For more information about woody invasive species, please visit woodyinvasives.org!
Image from Ansel Oommen, Bugwood.org
Amur Cork Tree
(Phellodendron amurense)
Amur cork tree invades forests and open areas. It grows into a large tree with corky outer bark and bright yellow inner bark. Amur cork tree infestations are only known in a few areas of the state. For more information, see WDNR and University of Minnesota Extension. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Autumn Olive
(Elaeagnus umbellata)
Autumn alive is a shrub with silvery leaves and silver-speckled berries. It invades forests and open areas, and is fairly widespread in the state. For more information, see WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Bush Honeysuckles
(Lonicera maackii, L. morrowii, L. tatarica, and hybrids)
Non-native bush honeysuckles have opposite leaves, tubular flowers, and red berries. Bush honeysuckles are widespread in the state. There are a few native Lonicera shrubs in Wisconsin. For more information about non-native bush honeysuckles, see Minnesota DNR and Ohio State University Weed Guide. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for non-native bush honeysuckles.
Image from Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org
Amur Maple
(Acer ginnala)
Amur maple is a shrub or small tree. The middle lobe on an amur maple leaf is usually much longer than native maples. Amur maple invades open woods and other habitats, and is somewhat widespread in Wisconsin. For more information, see WDNR and Minnesota DNR. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Black Locust
(Robinia pseudoacacia)
Black locust is native in some areas of America, but is a regulated invasive plant in Wisconsin. It has oval-shaped leaflets and paired thorns. It grows into a large tree and invades forests and open areas. For more information, visit Iowa State University Extension and WDNR. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Common Buckthorn
(Rhamnus cathartica)
Common buckthorn grows as a shrub or small tree. It has toothed leaves that stay green well into fall. It is widespread in the state. For more information, visit WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Glossy Buckthorn
(Frangula alnus/Rhamnus frangula)
Glossy buckthorn grows as a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub. Its leaves have smooth edges and often stay green into the fall. It is widespread in the state. For more information, visit WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Japanese Barberry
(Berberis thunbergii)
Japanese barberry is a low-growing shrub with sharp spines and bright red berries. It is somewhat widespread in the state. For more information, visit WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Winged Burning Bush
(Euonymus alatus)
Winged burning bush is a shrub with leaves that turn bright red in fall. The stems have corky wings. It is somewhat widespread in the state. For more information, visit WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
More species to be added soon!
INVASIVE TREES AND SHRUBS