Phenology Report for June 19, 2015

From time to time, we will be reporting on the development of invasive plants across Illinois, informing readers about what is in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, senescing in different regions of the state.  Feel free to add to the knowledge by emailing chris.evans@illinois.gov and letting me know what the plants are doing in your area of Illinois.

Phenology Report for June 19, 2015*

(Contributors include Nick Seaton, Caleb Grantham, Eric Smith, Ryan Campbell, Tricia Bethke, and Mike Daab)
*Report based upon observations between June 10-18, 2015

Southern Illinois

• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora, bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii, and  Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata- These common woody shrub species are all past bloom with green fruit that is starting to ripen.  At this time the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year). 
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - This herbaceous woodland invader is senescing and starting to drop mature seeds.  Control at this time of year is not practical because of the risk to spreading seeds.
• Sweet clover, Melilotus sp. - Sweet clover, both yellow and white, are in full bloom throughout the region.  Look for them along roadsides, in prairies, and other open areas
• Sericea lespedeza, Lespedeza cuneata -  Sericea lespedeza is reaching its full height but not in flower yet.  Look for this species growing in open areas, prairies, pastures, and roadsides.  Control is effective at this point through flowering.
• Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum - This annual grass species is starting to put on a lot of growth but will not flower until near the end of summer.  Germination is likely finished for the year so treatments can begin.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum  - This biennial members of the carrot family is past peak on blooming.   Most plants are transitioning into seed production  Herbicide treatments are likely not effective at this point.
• Reed Canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea - This perennial grass species is transitioning from flowering to mature seed.  If control is desired at this time of year, the most productive method would be to mow the plants down (clean the equipment afterwards) and wait until the regrowth is 18-24" high before applying herbicide.  Keep in mind that this species often grows in wet areas.  If so, an aquatic-labelled herbicide should be used.
• Crown vetch, Securigera varia - This perennial herbaceous vine is in full bloom.  You can find this plant along many roadsides in the region.
• Chinese yam, Dioscorea oppositifolia - This herbaceous perennial vine is growing rapidly.  Look for the aerial tubers, called bulbils, to start to form at any point.
• Teasel, Dipsacus sp. - Both common and cutleaf teasel are bolting and initial flower heads forming, though no flowers have been observed yet.  Now is the perfect time to treat teasel with herbicides but once flowering has started, switch to hand-pulling.  Mowing or cutting the flower heads off is not effective.
• Mimosa, Albizia julibrissin, and rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus - both of these shrubs/trees are starting to flower right now.  Look for them along roadsides and forest edges.
• Common reed, Phragmites australis - This huge grass species is growing very fast and starting to get very tall but flower formation has not be observed yet.  The best time to treat this species is right at the point of flower initiation.
• Hedgeparsley, Torilis sp. - This herbaceous member of the carrot family is just starting to bloom now.  Hedgeparsley is a relatively new invader to southern Illinois but can be found along roadsides and other disturbed areas and can grow in both sun and shade environments.
• Johnsongrass, Sorghum halepense - This state Noxious Weed is just starting to come into flower.  Control is most effective on populations that are almost blooming, but treatments can still be made to populations in early flowering.

Central Illinois

• Sweet clover, Melilotus sp. - Yellow sweet clover is in full bloom and white sweet clover is just starting to bloom.  Look for them along roadsides, in prairies, and other open areas.
• Dame's Rocket, Hesperis matronalis  - This species is past peak in blooming.  While some blooms can still be observed, plants mostly have seed pods on them at this point.  Mechanical control (i.e. hand pulling) can still be effective though care needs to be taken not to spread the seeds.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum and Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa - both of these biennial plants are in bloom right now, though moving towards past peak.  While treatments can still be somewhat effective the best timing is just before blooming.
• Teasel, Dipsacus sp. - Teasel is bolting right now but not forming flowers.  This is the ideal time to treat teasel chemically.
• Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense - This perennial thistle is just starting to come into flower.  Unlike most of the other thistles, this species can also spread via rhizomes.
• Reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea - This perennial grass species seeds are starting to harden.  If control is desired at this time of year, the most productive method would be to mow the plants down (clean the equipment afterwards) and wait until the regrowth is 18-24" high before applying herbicide.  Keep in mind that this species often grows in wet areas.  If so, an aquatic-labelled herbicide should be used.
• Crown vetch, Securigera varia and Birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus - These two invasive members of the bean family are in full bloom.  Look for them in open areas, such as roadsides and prairies.

