The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and Natural Resources (DNR) today reminded property owners, growers and landscape nurseries that prohibited invasive plants could potentially be spread through plant sales, exchanges and the movement of contaminated soil.
Michigan has a Prohibited and Restricted Species statute that prevents the possession of listed invasive species. The list includes known invasive species that both MDARD and DNR want to prevent from entering the state or further spreading throughout the state. Prevention of new invasions and the spread of existing invasions are considered top priorities in order to limit the impacts of invasive species to Michigan’s ecology, economy and society.
Both departments have received numerous reports of prohibited invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed, being sold, purchased and intentionally moved. Japanese knotweed, also known as Mexican bamboo, forms dense stands and limits other plants from growing among their crowded stems. The plant’s ability to penetrate through asphalt and the difficulty in eliminating this plant make it especially destructive to both the natural and built environment. Japanese knotweed, which flowers in late summer, was introduced into North America from Asia as an ornamental plant and it now threatens many natural areas as well as parking lots, sidewalks and foundations.
Any person or business who possesses a prohibited or restricted plant species should refrain from selling or moving the plant or plant fragments. Plants should be destroyed in a manner that prevents spread and further infestations. Cutting and moving plant parts to other areas will only make the problem worse. Fragments of stems and roots can produce new plants, so care should be taken to double-bag them for disposal at a landfill or to completely burn them.
More information about Japanese knotweed and the Prohibited and Restricted Species list can be found at www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies.
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