Friday, November 27, 2020

Invasives Late Fall: Burning Bush and Jetbead

 The groups interested in invasive plants are mentioning the Burning Bush and Jetbead since leaf fall makes them more visible in today's woods.  The burning bush is common along the Towson Run trail and Jetbead here and there along Cloverlea Rd and also along Towson Run.


We are not invasive activist but would participate if there is a group interest in cutting these plants back. If it was just trimming back it would be easy but there are the berries, regrowth from shoots and twigs, more complex than just whacking away.  

Some of the burning bush in cultivation in yards may be either native or cultivars that are less noxious.


Leaves of the Jetbead

Clump of jetbead on Cloverlea Rd south side

jetbead berries

Jetbead and burning bush invasive along the Towson Run trail.



Not currently mentioned and possibly less concern is the Winter Creeper, here on the south side of Rolandvue near Malvern.  Also Asian native, classified as invasive also.



Two views of possible winter creeper  along Rolandvue




Saturday, July 18, 2020

Fir Tree West Side of Cloverlea Rd near Lane

We looked more closely at the fir tree near 1007 Cloverlea.  The needles are green above with the silver or white stripes below. Considering the new Maryland guide to conifers, this may be a Fraser Fir.  The twigs and the bark are approximately right.

The needles and flat and do not roll between your fingers.  Removing the needles shows small circular divots in the twig.  Tips of the needles are blunt to indented.