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Invasive Species

Most of these species were brought to America for beautification purposes. People did not realize how hard they would be to control. Though a lot of the invasive species on this website are vines, NOT ALL VINES ARE INVASIVE. You can find non-invasive vines at Bayberry Beach, such as Virginia creeper, greenbrier, raspberry, and poison-ivy (do not touch).

Ailanthus altissima (Kingdom of Heaven Tree)

This tree is native to central China. It spreads like wildfire in the United States. If you see it, pull it out or spray it immediately.

Wisteria

This vine was brought here for beautification purposes and is still sold by many landscaping stores. However, do not buy it, and if it is in your yard, please remove it. This vine literally mats the ground and grows over trees and bushes. Many people buy it and do not realize how hard it is to maintain. Even if you do believe you can control it, please still don't plant it in your yard. You may control your own vine but it can send underground shoots for at least 30 feet into your neighbor's yard and it's pollen can travel around, helping it to reproduce with other vines. This invasive species also comes from Asia. There is an American species similar to the Asian one, but it is only found in the south.

English Ivy

It is not as invasive as Wisteria, but it is still bad. It is nearly impossible to remove and covers almost everything in it's path.

Japanese Honeysuckle

The flowers may have tasty honey, but this vine is another invasive species. Brought over from Asia, it spreads like wildfire in America.. Just like the Wisteria and English ivy, it was brought over for beautification purposes. A distinguishing characteristic: it's twigs and leaves are hairy and sometimes the leaves will be purplish underneath (but usually green on both sides.)

House Sparrow

This bird species was brought over from England. The males of this species are distinguishable from the male song sparrows by the black underneath the beak. Only the House Sparrow, has the black underneath. The black spot is on the chest, not next to the beak for song sparrows.

Mute Swan

They may be beautiful, but they are invasive, competing with native species and acting aggressive towards humans. They are originally from Europe; legend has it that they were brought over by a man who was trying to establish in America all the species described in Shakespeare's plays.