Family

Genus

Species

Common Name

Petal Number

Flower Color

Leaf arrangement

Leaf Shape

Fruit Color

Growth Form

Degree of invasiveness on Nantucket

Degree of invasiveness in Massachusetts

Plant

Macro

Habitat

Fruit

Leaf

Stem

Additional Photos

THE PLANT

THE LEAVES

THE STEM

THE FLOWERS

THE FRUIT

THE HABITAT

NOTES

KEY ID FEATURES

Photo Copyright

Credits

Aceraceae

Acer

platanoides

Norway Maple

Yellow

opposite

lobed

Tree

Likely

Invasive

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medium to large shade tree; deciduous; crown rounded; densely branched; 40-60 ft tall, max 90 ft tall; wider than tall in open area

opposite; 5-lobed; dark green; 4-7 in. wide; exudes milky sap when petiole is broken; late fall color

grayish-black; shallow ridges and furrows

April bloom; small, yellow

samaras; green maturing to tan; 1.5-2 in. long; THE BUDS: large, green-maroon

many different soils; full sun; tolerant of urban conditions; creates dense shade

The dense shade produced by Norway Maple inhibits growth of other vegetation under its canopy. The fact that the fruits are wind-dispersed means that new seedlings may sprout at large distances from the parent plant.

large shade tree; deciduous; opposite leaves; 5-lobed; white milky sap when broken; gray-black bark; shallow ridges; large green-maroon buds

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Aceraceae

Acer

pseudoplatanus

Sycamore Maple

Yellow

opposite

lobed

Tree

Invasive

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deciduous; medium to large; 40-60 ft. tall; dense and compact crown; branches spreading, upright

opposite; thick; leathery; coarsely serrated; 5-lobed; basal lobes much smaller; dark green above; greenish white below; impressed veins

scaly; gray; flaking bark showing orange

yellowish green; blooms May

samaras; clustered

adaptable; salt tolerant; tolerates calcareous soils (high pH); full sun-light shade

This species is distinguishable from Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) by large buds that remain green throughout winter. Its leaf petioles also lack milky white sap.

medium to large shade tree; deciduous; opposite; thick leathery; 5-lobed; impressed veins; bark scaly, gray; flaking

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asteraceae

Achillea

millefolium

Yarrow

White

alternate

lanceolate

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; 12-36 in. tall; erect; unbranched or stiffly branched at top

alternate or basal rosettes; aromatic; finely divided; fern-like; soft, matted wool or short hairs, or hairless; lower leaves lanceolate to oblanceolate, long petioles; upper leaves lanceolate to linear, sessile; gray-green

leafy; short, soft hairs

many small flowers; white, yellow, pink; held in flat-topped, dense, terminal corymbs

achenes

gardens, roadsides, moors

The flat-topped inflorescences resembles that of Queen Anne's Lace, which can be distinguished by its distinctly different foliage and a dark central spot.

finely divided leaves; gray-green; fern-like texture; aromatic; flat topped; white

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Apiaceae

Aegopodium

podagraria

Goutweed

10+

White

opposite

oblong, ovate

Herb

Watchlist

Invasive

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herbaceous perennial; low growing; erect; branched;16-40 in. tall; dense; ground cover

oblong to ovate; long petioles on lower leaves; 9 irregular leaflets; toothed; upper leaves smaller, with short petioles; leaflets in 3s

upright; grooved; thin

small; white; dense umbels 2-5" in. wide; July-August

small, insignificant

shady; moist; rich soils; shaded stream banks; seeps; floodplains

Seen as a variegated form (Variegated Bishop's Goutweed) in landscapes and gardens. Looks similar to Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), which has similar leaves but a loose yellow inflorescence. With its low creeping nature, Goutweed can completely take over the forest understories, eliminating native plants.

low; groundcover; long petioles; 9 leaflets; upper leaves in 3s; white umbels

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Simaroubaceae

Ailanthus

altissima

Tree-of-heaven

Yellow

alternate

pinnately compound

Tree

Invasive

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medium shade tree; deciduous; upright, spreading, open; 40-60 ft tall and wide; fast growing

dark green; alternate; pinnately compound; up to 25 leaflets; tropical looking; crushed leaves emit acrid odor

few, coarse branches; gray; smooth; light vertical streaks; damaged twigs emit acrid odor

inconspicuous yellow panicles; early to mid June; dioecious; male flowers emit acrid odor

samara; yellow to red maturing to brown; wing of fruit twists; fruits persists

tolerant of urban conditions; seaside, roadside; salt tolerant

Tree of Heaven is frequently found growing in disturbed areas. A single tree has a rapid growth rate and can produces as many as 350,000 seeds per year. The toxins that are produced in the leaves and bark inhibit growth around the tree as they accumulate in the soil.

