INVASIVE
HERBACEOUS PLANTS/FORBS
Image from Paul Skawinski
Garlic Mustard
(Alliaria petiolata)
Garlic mustard is a biennial forb with kidney-shaped to triangular leaves and small white flowers. It usually invades forests and is fairly common in the state. For more information, visit the WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Image from Paul Skawinski
Japanese Knotweed
(Reynoutria japonica/Fallopia japonica/Polygonum cuspidatum)
Japanese knotweed is a large, bamboo-like perennial herb. It can grow in very dense clumps especially along roadsides and streams. It is somewhat common in the state. For more information, see the WDNR and this UW-Extension Factsheet. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Japanese Hedge Parsley
(Torilis japonica)
Japanese hedge parsley is a biennial forb that invades forests and roadsides. It has clusters of white flowers and bur-like seeds. It is becoming more common in the state. Visit Minnesota Wildflowers and the WDNR for more information. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Image from Catherine Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org
Lesser Celandine
(Ficaria verna/Ranunculus ficaria)
Lesser celandine is a low-growing plant with kidney-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. Lesser celandine looks similar to native marsh marigold and prefers moist soils. It is not widespread in the state. For more information, see the WDNR and Wisconsin Wetlands Association. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Image from Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
Narrow-leaf Bittercress
(Cardamine impatiens)
Narrow-leaf bittercress is an annual or biennial plant with divided leaves and small whitish flowers. Narrow-leaf bittercress invades forests, floodplains, and streambanks, but is not widespread in the state. For more information, visit WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
Teasels
(Dipsacus spp.)
Common and cutleaf teasel are biennial forbs with spiky flower heads. They often invade roadsides and are common in some areas of the state. For more information, visit WNDR pages for common teasel and cutleaf teasel. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for teasels.
Image from Katy Chayka, MinnesotaWildflowers.info
Wild Parsnip
(Pastinaca sativa)
Wild parsnip is a large biennial forb with divided leaves and clusters of yellow flowers. It commonly invades roadsides and can cause intense skin blisters. For more information, visit the WDNR and Minnesota Wildflowers. CWIP also created a quick ID guide for this species.
More species to be added soon!