From Rutgers Cooperative Extension
October Invasive Species of the Month: Porcelainberry
September 29, 2025 by Jean Epiphan and Phaedra Singelis
Porcelainberry, also known as Amur peppervine, (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata) is a fast-growing, woody, deciduous vine (liana) that easily blankets any object or vegetation, smothering trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous plants, and even other invasive plants. It originates from northeast Asia and was introduced to the U.S. in the 1870s as an ornamental landscape plant, it is currently widespread in the eastern U.S. [more]
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2025/09/29/october-invasive-species-of-the-month-porcelainberry/
May Invasive Species of the Month: Wisteria
May 9, 2025 by Michele Bakacs and Jean Epiphan
Invasive vines such as Wisteria spp. can kill healthy, mature trees. Simple actions like controlling invasive vines can help save trees, which are vital for capturing greenhouse gases and reducing the impact of climate change. [more]
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2025/05/09/may-invasive-species-of-the-month-wisteria/
November Invasive Species of the Month: Round-Leaved Bittersweet
November 22, 2024 by Michele Bakacs
Round-leaved bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus, is an invasive vine that climbs, strangles, and smothers live trees. [more]
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2024/11/22/november-invasive-species-of-the-month-round-leaved-bittersweet/
July Invasive Species of the Month: Privet
July 10, 2024 by Michele Bakacs
Privet, Ligustrum species, is an invasive, flowering, deciduous shrub. Various privet species are commonly used as hedges in residential and commercial landscapes. Some privet species have spread into understory forests and roadsides and are considered invasive plants in New Jersey.
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2024/07/10/july-invasive-species-of-the-month-privet/
April Invasive Species of the Month: Jetbead
March 28, 2024 by Michele Bakacs
Jetbead, Rhodotypos scandens Jetbead is an invasive spring flowering, deciduous shrub. It is available as an ornamental and spreads into understory forests and roadsides. Its attractive white flower starts blooming in April making it easy to identify this time of year. Jetbead can grow in both full sun and shade. Due to its tolerance of a wide range of conditions it can displace native shrubs that wildlife depend on for high quality habitat. [more]
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2024/03/28/april-invasive-species-of-the-month-jetbead/
December Invasive Plant of the Month: Angelica tree
December 21, 2023 by Michele Bakacs and Jean Epiphan
Japanese angelica tree (Aralia elata) is an extremely aggressive, fast growing, deciduous tree that invades forest canopy gaps, forest edges, and right of ways. It is a heavy seed producer and once this tree invades an area it takes over quickly, forming dense stands (Figure 1) and suppressing native vegetation that is critical for high quality habitat.
Ecological threat: Angelica tree quickly forms a monoculture (community of just one species) and once established, shades out native vegetation. This invasive tree displaces native vegetation in the shrub and lower canopy layers, which then stifles natural species succession and reduces resources available for wildlife. Deer do not eat it as they prefer the native vegetation although buck rub is commonly seen on the rough, spiny bark.
For more information including removal methods and native look-alikes please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2023/12/21/december-invasive-plant-of-the-month-aralia-elata/
October Invasive Plant of the Month: English ivy
October 23, 2023 by Michele Bakacs
Invasive vines such as English ivy can kill healthy, mature trees. Simple actions like controlling invasive vines can help save trees which are vital for capturing greenhouse gases and reducing the impact of climate change.
Ecological threat: English ivy (Hedera helix) is an ornamental vine commonly planted in landscapes as a groundcover that invades all types of natural areas including forests. Be on the lookout for English ivy as it is evergreen and climbs trees or forms a carpet on the forest floor which is most obvious when other plants are going dormant in the fall. English ivy climbs tree trunks smothering the tree canopy and preventing photosynthesis so that the tree eventually dies. The added weight of English ivy vine will often cause limbs or the whole tree to collapse. Deer assist in the spread as they rarely eat this invasive vine and prefer native plants that wildlife need for food and habitat.
For more information including removal methods and native alternatives please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2023/10/23/october-invasive-plant-of-the-month-english-ivy/
September: Invasive Species of the Month: Linden Viburnum
September 21, 2023 by Michele Bakacs
An ornamental shrub commonly planted in landscapes, Linden viburnum invades the understory of forests and thrives in the shade. Be on the lookout for Linden viburnum’s bright red cluster of fruit in the fall persisting into December. This invasive shrub has creamy white flowers in clusters in the spring.
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2023/09/21/invasive-species-of-the-month-3/
August: Invasive Species of the Month: Stiltgrass
August 18, 2023 by Jean Epiphan
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), or simply referred to as stiltgrass, is an annual grass that grows from 12 to 36 inches tall. Its narrow stem has segments separated by joints; each segment produces a leaf, and each has a silvery-pearlescent midvein and leaf margin. It was inadvertently introduced to the United States in 1919 in shipping packaging and has since become widespread.
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2023/08/18/invasive-species-of-the-month-2/
July: Invasive Species of the Month: Silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis)
July 11, 2023 by Michele Bakacs
Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis) is a popular ornamental plant that has spread from yards and commercial landscapes and is being found in increased numbers invading meadows, roadsides, utility rights-of-ways and other open areas in New Jersey. One or two clumps soon multiply and when not controlled, can push out native plants that are critical for wildlife.
For more information please visit https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2023/07/11/invasive-species-of-the-month/
