Invasive species are a serious threat to native plants and animals because they disrupt the structure and function of ecosystems. The control and management of invasive species requires multiple tools and techniques which include but are not limited to herbicides, mowing, mechanical removal, and prescribed burning. To achieve the maximum and desired effects, these management techniques are employed at specific times and rates during the year. The following invasive species were observed in or adjacent to the Ashton Prairie Living Lab.

Disclaimer

The photos used below are the property of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the individual photographers of the USDA, and respective individual contributors of the Wikimedia Commons. The usage of these photos is for education purposes only. The University of Iowa Office of Sustainability does not claim credit to any of the photo sources.

USDA image of invasive velvetleaf flower

Velvetleaf

Abutilon theophrasti

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of redtop grass

Redtop Grass

Agrostis gigantea

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of redroot amaranth plant

Redroot Amaranth

Amaranthus retroflexus

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of black mustard flowers

Black Mustard

Brassica nigra

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of smooth brome grass

Smooth Brome

Bromus inermis

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of creeping thistle flowers

Creeping Thistle

Cirsium arvense

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of yellow nutsedge plant

Yellow Nutsedge

Cyperus esculentus

Plant type: Sedge

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of Queen Anne's Lace flowers

Queen Anne's Lace

Daucus carota

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of barnyard grass

Barnyardgrass

Echinochloa crus-galli

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of prickly lettuce plant

Prickly Lettuce

Lactuca serriola

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of perennial rye grass

Perennial Rye Grass

Lolium perenne

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of wild parsnip flowers

Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of reed canary grass

Reed Canary Grass

Phalaris arundinacea

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of timothy grass

Timothy Grass

Phleum pratense

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of greater plantain plant

Greater Plantain

Plantago major

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of kentucky bluegrass

Kentucky Bluegrass

Poa pratensis

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of curly dock plant

Curly Dock

Rumex crispus

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of giant foxtail grass

Giant Foxtail

Setaria faberi

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of yellow foxtail grass

Yellow Foxtail Grass

Setaria pumila

Plant type: Grass

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of perennial sow thistle

Perennial Sow Thistle

Sonchus arvensis

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of field penny-cress

Field Penny-Cress

Thlaspi arvense

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of red clover flower

Red (Purple) Clover

Trifolium pratense

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes

USDA image of white clover flower

White Clover

Trifolium repens

Plant type: Forb

Native/Invasive: Invasive

Sowed: Self-seeded

Observed: Yes