Northern Illinois

• Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa - This biennial species is blooming, but past peak.  Care should be taken to not expose your skin to wild parsnip sap, particularly in the presence of sunlight, as this can result in sever rashes and burns.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum - This biennial invader of open lands is forming buds but not yet blooming.  This is an ideal time to treat this species.  Unlike wild parsnip, this species typically does not give you burns or rashes when it contacts your skin, but it is extremely poisonous if ingested.
• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora - This species is blooming but past peak flowering.  At this time this species is susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year)
• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii - This woody shrub is past flowering and beginning to set fruit, though the fruit are not ripe yet.  At this time this species is susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year)
• Common buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica - This woody shrub/small tree is past blooming but fruit have not yet formed.  At this time this species is susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year)
• Crown vetch, Securigera varia and Birdsfoot trefoil, Lotus corniculatus - These two invasive members of the bean family are starting to bloom.  Look for them in open areas, such as roadsides and prairies.
• Sweet clover, Melilotus sp. - Yellow sweet clover is blooming but white sweet clover has not yet started to flower.  Look for them along roadsides, in prairies, and other open areas.
• Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica - This aggressive herbaceous perennial is blooming at this point.  Even though flowers are present, seed viability is often low and this species can be effectively controlled at this point.
• Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria - this wetland invader is not yet blooming.  While it can be hard to spot when it is not in flower, this is a great time to treat the species.  When using chemical treatments, be sure to use an herbicide approved for use in aquatic situations.
• Teasel, Dipsacus sp. - Teasel is starting to bolt right now but not forming flowers.  This is the ideal time to treat teasel chemically.
• Yellow sweet flag iris, Iris pseudacorus - This invasive iris is past flowering.  Because this species often grows in wetlands, be sure to use an herbicide that is approved for use in aquatic situations when treating it.
• Reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea - This species is in full flower.  While pre-flowering and very early flowering are the best times to treat this species, effective control can be achieved at full flower.  Once the flowers start to fade, consider mowing the grass and treating the regrowth.
• Fig buttercup, Ficaria verna - This species is starting to senesce.  It is too late to do any management on this species for this growing season.  The early phenology of this species causes it to directly compete with many of our spring ephemeral wildflowers. 

Phenology Report for May 18, 2015

From time to time, we will be reporting on the development of invasive plants across Illinois, informing readers about what is in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, senescing in different regions of the state.  Feel free to add to the knowledge by emailing chris.evans@illinois.gov and letting me know what the plants are doing in your area of Illinois.

Phenology Report for May 18, 2015*

(Contributors include Mike Davis, Nick Seaton, Caleb Grantham, Eric Smith, Scott Schirmer, Cathy McGlynn, and Kathleen Garness)
*Report based upon observations between May 11-15, 2015

Southern Illinois

• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora and bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii - These two common woody shrub species are in full bloom.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year).  Since both species do attract pollinators, it is recommended that you wait until the blooms have diminished before any foliar applications of herbicide.
• Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica - this invasive plant is blooming now.  This species has a very long bloom window and can flower from now through the summer and fall, even into early winter.
• Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata and Callery pear, Pyrus calleryana - These invasive shrubs/small trees are both past flowering and have small, unripe fruits.  They are both susceptible to herbicide treatments at this point in development. 
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - This herbaceous woodland invader is nearly finished blooming and now mostly has green, unripe fruit pods.  Herbicide treatments are not effective at this developmental stage.  Instead, hand pull, bag, and remove plants.
• Sweet clover, Melilotus sp. and Sericea lespedeza, Lespedeza cuneata - both of these invasive members of the bean family are starting vigorous growth.  Sweet clover is in full flower.  Sericea lespedeza is not flowering yet but is in some place about knee high.  Look for these species growing in open areas, prairies, pastures, and roadsides.
• Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum - this annual grass species started germinating about three weeks ago and is now several inches high.  As the temperatures increase, expect the growth rate of this plant to drastically increase.  While the plants can be easily killed at this time of year, subsequent germination can still occur.  Either plan on coming back at a later date for follow up treatments or hold off on treatments until mid-late summer.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum and Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa - Both of these are biennial members of the carrot family.  Poison hemlock is flowering at this point and wild parsnip is just starting to come into flower.  Herbicide treatments can still be effective at this point, but watch poison hemlock and stop applying herbicides when the flowers start to turn into fruit.
• Reed Canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea - This perennial grass species is just starting to flower.  Now is a great time of year to control this species with an herbicide application.  Keep in mind that this species often grows in wet areas.  If so, an aquatic-labelled herbicide should be used.
• Crow vetch, Securigera varia - This perennial herbaceous vine is just starting to bloom.  You can find this plant along many roadsides in the region.