medium shade tree; deciduous; alternate; up to 25 leaflets; tropical look; bruised leaves emit odor; bark gray, smooth, light vertical streaks

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Lardizabalaceae

Akebia

quinata

Five-leaf Akebia

Purple, White

alternate

obovate

Vine

Intermediate

Does not meet criteria

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deciduous woody vine; twisting

leaves palmately compound; 5 leaflets attached to a single leaf stalk; obovate; papery; round base; round tips

round stems; grayish-brown; small round lenticels

fragrant; April-May; axillary raceme

elliptical; purplish; split open (dehiscent); central core of brownish, flat seeds arranged in irregular rows

Five-leaf Akebia can grow as a dense groundcover or smother trees and shrubs as it grows over them. It has rapid growth once established. Currently spreading by vegetative reproduction at one site on Nantucket.

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Brassicaceae

Alliaria

petiolata

Garlic Mustard

White

rosette, alternate

kidney-shaped, heart-shaped

Herb

Invasive

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highly fragrant; herbaceous biennial; first year, growth is low (3-7 in.) as non-flowering basal rosette; second year grows to 3.3 ft. tall

toothed; basal leaves kidney-shaped; long petioles; deeply veined-highly textured; basal rosette remains green throughout winter; stem leaves deltoid; alternate along stems; basal leaves 2.4-4 in long and wide; stem leaves 1.2-3.1 in. long and wide, decrease in size up the stem

lacking the first year; green, smooth, upright

small (.25 in diameter); 4 petals; white; cross shape, (typical of the Mustard family); April-May

pods or siliques (1-2.4 long and 0.8 in wide); contain 10-20 shiny, black, cylindrical seeds; May; by June the plant dies back and the fruits persist

shade tolerant; forest understories; moist, shady areas; roadsides, trails, forest edges

Garlic Mustard can rapidly overtake an area and push out native species.

fragrant; first year as basal rosette; heart shaped leaves; highly textured-deeply veined; 4 white petals; white taproot

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Vitaceae

Ampelopsis

brevipedunculata

Porcelainberry

Green

alternate

cordate, ovate

Vine

Invasive

Likely

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perennial vine; 10-20 ft. high

alternate; cordate-ovate; 2-4 in. across; hairy below; slightly 3 or 5 lobed; possibly cleft; short-acuminate; crenate-dentate; apiculate points

young twigs hairy

green cymes; dense; insignificant; July-August

spherical; yellow, lilac, green ripen to sky blue; marbled; many fruit colors per cluster

moist soils; part sun; stream banks, thickets, roadsides; shorelines, fields, forest edges; pasture, vacant lots, gardens

Grown as a landscape plant, this vine creates dense mats in minimally-managed habitats. The fact that it is relatively insect and disease resistant may give Porcelainberry an advantage over native species as well as other invasives when competing for water and nutrients.

vine; alternate; 3 to 5 lobed; fruit yellow, lilac, and green ripen to blue; marbled; many colors

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Berberidaceae

Berberis

thunbergii

Japanese Barberry

Yellow

alternate

spatulate

Shrub

Likely

Invasive

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upright; fountain or dome shaped; dense; woody shrub; 3-6 ft. tall

alternate; entire; spatulate; grow in tuft like patches; green, red, copper or variegated leaves

2-3 ft, max 8ft; arching, spiny; single thorns or with 2 small thorns; yellow inner bark

yellow; 6 petaled; 1/4 in. wide; single or dangling umbels; held in leaf axils; bloom time May

hard red berry; small; oblong; clusters in leaf axils

sun and shade tolerant; sweet, moist soils; roadsides, landscapes; fields, woods, stream banks

Japanese Barberry is typically grown for its showy fruits and its fall leaf color. Reproduction is mainly through seed, which is spread by birds. Japanese and Common Barberry naturalize easily and should not be planted in landscapes, due to their ability to out-compete native species.

fountain shaped; alternate leaves grow in tufts; green, red, copper or variegated leaves; thorns; 6 yellow petals; hard red berry; roots and inner bark yellow

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Cabombaceae

Cabomba

caroliniana

Fanwort

Watchlist

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Celastraceae

Celastrus

orbiculatus

Oriental Bittersweet

Green

alternate

round

green-red

Vine

Invasive

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deciduous; woody perennial; vine or trailing shrub

glossy; alternate; radiate around the stem; light green; finely toothed; ovate to obovate

up to 4 inches in diameter; round with brown striated bark; smooth and glabrous twigs; dark brown or light gray

held in the leaf axils; small .07-.15 in long, 0.1-.2 in wide; greenish; May to early June

green maturing to yellow, orange then tan; splits open in winter; dried, tan covering folds upwards; reveals 3 red fleshy sections (arils); containing 2 white seeds

very successful in the shade; woods, salt marsh edges, coastal areas, early successional fields; roadsides, railroad tracks, hedgerows and forest edges

