Invasives

Invasive plants are varieties of non-native plants that can grow uncontrollably and choke out local plant varieties. There are several varieties of invasive plants found in Sleepy Hollow:

This Japanese Knot Weed grove in Douglas Park is more than 100 ft. long and 50 ft. wide. For reference, the man pictured is 5’9″.

According to the World Conservation Union, Japanese Knotweed is one of the “World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species.” Because of its underground stems and roots, known as rhizomes, it can be quite difficult to eliminate. Communities have been trying to control its spread through careful cutting and herbicide application, but some are also experimenting with releasing insects that feed on Japanese Knotweed. Check out the Japanese Knotweed Alliance for more information on this invasive plant and methods for controlling it.

This Mugwort grove in Douglas Park is approximately 200 ft. long; it is west of the playground and disappears into the forest.

Asian Stilt Grass can be found along the trail in Douglas Park and was brought there via landfill.

Photos by Barbara Carr

Please click the links below for factsheets about other local invasives:

The Town of Mount Pleasant Conservation Advisory Council is pleased to provide you with its newly compiled Native Plant Resource Guide (see attachment). This guide consists of 13 pages covering native plants recommended for the TriState area, including plants that are deer resistant, that are edible fruiting trees and shrubs, that attract birds, including hummingbirds, and butterflies, for sunny and shady rain gardens, for erosion control, for salt tolerance, for bio-retention and vegetative swales, for dry soil, for limestone soils, and for wetlands-riparian areas. It also lists the prohibited and regulated invasive species, and covers native herbaceous flowering perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, grasses, ferns, wildflowers, and herbaceous plants and small trees.

Please feel free to share this guide with interested friends, gardeners, organizations and community members to promote native habitats for a healthier ecosystem.

Happy planting!

CAC NATIVE PLANT GUIDE

OTHER USEFUL LINKS:

From the Native Plant Center at Westchester Community College:

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