Central Illinois

• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - This biennial invasive plant is in full flower right now but many are starting to show the seed pods.  While herbicides could still be effective at this point with so few seed pods, it may be more effective to hand pull, bag, and remove plants.
• Sweet clover, Melilotus sp. - is starting to bolt but is still low and "bushy" looking with no flowers yet.  This is a great time of year to treat this species, taking care to avoid non-target impacts.  UPDATE: On 5-18, Sweet clover was just starting to come into flower in this region.
• Dame's Rocket, Hesperis matronalis  - Is in full flower right now, but no seed pods have been observed yet.  As with garlic mustard, the best method of control when the plants are in full flower is to hand pull, bag, and remove all plants.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum and Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa - both of these biennial plants are bolting but neither is flowering as of yet, though they are close.  This is the ideal time to treat them.
• Crown vetch, Securigera varia - This perennial herbaceous vine is growing quickly, but no flowers as of yet.
• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii and Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata  - These woody invasive shrubs are both flowering, but no fruit formation as of yet.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year).  Since both species do attract pollinators, it is recommended that you wait until the blooms have diminished before any foliar applications of herbicide.
• Star of Bethlehem,Ornithogalum umbellatum  - This weedy low growing plant is in full flower, but is past peak.  Flowering should end soon.

Northern Illinois

• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - This biennial invasive plant is in full flower right now and just starting to develop seed pods.  While herbicides could still be effective at this point with so few seed pods, it may be more effective to hand pull, bag, and remove plants.
• Yellow rocket, Barbarea vulgaris - This weedy mustard is in full bloom now.  You can see this plant in roadsides, old fields, and other open areas.
• Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense - This perennial thistle is starting to grow but not yet near bloom.  Bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare, and teasel, Dipsacus sp., rosettes are apparent but not near blooming.
• Reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea - This perennial grass is starting to mature but not in flower yet.  The best time of year to control this species with an herbicide application is just at the point of flowering.  Keep in mind that this species often grows in wet areas.  If so, an aquatic-labelled herbicide should be used.
• Common buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica - This woody invasive shrub/small tree is fully leafed out.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year). 
• Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica - this woody invasive vine is just starting to bloom.  This species has a very long bloom window and can flower from now through the summer and fall, even into early winter.
• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii and Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii - These woody invasive shrubs are both in bloom right now.  Spring leaf expansion is complete and the plants are susceptible to herbicide treatments (both foliar and cut stump work at this time of year). 
• Leafy spurge, Euphorbia esula -  This herbaceous plant is in full bloom.

        

Phenology Report for April 14, 2015

From time to time, we will be reporting on the development of invasive plants across Illinois, informing readers about what is in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, senescing in different regions of the state.  Feel free to add to the knowledge by emailing chris.evans@illinois.gov and letting me know what the plants are doing in your area of Illinois.

