Timely Topics

The Aliens Are Coming…. Or, Are They Already Here?

Purple Loostrife
Purple Loosestrife

Maryland has many alien and invasive species and more are coming each year. Alien and invasive species are plants, insects and diseases which have been introduced into the State from other parts of the U.S. or from other countries. Some were intentionally introduced by horticulturalists years ago, but got out of control. They include English ivy, kudzu, Japanese honeysuckle and multiflora rose. Some were not intentionally introduced but arrived by plane, train, automobile, boat and wildlife. Examples are the snakehead fish, Japanese beetle and gypsy moth. At times, they not only cause problems in our gardens but also can impact our jobs as well as our health. Lyme disease spread here from New England via deer and other wildlife while West Nile Virus came to us from Europe in birds. In cooperation with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, USDA and EPA, the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC) provides important information about invasive species of weeds, diseases and insects. You can go to the HGIC home page and then to the "Invasive Species" tab, or directly to the General Information Page The following links also provide timely tips: "Invader of the Month" - Provides information on the current invasive species "Native Substitutes" - Provides appropriate plants to use as substitutes for the invasive species

Going Buggy???

Pryeria Sinica moth

If you have an interest in insects, the University of Maryland has a site that should not be missed Bug of the Week

In addition, for more information on other emerging insect pests, click on Emerging Invasive Plant Pests.

The Home and Garden website offers continually updated timely tips for a variety of topics including: lawns, woody ornamentals, fruit, indoor plants, pests, and wildlife. Choose "Timely Tips" in the upper left corner of this page.

Emerald Ash Borer

In 2003, the Emerald Ash Borer was accidentally brought into Maryland. The Maryland Department of Agriculture took aggressive action to eradicate the pest. Recently, the pest has reappeared in Prince Georges County, MD. The Department issued a Quarantine Order that prohibits anyone from moving ash trees or firewood in and out of the County. Over the next two months, the Department of Natural Resources will survey the ash trees in the County. If you think you see what might be an Emerald Ash Borer, contact Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Emerald Ash Borer Photo

For more information, contact Web Master

Last updated: 01/19/2007