Little Habitat Project Plants Actions

Plants

Level I:

Eradicate or actively manage all Level I invasive plants, practice at least 1 native plant action, and have 2 out of 4 Vegetation Layers. 10% Natives

Level II: Eradicate or actively manage all Level I & II Invasive Plants, practice at least 2 of the Native Plant Actions, and have 3 out of 4 Vegetation Layers. 25% Native

Level III: Eradicate or actively manage all Level I, II, & III Invasive Plants, practice at least 3 of the Native Plant Actions, and have 4 out of 4 Vegetation Layers. 50% Natives

Create a brush pile(s) for wildlife and bird cover. A brush pile is a collection of branches, twigs, and other woody debris that stacked or piled together in a designated area. Benefits include providing shelter, nesting sites, and foraging opportunities for birds, beneficial insects, and reptiles. When constructing a brush pile place the larger woody debris as the foundation with openings so wildlife can enter the pile. The top of the pile should have the smaller and brushy materials to help create weather protection.

Create a brush pile(s) for wildlife and bird cover. A brush pile is a collection of branches, twigs, and other woody debris that stacked or piled together in a designated area. Benefits include providing shelter, nesting sites, and foraging opportunities for birds, beneficial insects, and reptiles. When constructing a brush pile place the larger woody debris as the foundation with openings so wildlife can enter the pile. The top of the pile should have the smaller and brushy materials to help create weather protection.

Invasive plants don’t have natural controls (like diseases or pests) to restrict their growth. They frequently produce chemicals which control the growth of other plants. This can result in a monoculture with limited biodiversity. Some invasive plants form thickets that prevent the passage of larger wildlife. While invasive plants can support some insects, they are not good options to support diverse insect communities To prevent reinfestation, make sure to have a replanting plan before removing invasive plants.

When controlling invasive, noxious, or aggressive plants, it is important to follow integrated pest management strategies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based decision-making process that combines tools and strategies to identify and manage pests.

Learn more how to control unwanted plants>>>

Level I

creeping Jenny, Lysimachia nummularia
Himalayan, evergreen & European blackberry, Rubus bifrons, R. lacinatus, R. vestitus
evergreen bugloss, Pentaglottis sempervirens
herb Robert, Geranium robertianum
ivy, Hedera sp.
knapweeds, Centaurea sp.
milk thistle, Silybum marianum
old man’s beard, Clematis vitalba
poison hemlock, Conium maculatum
Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius
spotted jewelweed, Impatiens capensis
tansy ragwort, Senecio jacobaea
yellow archangel, Lamium galeobdolon
yellow flag iris, Iris pseudacorus

Level II

American pokeweed, Phytolacca americana
bronze fennel, Foeniculum vulgare ‘Rubrum’
butterfly bush (nonsterile varieties), Buddleia davidii
Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense
false brome, Brachypodium sylvaticum
greater & lesser periwinkle, Vinca major & V. minor
lemon balm, Melissa officinalis
lesser celandine, Ficaria verna
reed canarygrass & ribbongrass, Phalaris arundinacea
shiny geranium, Geranium lucidum
spurge laurel, Daphne laureola
sweetbriar, multiflora, & dog roses, Rosa rubiginosa, R. multiflora, R. canina
common teasel, Dipsacus fullonum