In accordance with FGS Guidelines & Regulations, there are a number of prohibited species which should be dug up and removed, bagged and placed in the dumpster after removal.
As a general rule, when digging up/removing invasive plants, use a pitchfork or hand tool with long tines to loosen the dirt rather than a shovel—using a shovel may simply cut off roots/pieces which will easily grow back.
It’s also important to carefully remove any flowers, seeds or pods immediately to keep plants from dropping seed, another way plantings spread.
As a reminder, weed killer is not allowed in the Gardens! If you need help on technique, please contact the VP of the Park and your Area Directors.
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GARDENER RESOURCES:
UMassAmherst – Extension Office
UMassAmherst – New England Management Vegetable Guide
MASSAUDUBON – Common FGS Invasives
Garlic Mustard
(Alliaria petiolata)
Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Goutweed
(Aegopodium podagraria)
Japanese Knotweed
(Fallopia japonica)
Multiflora Rose
(Rosa multiflora)
Oriental Bittersweet
(Celastrus orbiculatus)
Porcelain-berry
(Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
Purple Loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)
Swallow-wort
(Cynanchum louiseae)
Yellow Iris
(Iris pseudacorus)
INVASIVE WEEDS
In addition, there are a number of common weeds in the Gardens, many of which are summarized in this article.
In particular, we have a problem managing the following which are not “prohibited” but are invasive and should be removed (they quickly overwhelm fence lines and other plantings and create visibility problems):
Climbing Nightshade
(Solanum dulcamara)
Bindweed
(Convolvulus arvensis)