowers emerge, so do the woodland invaders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The longer daylight period and the warming weather are bringing new life to woodlands. We have a community of native plants, called spring ephemerals, that grow, bloom, and produce seed quickly before the tree leaves emerge and the forest understory is wrapped in shade. Several of my favorite wildflowers are in this group, including hepaticas, trilliums, bloodroot, squirrel-corn, and trout lily.<\/p>\n<div style=\"clear: both\">\n<div id=\"attachment_13820\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvaisvePost2.png\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-0\" data-rl_title=\"honeysuckle2\" data-rl_caption=\"honeysuckle2\" title=\"honeysuckle2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13820\" class=\"wp-image-13820 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvaisvePost2-500x375.png\" alt=\"honeysuckle2\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" align=\"alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvaisvePost2-500x375.png 500w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvaisvePost2-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvaisvePost2-250x188.png 250w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvaisvePost2.png 1229w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-13820\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invasive Asian bush honeysuckle species in spring<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_13821\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvasivePost.png\" data-rel=\"lightbox-image-1\" data-rl_title=\"honeysuckle\" data-rl_caption=\"honeysuckle\" title=\"honeysuckle\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13821\" class=\"wp-image-13821 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvasivePost-500x376.png\" alt=\"honeysuckle\" width=\"500\" height=\"376\" align=\"alignright\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvasivePost-500x376.png 500w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvasivePost-768x577.png 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvasivePost-250x188.png 250w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/FarleeInvasivePost.png 1219w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-13821\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Invasive Asian bush honeysuckle species in spring<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"clear: both\">\n<p>Some unwelcome invaders also emerge early in the spring, producing early foliage and an unnatural shade competing with our native plants. Several woody invasive plants have moved into our woodlands from ornamental and other plantings and now compete aggressively with our natives. These include Asian bush honeysuckles, privets, winged burning bush, and multiflora rose. These plants tend to produce foliage faster than most of our native trees and shrubs, proving them with a competitive advantage through a longer growing season. This early leaf emergence also provides us with an opportunity to identify these invaders in our woodlands. When walking out to observe the wildflowers or hunt for morels, keep your eyes open for the invasive plants. Small specimens can be pulled when soils are moist. Larger specimens may be cut and the stump treated with a herbicide to prevent sprouting. An easy and effective herbicide to access for landowners is glyphosate concentrate products mixed at a 50% ratio with water. Apply this mixture to the cut stump immediately after cutting. Read the herbicide label to understand the protective gear and application instructions required to apply safely.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a large infestation that is beyond your capacity to control, consider contacting a local forester or other natural resources professional for advice on how best to deal with your invasive plant problem. You may contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.in.gov\/dnr\/forestry\/about-us\/questioncomments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Indiana DNR Division of Forestry<\/a> for advice from the District Forester.\u00a0 Private-sector foresters and environmental groups along with contractors, may also be able to help you manage invasive species on your property. To find a private-sector forester visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findindianaforester.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.findindianaforester.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can find environmental groups and contractors, and additional information on invasives at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.entm.purdue.edu\/iisc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Indiana Invasive Species Council<\/a> website. The <a href=\"https:\/\/sicim.info\/cismas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State of Indiana Cooperative Invasive Species Management<\/a> helps organize local resources to help landowners ID and effectively manage invasive species. Purdue Extension has many <a href=\"https:\/\/ag.purdue.edu\/reportinvasive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">invasive species resource<\/a> publications and videos that can help with identification and management.<\/p>\n<p>Controlling invasive plants can bring a sense of satisfaction, knowing you are doing something to promote the health and sustainability of your property.<\/p>\n<p>To view more Got Nature? posts on Invasive Species:<br \/>\n<a title=\"Permanent Link to What are invasive species and why should I care?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/invasive-species\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"bookmark noopener noreferrer\">What are invasive species and why should I care?<\/a><br \/>\n<a title=\"Permanent Link to Invasive Species: the Good News and the Bad News\" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/invasive-species-good-and-bad\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"bookmark noopener noreferrer\">Invasive Species: the Good News and the Bad News<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Resources<br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6IJ0olgMAW8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success<\/a>, video, Purdue Extension &#8211; Forestry &amp; Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel<strong><br \/>\n<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.in.gov\/dnr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Indiana DNR Division of Forestry<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.entm.purdue.edu\/iisc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Indiana Invasive Species Council<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/sicim.info\/cismas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">State of Indiana Cooperative Invasive Species Management<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/ag.purdue.edu\/reportinvasive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Report Invasive<\/a>, Purdue Extension<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.bugwood.org\/apps\/gledn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The GLEDN Phone App<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Great Lakes Early Detection Network<br \/>\n<a class=\"_ymio1r31 _ypr0glyw _zcxs1o36 _mizu194a _1ah3dkaa _ra3xnqa1 _128mdkaa _1cvmnqa1 _4davt94y _4bfu1r31 _1hms8stv _ajmmnqa1 _vchhusvi _kqswh2mm _ect4ttxp _syaz13af _1a3b1r31 _4fpr8stv _5goinqa1 _f8pj13af _9oik1r31 _1bnxglyw _jf4cnqa1 _30l313af _1nrm1r31 _c2waglyw _1iohnqa1 _9h8h12zz _10531ra0 _1ien1ra0 _n0fx1ra0 _1vhv17z1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eddmaps.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-renderer-mark=\"true\" data-is-router-link=\"false\" data-testid=\"link-with-safety\">EDDMapS<\/a>, Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/edustore.purdue.edu\/fnr-582-w.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Invasive Plant Series: Winged Burning Bush<\/a>, The Education Store, Purdue Extension&#8217;s resource center<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/ndpBydKVLe0?si=DhGRxKGrPhFyaRIO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Burning Bush Video<\/a>, The Education Store<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/question-best-management-process-cut-invasive-brush-tops\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Question: What is the best management process with cut invasive brush tops?<\/a>, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension &#8211; FNR<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/control-management-of-poison-hemlock\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Control Management of Poison Hemlock<\/a>, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension &#8211; FNR<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findindianaforester.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Professional Forester<\/a>, Indiana Forestry Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.in.gov\/dnr\/forestry\/private-forestland-management\/district-foresters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">District Forester<\/a>, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 10+ acres<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.treesaregood.org\/findanarborist\/\">Find an Arborist<\/a>, International Society of Arboriculture<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/contact-us\/directory\/lenny-d-farlee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lenny Farlee<\/a>, Sustaining Hardwood Extension Specialist<br \/>\nPurdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The longer daylight period and the warming weather are bringing new life to woodlands. We have a community of native plants, called spring ephemerals, that grow, bloom, and produce seed quickly before the tree leaves emerge and the forest understory is wrapped in shade. Several of my favorite wildflowers are in this group, including hepaticas, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42,80,48],"tags":[1107,256,943,60,998,366,425],"class_list":["post-13815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-forestry","category-trees","category-invasiveplantspecies","tag-bloom","tag-fnr","tag-fnr-extension","tag-forestry","tag-herbicide","tag-invasive-plants","tag-spring","audience-for-enthusiasts","audience-for-homeowners","audience-for-landowners","audience-for-professionals"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13815","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13815"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41253,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13815\/revisions\/41253"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/fnr\/extension\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}