How to translate text using browser tools
1 March 2010 Invasive Shrubs in Kentucky
Richard L. Boyce
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

I surveyed the distribution of invasive (non-native) shrubs in Kentucky, along with their properties, effects, and control measures. Kentucky's floral, physical geography, and climate are representative of a much broader region of the US, and the state has a large number of counties with available data. Invasive shrub species richness increases with county population and appears to be underreported in most of the state. The most widespread of the 68 species reported were Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose), Elaeagnus umbellate (Autumn Olive), Morus alba (Mulberry), Lonicera maackii (Amur Honeysuckle), Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa), Euonymus alatus, and Ligustrum sinense (Common Chinese Privet). An additional 17 were identified as ones that may become widespread in the future. Families with the largest number of species were Rosaceae, Caprifoliaceae, and Oleaceae. Most shrubs originated in eastern Asia, were introduced in the 19th century, have animal-dispersed fruit, reproduce vegetatively, are at least partially shade-tolerant, and tolerate a wide range of soils. Many have extended-deciduous leaf habits and tolerate drought. Mechanical and chemical control methods appear to be best for controlling them, but the use of fire and biological control has been studied for only a few species. Invasive shrub impact is difficult to assess from distribution alone, and further work is needed to determine current and future impact of the species identified in this study.

Richard L. Boyce "Invasive Shrubs in Kentucky," Northeastern Naturalist 17(mo7), 1-32, (1 March 2010). https://doi.org/10.1656/045.017.m701
Published: 1 March 2010
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top