Phenology Report for April 14, 2015*

(Contributors include Cathy McGlynn, Mike Daab, Caleb Grantham, Nick Seaton, and Eric Smith, )
*Report based upon observations between April 8-14, 2015

Southern Illinois

• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora and bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii  - These two common woody shrub species are actively expanding their leaves right now and are nearing full leaf expansion.  This is not the time of year to treat these species with chemicals.  Wait until the leaves have fully expanded before conducting cut stump or foliar applications.
• Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata - This species is actively expanding its leaves and starting to flower. This is not the time of year to treat this species with chemicals.  Wait until the leaves have fully expanded before conducting cut stump or foliar applications.
• Callery (Bradford) pear, Pyrus calleryana - This species is past peak for flowering.  Many of the plants still have flowers on them but the leaves are expanding now as the flowers fade.  It is still a great time of year to find and report new populations.  Look for this species along roadsides, rights-of-way, and other open habitats.
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - Garlic mustard is bolting right now and starting to bloom. If a population is bolting but not flowering, it can still be treated with herbicide.  Once the population starts flowering heavily, you best option is to hand pull, bag, and remove the plants.
• Italian arum, Arum italicum - Is starting to actively grow.  New succulent leaves can be found.  This new invader is showing up in land within and adjacent to urban areas.

Central Illinois

• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii; autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata; and Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica - These woody species are starting to leaf out, moving towards mid-leaf expansion.  This is not the time of year to treat these species with chemicals.  Wait until the leaves have fully expanded before conducting cut stump or foliar applications.
• Callery (Bradford) pear, Pyrus calleryana - This species is beginning to flower now.  This is the perfect time of year to survey and find new populations of this plant.  Look for this species along roadsides, rights-of-way, and other open habitats.
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - Garlic mustard is not yet starting to bolt in Central Illinois but is expected to soon.  These populations can be treated with herbicides or hand-pulled.  Once the populations start to flower heavily, then hand pull, bag, and remove the plants.

Northern Illinois

• Lesser celandine, Ranunculus ficaria - This new invader is starting to bloom.  The bright yellow flowers blooming in low woods are easily spotted this time of year.  Be sure to verify identification, as there are native wildflowers that bloom in early spring that could be confused with this species.
• Japanese barberry, Berberis thungbergii and goutweed, Aegopodium podagraria - These two invaders are actively expanding their leaves right now.

Japanese stiltgrass found in Iowa

Last fall, an infestation of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) was found in Johnson County Iowa.  This represents that first time this species has been found in that state and the furthest Northwest it has been found.

Even though stiltgrass is an annual plant that ‘comes on’ primarily in the summer, it can still be identified this time of year by the thatch.  New germinates will start in late spring / early summer.

Below is a link to a document on the identification of stiltgrass that you might find useful –

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1457/ANR-1457.pdf

Lastly, if you do know of or find infestations of stiltgrass in areas that are not indicated on this map, please enter the record into EDDMapS at www.eddmaps.org.   Just from looking at the map, I would think the Mississippi River corridor between Illinois and Missouri is a prime spot to find new infestations.

2015 First Detector Training Workshop Dates and Locations Announced

Dec. 2, 2014

Source: Kelly Estes, 217-333.1005, kcook8@illinois.edu
News writer: Stephanie Henry, 217-244-1183, slhenry@illinois.edu

2015 Invasive pest awareness workshops will focus on early detection and response

URBANA, Ill.  – University of Illinois Extension has announced the dates for its 2015 Illinois First Detector Invasive Pest Workshops covering important landscape and nursery pests, diseases, and invasive plants. Workshops will be offered at eight locations in Illinois beginning in January 2015.

Early detection and response is key to managing invasive pests. The Illinois First Detector Workshops, now in their third year, are aimed at improving first detector training and invasive species awareness. The workshops will cover new topics on current and emerging invasive plants, pathogens, and insects. Each location will have sessions covering the brown marmorated stink bug, viruses in ornamental plants, and invasive plants and their management, as well as a session devoted to discussing invasive pest pathways.

“Community involvement is key in the early detection of invasive species. We are very excited about these new workshop topics and look forward to working with participants in learning more about these issues facing our local communities,” said Kelly Estes, state survey coordinator.

As in previous years, these in-depth training sessions will cover material that includes:

• Identification/detection
• Life cycle/biology
• Hosts
• Sampling
• Management
• Commonly confused look-a-likes

Once again, those attending will also take part in hands-on activities, which will allow attendees to examine these pests and diseases in more detail.

