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Environmental Issues and Resources
Invasive Species
Like much of Michigan and the entire United States, the City of
Novi has many invasive plant species that have crept their way into
our lives. An invasive plant species is any species that has been
introduced into an ecosystem to which the species is not indigenous
and which has a tendency to spread rapidly. Introduction is
sometimes accidental, but often is initiated by humans intentionally
importing the plant to an area normally beyond its natural growing
range. Invasive plants often cause harm to environmental, economic
or human wellbeing. While many invasive plant species have been
introduced from outside the United States, there are also many
species within the U.S. that have become invasive due to their
introduction or spread to distant areas within our own borders.
Some invasive plants are worse than others. Many invasive plants
continue to be admired by gardeners who may not be aware of their
weedy nature. Others are recognized as weeds but property owners
fail to do their part in preventing their spread. Some do not even
become invasive until they are neglected for a long time. Invasive
plants are not all equally invasive. Some only colonize small areas
and do not do so aggressively. Others may spread and come to
dominate large areas in just a few years.
The
Michigan
Invasive Plant Council (MIPC) has an excellent website including
many links to other sites with information on invasive species. You
can access the MIPC website by clicking on the link. The MIPC lists
the negative effects of invasive species on natural and managed
ecosystem:
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Reducing biodiversity
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Altering hydrologic conditions
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Altering soil characteristics
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Altering fire intensity and frequency
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Interfering with natural succession
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Competing for pollinators
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Poisoning or repelling native insects
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Displacing rare plant species
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Increasing predation on nesting birds
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Serving as reservoirs of plant pathogens
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Replacing complex communities with single species
monocultures
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Diluting the genetic composition of native species
through hybridization
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Being difficult and/or costly to control
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Impeding industries and threatening agriculture
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Endangering human health
Common Offenders
There are many invasive plant species found
throughout Michigan. Informed property owners and citizens can do a
lot in the battle against these plant bullies. Here are a few of the
biggest offenders that can be found in and around the City of Novi.
(Click on images to see larger version.)
Purple Loosestrife
Also known as the "purple plague," purple
loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an ornamental plant
known for its purple-spiked flowers. Once limited to gardens in
the Northeast, it now chokes wetlands across the country.
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Common Reed
Common Reed (Phragmites australis) is a
widespread and aggressive invasive species. The plant is common
throughout Michigan in roadside ditches, along shorelines and
within wetland areas. It quickly colonizes on sites where the
soil has been disturbed and moisture is present. Able to easily
grow to 12’ in height, this invasive spreads through both seeds
and under ground roots (rhizomes). Phragmites is one of the most
common invasive plant species within the City of Novi.
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Multiflora Rose
Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), also
called rambler rose, is a thorny, perennial shrub with clusters
of fragrant white-to-pink flowers that bloom in May or June.
Small, bright red rose hips develop during the summer. It is
often found on the edges of farms and along highways.
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English Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix) is one of the
most popular ground covers in North America. However, its
potential for escape is notorious. In the Pacific Northwest,
English ivy invades the forest floors. Its evergreen leaves
smother other native forest plants by denying them light.
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Garlic Mustard
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.)
Cavara and Grande) is one of Novi’s more threatening
invasive species. It is a biennial, a plant with a two-year life
cycle, growing its first year as a seedling and rosette stage
plant and flowering the subsequent year. It most often grows in
the forest understory or along forest edges but is also able to
invade undisturbed forest habitats. It tolerates low light
levels and is adapted to take advantage of disturbed habitats
such as trails, roadsides and areas where trees have been
removed. Garlic mustard has no significant natural enemies in
North America. |
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For more information and helpful links regarding Garlic Mustard
and other invasive species please visit the Michigan State
University Extension or National
Biological Information Infrastructure websites by clicking on
the links.
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