Asiatic Bittersweet is quickly spread as seeds are dispersed by birds and small mammals. It is also a threat to native vegetation due to its rapid growth rate, the ability to send up shoots from roots (root suckering), and a high reproductive rate that creates dense growth. This climbing vine shades out native vegetation and can kill large trees by constricting or girdling stems, or by adding weight to limbs causing them to break. Also known as Asiatic Bittersweet, this species may be confused with native American Bittersweet (C. scandens), which flowers at the tips of branches rather than in the leaf axils. Improper disposal after use in floral arrangements contributes to the spread of Asiatic Bittersweet.

vine; alternate leaves; flowers in leaf axils; yellow fruits open to reveal red, fleshy arils; round brown stems; orange taproot

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asteraceae

Centaurea

maculosa (biebersteinii)

Spotted Knapweed

10+

Pink, Purple, White

alternate

elliptic, oblanceolate

Herb

Invasive

Likely

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biennial or short-lived perennial; slightly pubescent; stout taproot; 1 or many branched upright stems; 1-3 feet tall

basal; up to 6 inches long; blades narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate; entire to pinnately parted; stem leaves pinnately divided

multi-branched; thin; wiry; coarse

thistle like flowering heads; terminal; stiff involucral bracts, tipped with a dark comb like fringe; ray flowers pinkish purple; seldom cream colored; June-October

1/8 inches long; tipped with a tuft of persistent bristles

roadsides; dry; sterile; gravelly; waste places; disturbed soils; seen growing along the Madaket bike path heading west

Spotted Knapweed can invade and influence the biodiversity of an area by choking out native vegetation. Erosion can also occur due to its inability to hold the soil. Hand-pulling, cutting or mowing over several years may successfully eliminate this species.

thistle-like, pinkish-purple flowers; stiff bracts; fruit topped with bristles; wispy foliage

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Papaveraceae

Chelidonium

majus

Celandine

Yellow

alternate

pinnately compound

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; 1-2 ft. tall; branched

alternate; thin; once to twice pinnately divided; ovate or obovate; toothed or lobed

short, soft hairs; exude yellow juice when broken; stems swollen at base

small umbels; held in leaf axils; 4 petals; many stamens

smooth capsule; tipped tiny knob

roadsides, disturbed areas, along fences, buildings

light green divided, lobed leaves; small, yellow flowers; magenta seed vessels; yellow juice from broken stems

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asteraceae

Chrysanthemum

leucanthemum

Oxeye Daisy

10+

White

alternate

lanceolate

Herb

Potentially

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; 1-3 ft. tall

decreasing in size up the stem; basal and lower leaves lanceolate, toothed, long petioles; upper leaves alternate, narrow, clasping

long slender; smooth, frequently grooved; sometimes branched at tops

typical daisy; 20-30 white ray flowers radiate from center; notched at tips; yellow disk (center) flowers

brown to black; white ridges down the sides

pastures, fields, meadows, roadside, waste areas

Oxeye daisy is native to Europe. It was planted as an ornamental and escaped through its heavy seed production. In the past it has been used for several home remedies, including curing whooping cough, asthma, and as a tea for its antispasmodic properties. Also the young leaves can be eaten in salads. It is a common seed in wildflower mixes sold at garden centers; care should be taken when purchasing these commercial seed mixes.

basal and lower leaves lance shaped; toothed; upper leaves alternate; daisy-like flower; notched at tips; white ray flowers with yellow disk flowers (center)

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asteraceae

Cichorium

intybus

Chicory

10+

Violet, Blue, White

basal

lanceolate

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; unbranched; 2-4 ft. tall

basal, dandelion-like; stem leaves alternate; lanceolate; lobed or entire; nearly leafless stems

rigid; few, short, stiff hairs

clear blue, violet; often white; rarely pink; stalk-less; petal tips square; fringed; close mid-day

achenes; short blunt scales at tip

roadside; disturbed areas; widespread

The ground-up roots of this species are still used today as a coffee substitute.

clear blue flower; dandelion-like basal leaves; petal tips square and fringed; stiff plant

