Kudzu, Other Invasive Plants Infiltrate Northwest Arkansas
Posted: July 20, 2014 at 1:30 a.m.
Kudzu, the invasive vine infamous throughout the South, has colonized Northwest Arkansas.
At A Glance
Major Invasive Plants
A plant is invasive if it has been introduced from another region and causes harm to native plants, such as by soaking up sunlight, physically overcoming plants or releasing toxins. Most were originally ornamental or had other uses.
• Kudzu: A fast-growing, viny plant with broad, smooth leaves; reported from Texas to New England and strongly resistant to physical and chemical removal
• Sericea lespedeza: Grows with a straight stalk up to a person’s height with small, narrow leaves, and can crowd out other plants; reported from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada
• Privet: A bush with oval leaves and clusters of white flowers; reproduces rapidly
• Honeysuckle: A bush with trumpet-shaped flowers and a distinctive sweet smell; leafs early and is resistant to herbicide
• Tree of Heaven: Long, almond-shaped leaves arranged like a palm frond; reported from Arkansas to Maine
• Mimosa Tree: Blooms with bright pink, firework-shaped flowers and fern-like leaves
Source: Staff Report
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