The target audience includes certified arborists, tree care professionals, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, forestry and natural resource professionals, conservationists, and others with an interest in trees.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for:  IAA Certified Arborists, Continuing Forestry Education Credits, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist.

Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• Collinsville, Jan. 29 – 618-344-4230
• Wheaton, Feb. 3 – 630-584-6166
• DeKalb, Feb. 4 – 815-758-8194
• Mt. Vernon, Feb. 11 – 618-548-1446
• Charleston, Feb. 12 – 217-543-3755
• Macomb, Feb. 18 – 309-837-3939
• Moline, Feb. 19 – 309-756-9978
• Bloomington, Feb. 26 – 309-663-8306

Those interested in attending should contact the host locations above for registration. A $40 non-refundable registration fee covers instruction, on-site lunch, and training materials. Space is limited.

This program and materials are based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2014-70006-22557and coordinated by Kelly Estes, state survey coordinator, IL CAPS Program at the Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, and Diane Plewa, Plant Clinic diagnostician and outreach coordinator, Department of Crop Sciences. Additional support for this program will be provided by Christopher Evans, the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan - invasive species campaign coordinator, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Scott Schirmer, plant and pesticide specialist supervisor, emerald ash borer program manager, Illinois Department of Agriculture. 

Emerald Ash Borer Community Preparedness Workshops in Southern Illinois.

Recent discoveries of Emerald Ash Borer in Perry and Williamson counties underscore the need for communities to be proactive against Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

The University of Illinois Extension is offering the following programs for local officials, municipalities, park districts, arborists, and others impacted by the recent Emerald Ash Borer findings. The programs will be held at the following locations:

Thursday, November 13
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center
8588 Rte 148 Marion, IL 62959
From 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 13
Perry County Government Building Conference Room
3764 State Rte 13/127
Pinckneyville, IL 62274
From: 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Friday, November 14
Shawnee National Forest
50 Highway 145 South Harrisburg, IL 62946
From 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Workshop participants will learn about emerald ash borer, why it is a threat to our natural forests and urban trees, regulatory implications of the recent discoveries, and how to create a community action plan to manage ash trees on city-owned and private property. This workshop will discuss how to take inventory of all ash trees within a community in order to develop budget needs should large-scale ash tree removal become necessary.

The program is FREE, but reservations are required by November 12. To register call University of Illinois Extension, Jackson county at: 618-687-1727 or register online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/fjprw/

Illinois Regulated Plant Species

Illinois has several laws that regulate the sale, purchase, planting, and transport of plant species.  Below is a composite list of all of the regulated species in Illinois (with the exception of species listed on the Illinois seed law, which only regulates seeds and seed mixtures)

List of Regulated Species in Illinois

E = Exotic Weed Species (Illinois Exotic Weed Act (525 ILCS 10/))

I = Injurious Species (Illinois Injurious Species Rule (17 IAC Sec. 805))

N= Noxious Species (Illinois Noxious Weed Law (505 ILCS 100/))

Common ragweed*                        Ambrosia artemisiifolia, ^N

Giant ragweed*                               Ambrosia trifida, ^N

          * Ragweeds are only regulated within the corporate limits of cities, villages, and incorporated towns;

Mosquito fern                                 Azolla pinnata, ^I

Flowering rush                               Butomus umbellatus, ^I

Marijuana                                         Cannabis sativa, ^N

Musk thistle                                     Carduus nutans, ^N

Mediterranean killer algae         Caulerpa taxifolia, ^I

Canada thistle                                  Cirsium arvense, ^N

Brazilian elodea                              Egeria densa (syn. Elodea densa), ^I

Anchored water hyacinth          Eichhornia azurea, ^I

Glossy buckthorn                           Frangula alnus, ^E

Hydrilla                                              Hydrilla verticillata, ^I

European frogbit                            Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, ^I