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asteraceae

Cirsium

vulgare

Bull Thistle

Purple

alternate

Herb

Intermediate

Not rated

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upright; biennial; taproot; 2-6 ft. tall

alternate; tipped with long, sharp stems; pale or wooly beneath; deeply lobed

spiny; prickly wings; hairy at maturity

large heads; rigid, yellow-tipped spines on bracts; solitary or 2-3; reddish purple

roadsides, fields

Bull Thistle resembles Canada Thistle, a species that can be distinguished by its smaller flowers, weak prickles, creeping roots, and lack of thorny stems

thorny stem; large flower heads; rigid yellow-tipped spines on bracts

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asteraceae

Coreopsis

lanceolata

Lance leaf Coreopsis

Yellow

opposite

linear

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; 2-3 ft. tall; clump; erect flower stems

opposite; few actually paired; some in tufts; mostly on lower half of stem; entire; linear to oblanceolate; some with 2 basal prongs

erect

scape-like flower stalks; 8 yellow ray flowers with 4 deep lobes at tips

poor soils; dry sandy; roadsides

yellow daisy-like flower; 8 petals with 4 lobes at tips

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Leguminosae

Coronilla

varia

Crown Vetch

Pink

alternate, pinnately compound

oblong

Herb

Potentially

Does not meet criteria

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herbaceous perennial; creeping

alternate leaves; compound; paired leaflets; sessile leaflets; oblong

creeping

bicolored pink and white; pea-like flowers; bilaterally symmetrical; June-August

legume; pod

roadsides; waste places

pods; paired leaflets

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asclepiadaceae

Cynanchum

louiseae

Black Swallow-wort, Dog-strangle Vine

Purple

opposite

oblong, ovate

Vine

Invasive

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herbaceous; perennial vine; 6.5 ft long; unbranched; twining

opposite; ovate or ovate-lanceolate; 2-5 in. long, 0.5-2.5 in. wide; dark green; entire; glabrous, shiny; short petioles

tough; twining; unbranched

clusters of 6-10 flowers; opposite; in leaf axils; June to September; corolla 5 lobed; dark purple; lobes fleshy; triangle shaped; short straight, white hairs on upper surface; corona 5 lobed; slightly toothed; joined with connective membrane

slender; resemble narrow milkweed pods; green maturing to brown; seeds flat, brown, ovoid, membranous wing on margin; tuft of white hairs at one end

woodlands, fields, roadsides, floodplains, uplands

Rapid growth and wind dispersed seeds allow Black Swallow-wort to outgrow and crowd out native vegetation.

unbranched vine; shiny dark green leaves; clusters of dark purple flowers; white hairs; milkweed-like pods with hairs

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Fabaceae

Cytisus

scoparius

Scotch Broom

Yellow

alternate

obovate

Shrub

Potentially

Does not meet criteria

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short (6.5 ft tall); perennial shrub

upper surface dark green; lower surface lighter and pubescent; alternate; upper leaves sessile; simple; undivided; lower leaves small and trifoliate; obovate

branches green; stiff; slender; 5 angled; evergreen stems

bright yellow; some cultivars pale yellow, pink, or red; solitary or paired in upper axils; long terminal racemes; late May or June

brownish pods; hairy margins; ripen late summer; seeds small; multicolored (green, brown, dark brown, rust); obovate to round

coastal beaches, dunes; adapted to dry sandy soils; full sun; roadsides; pastures; dry scrubland

Scotch Broom is planted for ornamental purposes and for stabilizing dunes.

shrub; dark green upper, light green below; hairy lower surface; upper leaves sessile; 5 angled stems; stiff; bright yellow flowers

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Solanaceae

Datura

stramonium

Jimsonweed

White, Purple

alternate

ovate

Herb

Intermediate

Not rated

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stout; branched; sprawling; 2-5 ft. tall; annual

long; gray-green or purplish; ovate; serrated; 3-8 in. long; tiny, smooth hairs

pale green to purple

solitary; large, white; trumpet-shaped; corollas up to 6 in. long; 5 pointed; purple tinged on margins; short stalked; held in leaf axils; open after dark, close by mid-morning

prickly; globose; walnut-sized; hard; dehiscent; spikes small, slender; large, flat seeds

disturbed areas, roadsides, fields; waste places; gardens

All parts of this plant are poisonous to both humans and livestock. Naturalizes and can become weedy in some areas.

ill-scented; large solitary flowers; purple tinged; 5 pointed corolla; thorny, walnut-sized fruits.

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Apiaceae

Daucus

carota

Queen Anne's Lace

White, Pink

alternate

compound

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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herbaceous biennial; taproot; 1-3 ft. tall

alternate, compound; linear or lanceolate divisions; rough hairs on top and bottom; round teeth

rough hairs

dense umbels; up to 4 in. across; outer flower stems shorter that inner flower stems

oblong, flattened; convex; carpels ridged; some have spines with oil tubes

roadsides; gardens; disturbed areas; waste ground; fields

The white-topped umbels resemble those of the white flowered form of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Easily confused with Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata), which are both poisonous and lack the dark maroon central spot on the inflorescence.

leaves finely divided; yellow-green; carrot-like leaves; light whitish-green stems; umbrella-like clusters of tiny flowers; lacy appearance; dark maroon central spot

