Ailanthus 2003

This tree is commonly known as Tree of Heaven. It grows best in disturbed situations such as verges along highways and in Farm Creek's case, along Roton Avenue where fill had been pushed out onto the edges of the salt marsh. It can grow up to eighty feet and produces as many as 325,000 seeds per year. Once established, the toxins it emits in the soil will prevent anything else from growing and the root system will grow into pipes and septic systems.

Phragmites

- Roton Avenue 2003 A tall grass seen in many habitats. It thrives in disturbed ground situations and spreads predominately by rhizome. It forms an impenetrable wall of vegetation pushing out all native plants. Animals and birds cannot build nests with the exception of Red Winged Blackbirds. It is spreading around Farm Creek at an alarming speed and forms a huge green wall along Roton Avenue.

Phragmites,

South Sammis Street Bridge, 2004.

This Phragmites seen south of the Sammis Bridge in 2004 was not there in 2003.

Norway Maple

There are many maples in New England but this one is a weed. It was introduced in the 1800's and thrives in all types of conditions. It usually grows to between 40 and 60 feet but can get to 100 feet. Native plants cannot compete in the under story of this very prolific tree.

Bittersweet

This quite attractive vine is seen everywhere in the fall. It grows anywhere and is seen climbing and strangling everything in its path.

Purple Loosestrife

Another beautiful but dreadful imported plant. It is happy in tended gardens, along roads or around ponds. Once it becomes established it is almost impossible to eradicate. It is becoming established south of the pond to the north of McKinley

Rosa Multiflora

This rose looks and smells wonderful when it is in bloom. But it grows everywhere and spreads over everything in its path. Native plants cannot compete for light and water