Miramar weed                                 Hygrophilia polysperma, ^I

Chinese waterspinach                  Ipomoea aquatica, ^I

Yellow flag iris                                Iris pseudacorus, ^I

Oxygen weed                                   Lagarosiphon major, ^I

Asian marshweed/ambulia       Limnophila sessiliflora, ^I

Japanese honeysuckle                 Lonicera japonica, ^E

Purple loosestrife                          Lythrum salicaria, ^E

Arrowleaf                                         Monochoria hastata, ^I

Heartshape pickerelweed          Monochoria vaginalis, ^I

Parrot feather                                 Myriophyllum aquaticum, ^I

Eurasian watermilfoil                  Myriophyllum spicatum, ^I

Brittle naiad                                      Najas minor, ^I

Yellow floating heart                    Nymphoides peltata, ^I

Duck lettuce                                     Ottelia alismoides, ^I

Curlyleaf pondweed                      Potamogeton crispus, ^I

Kudzu                                                   Pueraria montana, ^E,N

Saw‑toothed buckthorn               Rhamnus arguta, ^E

Common buckthorn                       Rhamnus cathartica, ^E

Dahurian buckthorn                      Rhamnus davurica, ^E

Japanese buckthorn                       Rhamnus japonica, ^E

Chinese buckthorn                         Rhamnus utilis, ^E

Multiflora rose                                 Rosa multiflora, ^E

Arrowhead                                         Sagittaria sagittifolia, ^I

Giant salvinia                                     Salvinia auriculata, ^I

Giant salvinia                                     Salvinia biloba, ^I

Giant salvinia                                    Salvinia herzogii, ^I

Giant salvinia                                    Salvinia molesta, ^I

Perennial sowthistle                      Sonchus arvensis, ^N

Sorghum*                                           Sorghum almum, ^N

*  includes other Johnsongrass X sorghum crosses with rhizomes

Johnsongrass                                    Sorghum halepense, ^N

Exotic bur-reed                                Sparganium erectum, ^I

Water chestnut                                Trapa natans, ^I

In addition, the Illinois Invasive Plant Species Council has assessed and is formally recommending the following plants for regulation (they are not yet regulated species):

Oriental bittersweet                     Celastrus orbiculatus

Poison hemlock                             Conium maculatum

Exotic olives                                    Elaeagnus umbellata, E. pungens, E. angustifolia

Giant hogweed                                Heracleum mantegazzianum

Exotic bush honeysuckles         Lonicera maackii, L. tatarica, L. morrowii, L. fragrantissima

Lesser celandine                            Ranunculus ficaria (syn. Ficaria verna)

Salt cedar                                          Tamarix sp.

New Sprayer Calibration Calculator App

The University of Illinois is introducing the new Sprayer Calibration Calculator App developed by Scott Bretthauer, Extension Specialist, Pesticide Safety Education.

This app assists applicators in calibrating a pesticide sprayer. The app can be used for aerial, ground, turf, and boomless applications. It includes functions for determining the required nozzle flow rate, splitting that flow rate among different orifice sizes on an aerial boom, and calculating a required pressure to achieve a specific flow rate.

It also has a function to convert values and rates for some commonly encountered variables and to determine maximum and minimum operating speeds based on nozzle capacity.

It is available for free in both Apple iOS and Android formats.

Apple iOS - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sprayer-calibration-calculator/id899216316?mt=8
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=edu.illinois.extension.spraycalculator&hl=en  

Phenology Report for July 15, 2014

From time to time, we will be reporting on the development of invasive plants across Illinois, informing readers about what is in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, senescing in different regions of the state.  Feel free to add to the knowledge by emailing chris.evans@illinois.gov and letting me know what the plants are doing in your area of Illinois.

Phenology Report for July 15, 2014*

(Contributors include Cathy McGlynn, Mike Davis, Karla Gage, Paul Bane, and David Crady)
*Report based upon observations between July 10-15, 2014

Southern Illinois

• Teasel, Dipsacus follonum and D. laciniatus - Teasel is in full bloom right now.  You can see both the purple flowering common teasel and the white flowering cut-leaf teasel along roadsides and in old fields.
• Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria - Purple loosestrife is starting to bloom in southern Illinois.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum – Poison hemlock has finished flowering and the seeds are starting to dry as the plants senesce.
• Reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea – Reed canarygrass is in full bloom right now.  It can be found in open, wet areas.
• Johnsongrass, Sorghum halapense - Johnsongrass is in full bloom right now in southern Illinois.  Look for it in roadsides and other open, disturbed areas.
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - Garlic mustard fruits are drying and seeds are falling off of the plant, making it extremely easy to spread garlic mustard.  Take care to clean you shoes and check your pant cuffs after walking through an area with garlic mustard.  Interestingly, several populations of garlic mustard still had a few flowers, even when fruits were drying lower down on the plant.
• Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum - Stiltgrass is starting its rapid summer growth, but has not yet begun to flower.  Now is a good time to consider treatments.