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Elaeagnaceae

Elaeagnus

umbellata

Autumn Olive

Cream, Yellow

alternate

elliptic

red-pink

Shrub

Invasive

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deciduous shrub; 12 ft-20 ft tall

untoothed; alternate; (2.5 to 7.5 cm long); elliptical; dark green and glabrescent above; sparsely silver-white scaled below; brown scales

young branches silvery and scaly maturing to darker brown; possibly thorny

small; tubular; light yellow flowers; extremely fragrant; bloom from May-June

small (0.25 inch); numerous; fleshy; round; reddish to pink; dotted with silvery scales

disturbed areas; fields, roadsides; pastures and clearings; but doesn't thrive in wetlands or dense forests; tolerates poor soils due to its nitrogen-fixing root nodules

Autumn Olive is easily confused with Russian Olive (E. angustifolia), which looks very similar. While the leaf of Autumn Olive is elliptical, with an upper surface that is rarely silver and a lower sparsely silver surface covered with brown scales, the leaf of Russian Olive is linear or narrow, with an upper surface that is sparsely silver and a densely silver lower surface. The flowers of Autumn Olive are cream to yellow and turn to round, fleshy red (sometimes yellow) fruits. The flowers of Russian Olive are brighter yellow, and the dry, elliptical fruits are larger and pale yellow with silver scales. The nitrogen fixing abilities of both species can affect native species that are adapted to infertile soils. Due to the heavy fruiting, rapid growth, tolerance of poor soils, and seed dispersal by birds, Autumn Olive shrubs can out-compete native species.

shrub; alternate; silver-white scaled below; fleshy reddish fruit; branches silvery and scaly; light yellow flowers; fragrant

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Elaeagnaceae

Elaeagnus

angustifolium

Russian Olive

Yellow

alternate

linear

Shrub

Potentially

Does not meet criteria

deciduous shrub; up to 35 ft. tall

simple; alternate; lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate; silver scales on top and bottom of leaf

young silvery branches; older branches brown; occasionally thorny; covered with scales

fragrant; silvery outside yellow within; 1-3 in leaf axil; May to June

yellow; covered in densely silver scales; contain one large seed; dry

roads, pastures, fields, river side, disturbed areas, forests or open areas, tolerates moist to dry conditions

Russian Olive is easily confused with Autumn Olive (E. umbellata), which looks very similar. While the leaf of Autumn Olive is elliptical, with an upper surface that is rarely silver and a lower sparsely silver surface covered with brown scales, the leaf of Russian Olive are linear or narrow, with an upper surface that is sparsely silver and a densely silver lower surface. The flowers of Autumn Olive are cream to yellow and turn to round, fleshy red (sometimes yellow) fruits. The flowers of Russian Olive are brighter yellow, and the dry, elliptical fruits are larger and pale yellow with silver scales. The nitrogen fixing abilities of both species can affect native species that are adapted to infertile soils.

shrub; alternate; silver scales top and bottom of leaf; young silvery branches; scales; fragrant; yellow, silvery scaled, dry fruit

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Onagraceae

Epilobium

hirsutum

Hairy Willow-herb

Pink

opposite

lanceolate

Herb

Potentially

Likely

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herbaceous perennial; 1.5-6.5 ft. tall; spreading by rhizomes

sharply toothed; upper and lower surfaces pubescent

erect; pubescent

rose colored; 4 petals; axillary; petal bases pubescent

2-3 in. long; seeds oblong; flattened; tuft of long, white hairs

moist, wet soils, semi-aquatic areas; wet meadow; gardens; open; full sun

Similar to Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium, also known as Great Willow-herb), which has longer leaves that lack pubescence. Hairy Willow Herb spreads by rhizomes and also by wind-dispersed seeds. It can crowd out native plants in wetland areas.

toothed; hairy leaves; pink flowers; 4 petals; seeds tufted with white hairs

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Geraniaceae

Erodium

cicutarium

Stork's Bill

Pink, Purple

alternate

pinnately compound

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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erect; 6-8 in. tall; low

alternate; dark; from jointed nodes; pinnately divided; pubescent top and bottom; upper leaves sessile

branched; reddish; flattened white hairs

umbels; magenta-purple; 5 petals; 5 light green striped sepals; bristle tipped with silky hairs

beaked; spirally coiled at maturity

roadside; gardens; sandy soils

alternate; hairy; sessile upper leaves; magenta-purple flowers; 5 petals; green stripes; silky hairs on tips

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Celastraceae

Euonymus

alatus

Burning Bush

White, Green

opposite

elliptic

Shrub

Potentially

Invasive

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branching; deciduous shrub; erect; 6-9 ft. tall; compact

opposite; elliptical; pointed; finely toothed; autumn color bright scarlet red

green to brown; corky wings on both sides of stem; some lack wings and have ridges

creamy white to green; clusters borne in leaf axils; 1/2- 1/3 in. wide

cluster of 4 pods; purplish seed coat; splits to reveal orange aril (fruit)

escapes from planted landscapes; light shade- full sun; tolerates full shade; abundance in calcareous soils; old fields; open woods and floodplain forests

