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CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. Sprigs of green are a welcome sign of spring, but according to invasive plant experts, it can also mean the regrowth of hard to eradicate invasive species.
More than 50 people attended a talk sponsored by the Croton Conservation Advisory Council Tuesday evening, to learn tips on controlling species that can take over backyards and area parks.
Meredith Taylor, invasive species coordinator for the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development said, The biggest thing is to plant native plants, when disturbing invasive species, she said. Planting native species can limit invasive plants real estate options.
They might not be a problem now, but they could take over in a couple years, she said about homeowners who have unchecked invasive plant issues. At least one audience member brought in a clipping of Japanese knotweed, which is considered a top 10 invasive species for the Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP), expressing her frustration as ridding her yard of the giant bamboo-like vine.
One of the most disturbing invasive species, topping the CRISP, is giant hogweed. The plant grows to a height of between 8 feet and 15 feet in the fourth year of its life cycle, unleashing a giant purple-splotched hairy stock, topped with an umbrella-sized flower, similar in appearance to Queen Annes Lace.
The massive plants hairy and hollow stalk contains toxins that make human skin ultra-sensitive to light, leading to ulcers that can take months to heal. Taylor said the scars will be more prone to sunburn for the rest of the persons life and called exposure to the plant a lifelong affliction. Taylor said children are prone to putting the hollow stocks up to their eyes, which can cause blindness.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a hotline for residents to report sightings of the plant. Ironically, the giant hogweed appeared to be the easiest of all the invasive plants discussed to control, since it is spread primarily by avid gardeners enamored with its exotic appearance. Hogweed has been documented in Putnam County but it has not been documented in Westchester.
Taylor said some homeowners may foster invasive species without knowing it. Those seeking more information on which plants are beneficial for their surroundings and beautiful for their yards can visit the Teatown Lake Reservations Native Plant Sale during the weekend of May 11. Nature Centers in county parks, like Croton Point Park, also hold invasive species pulls, which can familiarize residents with unwanted species.
Taylors talk was part of a series presented by the Croton Conservation Advisory Council, to arm local residents with conservation information about deer resistance and woodland stewardship, for example.
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