Central Illinois

• Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa – All wild parsnip plants are seeding.  Much of the seed is darkening, but not much is falling to the ground yet.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum – Poison hemlock is done flowering in central Illinois.  For the most part, seds haven't matured yet (all seeds seen are yellowish-green) but are getting close..
• Canada and Bull thistle, Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare – Canada thistle is seeding and the see is starting to fly off.  Bull thistle is just beginning to form a head, but not flowers yet.
• Yellow and white sweet clovers, Melilotus spp. –Yellow sweet clover has many going to seed with very few showing flowers; seeds are dark and beginning to fall.  White sweet clover still has plenty with flowers.  For those beginning to seed, the seeds still look very green.
• Cutleaf teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus – Teasel is starting to form heads, but no flowers have been seen yet.
• Bouncing bet, Saponaria officinalis - Bouncing bet is just flowering now, the perfect time to control it.

 Northeast Illinois

• Cutleaf teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus - Teasel buds have formed and plants will likely be blooming within the next two weeks.
• Queen Anne's lace, Daucus carota - Queen Anne's lace is in full bloom.  Look for this plant along roadsides, in pastures, and other open, grassy areas.
• Orange daylily, Hemerocallis fulva - Daylilies are in full bloom right now.  These plants spread from remnant plantings and can be found in open areas.
• Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria - Purple loosestrife is just starting to bloom in the wetlands of Northeast Illinois.
• ** Update - Donald Wilson reports Wild Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa, is also in bloom in NE IL

 Northwest Illinois

• Yellow and white sweet clovers, Melilotus spp. - White sweet clover has finished flowering, with about 25% in seed and the rest will be in seed soon.  All yellow sweet clover is in seed.
• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii - Bush honeysuckle is beginning to go to fruit.
• Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii - Japanese barberry has not yet flowered.  Keep an eye out for this plant in wooded areas throughout the region.
• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora - Multiflora rose buds have begun to form in the woods.  Look for this plant to flower soon.

Phenology Report for June 16, 2014

From time to time, we will be reporting on the development of invasive plants across Illinois, informing readers about what is in bloom, leafing out, setting seed, senescing in different regions of the state.  Feel free to add to the knowledge by emailing chris.evans@illinois.gov and letting me know what the plants are doing in your area of Illinois.

 

Phenology Report for June 16, 2014*

 

(Contributors include Cathy McGlynn, Karla Gage, Marilyn Leger, Eric Smith, Mike Davis, Matt Balk, Paul Bane, David Crady, and Mike Daab)
*Report based upon observations between June 5-16, 2014

 

Southern Illinois

• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata - Second-year plants are senescing, becoming chlorotic; siliques have matured and seeds are hardening. Seeds have not yet begun to dehisce as of June 3. Once this occurs, contact with the plant is not advised because seed are easily spread.
• Bush honeysuckles, Lonicera maackii and L. morrowii - Amur honeysuckle has passed flowering stage and the fruits are beginning to form, still small. Morrow's honeysuckle has bloomed and now has bright red and orange fruits.
• Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica – Japanese honeysuckle is in full flower now.
• Border privet, Ligustrum obtusifolium - Flowering stage has passed peak and fruits are beginning to form.
• Purple wintercreeper, Euonymus fortuneii - Plants that have enough available light (high in tree canopies or in open wooded edges) are producing flower buds.
• Chinese yam, Dioscorea polystachya, syn. D. oppositifolia - Plants are beginning to produce flower buds. The beginning of bulbil production still has not been observed. Plants are climbing rapidly into the tree canopy as new plants continue to emerge from last year's bulbils.
• Teasel, Dipsacus follonum and D. laciniatus - Teasel is bolting and almost at the stage of flowering. In fact, you could likely find a few plants already in flower
• Japanese stiltgrass, Microstegium vimineum – Stiltgrass is 4-5 inches tall and getting ready to start its rapid summer growth. Look for it to rapidly increase in height over the next few weeks.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum – Poison hemlock has been in full flower but many of the flower heads are starting to fade and produce seeds.