Burning Bush can take over open woodland habitats, creating a monoculture as it crowds out native shrubs. Due to its matted, dense root system, and dense shade, few other plants can succeed beneath it. It is also a very adaptable shrub that is tolerant of full shade and has no serious pests. The flowers are relatively inconspicuous, and its seeds can be dispersed great distances by birds. Some cultivars of this species lack winged stems.

deciduous shrub; opposite; red fall color; corky twigs; orange fruit; white to green flowers

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia

cyparissias

Cypress Spurge

Yellow

alternate

linear

Herb

Likely

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herbaceous to semi-woody perennial; 6-12 in. tall

linear; bright green; alternate; uppermost leaves opposite or whorled; crowded; 0.4-1.0 in. long; 0.04 -0.2 in. wide

when broken release white milky latex

yellowish-greenish; broad terminal umbels; complex; May-August; lack sepals or petals; (cyathium) many male flowers clustered around one female flower, enclosed by an involucre with 4 horned glands; yellow green and mature to orange brown; 2 cordate bracts, yellow green maturing to purple red

3 lobed; contain 1-3 egg shaped seeds; smooth, gray

old fields; cemeteries; grasslands; roadsides; waste places

The fruits of Cypress Spurge are explosively released when ripe and the seeds are dispersed by ants. Plants can also spread via lateral root buds. Leafy Spurge (E. esula) is another invasive that resembles Cypress Spurge, but is taller and more robust, and has more leaves and wider leaves. Cypress Spurge has linear-shaped leaves and smaller bracts.

linear; alternate leaves; stems release milky white latex when broken; yellowish-green flowers mature to orange-brown

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia

esula

Leafy Spurge

Watchlist

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Papaveraceae

Glaucium

flavum

Horned Poppy

Yellow, Orange

alternate

ovate, oblong

Herb

Likely

Invasive

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biennial or perennial; 1-3 ft tall

firm; pubescent; glaucous; basal leaves have petioles; stem leaves sessile; ovate to oblong; deeply toothed

yellow to orange; petals obovate; terminal or axillary; thick pedicels at maturity

seed capsules sublinear; curved; glabrous or scabrous; stigma persists

coastal; below cliffs; above high tide mark; poor, sandy; dry soils; beach, dunes; disturbed areas, roadside, gardens

Horned Poppy can create a monoculture, eliminating other plants from a habitat. It can be seen taking over high tide areas near the shoreline on some parts of Nantucket.

basal leaves; hairy, glaucous; stem leaves sessile; yellow to orange flowers

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Lamiaceae

Glechoma

hederacea

Gill-over-the-ground

Blue, Violet

opposite

round, kidney-shaped

Herb

Intermediate

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; 1-8 in. tall

opposite; round to kidney shaped; rounded teeth; fragrant, mint-like

slender creeping stems; several small erect stems; root at nodes; square; glabrous

blue to violet; short pedicels; clusters in axils; corolla tube is elongated with 2 lips; upper lip 2 lobed, concave; lower lip larger, 3 lobed; 4 stamens

brown nutlet; 4 parted

open to shaded; moist woods; floodplain forests; lawns, roadside, gardens

This species spreads vegetatively by rooting along its creeping stems. Gill-over-the-ground is very aggressive and can move into undisturbed areas very rapidly. It is often confused with Common Mallow (Malva neglecta), which lacks the square stems, and can be distinguished from Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum) and Persian Speedwell (Veronica persica) by their lack of creeping stems that have the ability to root at the nodes.

opposite; kidney shaped; mint-like odor; square stems; blue-violet flowers; brown nut

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Araliaceae

Hedera

helix

English Ivy

White, Green, Yellow

alternate

lobed, round

Vine

Intermediate

Not rated

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vine climbing by aerial rootlets; groundcover; evergreen; shrub-like when mature

dark green; white veins; evergreen; alternate; leathery; juvenile form 3 to 5 lobed; mature form not lobed, diamond to round

light brown; shallow ridges and furrows when old; seen growing up buildings, trees, and fences

greenish-white; yellow; globe shaped umbel; only on adult form

berry like; black drupe; 0.25 in. diameter; poisonous

generalist- full sun to dense shade; moist; organic soils; moderately salt tolerant

This species is a common garden escape that can be seen growing as a ground cover, up the sides of buildings or trimmed into a hedge.

vine; groundcover; evergreen; dark green leaves, white veins; young leaves 3-5 lobed; green-white flowers; black berry-like fruit

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Liliaceae

Hemerocallis

fulva

Daylily

Orange

basal

strap-like

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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evergreen to semi-evergreen; herbaceous perennial

arching; long, strap-like; bright-green; 2-3 ft. long

green scapes

large, showy; orange; spotted or striped; held on erect scapes; late spring to late summer

meadows; forests; floodplain; forest edges

Each individual flower on a plant stays open for only a single day. Flowers are variable due to the many varieties and cultivars developed for ornamental purposes. Thick tubers make control of this species difficult.

6 large petals; flowers held high on erect scapes; arching, strap-like leaves; indented midrib

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Brassicaceae

Hesperis

matronalis

Dame's Rocket

White, Pink, Purple

alternate

lanceolate

green-brown

Herb

Likely

Invasive

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herbaceous perennial or biennial; erect; 1-4ft. Tall

2-4 in. long; lance shaped; alternate; pubescent stem; sessile or short petioles; toothed margins; pubescent

fragrant; pink, purple or white; 2.5 in diameter; terminal racemes; May-June

2-4 in. long siliques; many seeds

rich open woods; wetlands; roadside; gardens

This species is typically seen as a basal rosette during its first year of growth. It spreads naturally by seed and may also be spread by unsuspecting gardeners through wildflower seed mixes. Native to Europe, it can currently be found growing in the northern and southeastern U.S. Dame's Rocket closely resembles species of Phlox, but has 4 separate petals and alternate leaves, while Phlox has 5 fused petals and opposite leaves.

branched; lanced shaped leaves and stem hairy; toothed; fragrant, pink, purple, or white flowers

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Poaceae

Holcus

lanatus

Velvet grass

Green, Purple

alternate

linear

Grass

Invasive

Not rated

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grass; medium sized; 1-3.5 ft. tall; velvety texture

long grass-like; gray-green; velvety

velvety

single papery flowers; inflorescence wispy; pale green to purple; tufted; May- June; withers there after

fields; waste places; roadsides; disturbed areas

grass; gray and velvety all over; pale green to purple inflorescence

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Hypericaceae

Hypericum

perforatum

Common St. John's Wort

Yellow

opposite

oblong, linear

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; erect; 1-2 ft. tall; densely branched

oblong or linear; numerous; hairless; sessile; thin; entire; black or translucent dots

hairless; two edged

golden yellow; numerous prominent stamens; terminal cymes; transparent or black dots on petals

capsule reddish-brown; persist

fields; roadsides; moors

This species spreads via underground runners.

golden yellow 5 petaled flowers; numerous stamens; translucent or black dots on leaves and petals

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Asteraceae

Hypochoeris

radicata

Cat's Ear

Yellow

basal

lobed

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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8-16 in. tall; rosette of lobed basal leaves

very hairy; dark green

slender; smooth; sometimes branched; with scale-like bracts on stems

dandelion-like; tips of petals notched; 1 in. diameter; May-August

dandelion-like; smaller; rounded puff of white, silky hairs; wind dispersed

grassy areas; lawns; fields

This species resembles dandelion but has notched petals and hairy basal leaves.

basal rosette; lobed; very hairy; dandelion-like yellow flowers; tips of petals notched

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Iridaceae

Iris

pseudacorus

Yellow Flag

Yellow

fan

strap-like

green-brown

Herb

Likely

Invasive

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herbaceous perennial; stout rhizomes; upright; clumping; 3-4 feet tall

erect; arching tips; arise in a fan from the soil; long, dark, pointed; sword-shaped; raised mid-rib

2.75-3.5 in wide; pale to bright yellow; very showy; 6 clawed perianth segments; 3 large downward-spreading sepals and 3 smaller erect petals; yellow sepals have light-brownish to purple veins or flecks

glossy, green pods; large 4-8 cm; 6-angled and contain many flattened brown seeds

wetland habitats; along rivers, ponds, floodplains, and gardens; tolerates saline conditions and can be found on salt marsh edges

This species is the only wild yellow iris in the United States. When not in bloom, it can easily be confused with the native Blue Flag (I. versicolor), since the two species have very similar leaf structure and size. Cat-tail (Typha spp.) also looks similar in structure and height.

arching tips; fan from soil; sword-like leaves; raised mid-rib; bright yellow; 3 downward facing sepals, 3 erect petals; 6-angled large pods

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Brassicaceae

Lepidium

latifolium

Tall Pepperweed

Watchlist

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Fabaceae

Lespedeza

cuneata

Chinese Lespedeza, Sericea Bush-clover

Cream, Purple

compound

oblong

Herb

Watchlist

Not rated

shrubby; herbaceous perennial; 3-6 ft. tall

compound leaf with three oblong leaflets; 1 in. long; rounded with small pointed tips; wedge-shaped leaf bases; short petioles; gray-green; dense, flat hairs

branching; ascending stems; numerous; tall

solitary or in clusters of up to four; short, creamy white petals; petals purple streaked; July-October

glabrous or small hairs; seeds flat, shiny, oval; tan, olive, purple, or brownish

prairies, fields; pond borders, swamps, marshes; open woods and disturbed areas

Chinese lespedeza is toxic to most herbivores. Rapid seed production and dispersal allow for extensive growth and reproduction of this species.