 Southeast Illinois

• Yellow sweet clover, Melilotus officinalis – Yellow sweet clover is in full bloom
• Crown vetch, Securigera varia – Crown vetch is in full bloom, along with hairy vetch, Vicia villosa
• Cypress spurge, Euphorbia cyparissias – Cypress spurge is in full bloom

Central Illinois

• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata – Plants are starting to have darkened seed pods.
• Wild parsnip, Pastinaca sativa – Wild parsnip is in full flower right now and we have pulled a few that were passed flowering and had immature seeds.
• Poison hemlock, Conium maculatum – Poison hemlock is in full bloom but seeds have not been observed yet.
• Reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea – Some heads starting to produce seed but all are still light and immature, most are flowering, and some are just sending out their flower stalk.
• Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense – Canada thistle is starting to flower fully now. Bull thistle, Cirsium vulgare, is still low to the ground without much of it shooting up the center stalk yet
• Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica – Vines are just starting to flower in a few areas.
• Crown vetch, Securigera varia – Crown vetch has been flowering for a few weeks now, though there is still time yet before it develops seed.
• Yellow sweet clover, Melilotus officinalis –Yellow sweet clover is in full flower and some are ending their flowering. Alfalfa and white sweet clover are also beginning to flower out.
• Cutleaf teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus – Teasel is starting to bolt. Some that were low to the ground just last week, are now 3 to 4 ft tall.

 Northeast Illinois

• Bush honeysuckle, Lonicera spp. – Bush honeysuckle has just finished blooming last week. http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/loni1.htm
• Dame's Rocket, Hesperis matronalis – Plants have been in bloom for about three weeks. http://na.fs.fed.us/spfo/invasiveplants/factsheets/pdf/dames-rocket.pdf
• Yellow flag, Iris pseudacorus – Plants have been in bloom for at least a week. http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/weeds/Pages/profile_yflagiris.aspx

 Northwest Illinois

• Yellow sweet clover, Melilotus officinalis – Plants are beginning to flower but seed pods not completely formed yet. White Sweet Clover is not in flower yet but stands at mature height.
• Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora – Established plants are beginning to flower. Leaves are fully expanded on newer recruitment.
• Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata – Plants have finished flowering and seed pods have fully developed. In drier spots leaves are beginning to senesce.
• Amur honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii – Plants are beginning to flower in dry uplands and are leaves have fully expanded in wetter areas.

New Webinar - Fading Forests: Protecting America’s Trees from Non-native Pests and Diseases

The Environmental Law Institute and the National Invasive Species Council are co-sponsoring a webinar on June 12th, from 1-3c.  The title is Fading Forests: Protecting America’s Trees from Non-native Pests and Diseases.

To register: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/781239327

Americans count on trees and forests to provide shade and shelter, jobs and products, and clean air and water, both today and for generations to come. However, non-native insects and diseases are destroying North American trees and forests. In some cases, entire species of trees are being removed from our forests and neighborhoods, causing economic and environmental costs and reduced quality of life in our communities. In this webinar, the authors of Fading Forests III: American Forests: What Choice Will We Make? will present policy and management options that can protect our trees and forests, followed by comments by a panel of experts from government, industry, and non-governmental organizations.

 

PRESENTERS:

·        Dr. Scott Schlarbaum, Professor, University of Tennessee

·        Dr. Faith Campbell, Senior Policy Representative, The Nature Conservancy

 

COMMENTERS:

·        Dr. Richard Sniezko, Center Geneticist, Dorena Genetic Resource Center, U.S. Forest Service

·        TBD, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

·        Dr. David Rizzo, Professor, University of California at Davis

·        TBD, Industry

 

MODERATOR:

·        Read Porter (moderator), Senior Attorney, Director of Invasive Species Program, Environmental Law Institute