cream colored flowers, with purple veins; branching stems; wedge-shaped leaf bases

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Oleaceae

Ligustrum

obtusifolium

Border Privet

White

opposite

elliptic

Shrub

Potentially

Likely

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cbeaton1/IMG_2297_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2297_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2453_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2453_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_2300_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2300_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_5124_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_5124_1.jpg

woody; semi-deciduous shrub; up to 15ft. tall

firm; not tough; not leathery; opposite; elliptic with a blunt tipped; hairy beneath mostly along midrib

multiple stems; hairy; slender, round twigs

white; cone-shaped clusters; terminal; individual flowers small; ill-scented; June

small; black berries; slightly glaucous; pedicels slightly hairy; September persisting into winter

hedging; landscapes; fencerows; roadsides

It is very difficult to distinguish between different species of Privet. Border Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium) has nearly hairless twigs and anthers that reach the tips of the corolla lobes. California Privet (L. ovalifolium) has smooth twigs and anthers that surpass the corolla lobes. Chinese Privet (L. sinense) has hairy twigs and anthers that almost reach the tips of the corolla lobes. European Privet (L. vulgare) has densely pubescent twigs and anthers that surpass the corolla lobes.

bud scales blunt; anthers don't reach corolla tips; twigs slightly hairy; terminal clusters of small, white, ill-scented flowers; fruit pedicels slightly hairy

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Oleaceae

Ligustrum

ovalifolium

California Privet

White

opposite

elliptic

Shrub

Likely

Does not meet criteria

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cbeaton1/IMG_3043_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_3043_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2883_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2883_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_2934_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2934_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_5125_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_5125_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2190_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2190_1.jpg

shrub; up to 15' tall

shiny; leathery; possibly evergreen; elliptic; opposite

hairless, slender, round twigs; smooth

white; cone-shaped clusters; terminal; individual flowers small

small; black berries

hedging; landscapes; fencerows; roadsides

pointed bud scales; opposite leaves; hairless twigs

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Scrophulariaceae

Linaria

vulgaris

Butter-and-eggs

Yellow

alternate

linear

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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cbeaton1/IMG_scan3M_copy.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_scan3M_copy.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_scan4_copy.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_scan4_copy.jpg

erect; 1-3 ft. tall; herbaceous perennial

mostly alternate; linear; narrow; sessile; both ends acute; entire

slender; pale green; very leafy; hairless or few slight hairs

dense racemes; upright on short stems; snapdragon like; yellow with orange throat; thin, darker, drooping spurs; irregular shaped; June-October

capsule

roadsides; waste places; dry fields

alternate; sessile; very leafy; flowers yellow with orange throat; spurs drooping

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

Caprifoliaceae

Lonicera

japonica

Japanese Honeysuckle

White, Yellow

opposite

oblong

Vine

Invasive

cbeaton1/IMG_2191_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2191_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2080_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2080_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2933.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2933.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_scan15.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_scan15.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_5073_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_5073_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2194_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2194_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_0697_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0697_1.jpg

perennial woody vine; up to 30 ft long.

1.5-3 inch long; opposite; ovate with entire margins; young leaves often lobed or toothed; dark green and glabrous above; slightly pubescent below; lower leaves may be lobed like White Oak leaves

hairy young stems; reddish brown to brown; old stems hollow; glabrous; brown peeling bark

extremely fragrant; mature from white to yellow; borne in pairs in the upper leaf axils

0.2 inch diameter; black to dark purple berries; 2-3 brown to black ovate seed; 2-3 mm long seed; one side ridged and the other flat or concave

roadsides; meadows; disturbed areas; fencerows; full sun; shaded areas

Seed dispersal by wildlife contributes to the spread of Japanese Honeysuckle. The plant also has the ability to spread vegetatively by runners. It can easily be distinguished from native honeysuckle vines by the uppermost pairs of leaves, which are separate in Japanese Honeysuckle and fused into a single leaf (connate) in native species. Also, native honeysuckle vines have red to orange berries, while Japanese Honeysuckle has black berries. In the Southern U.S., Japanese Honeysuckle is evergreen, while in the North it is semi-evergreen to deciduous. It can threaten the native biodiversity of an area by choking or girdling trees and shrubs.

vine; opposite; glabrous above; hairy below; old bark brown and peeling; fragrant; white to yellow flowers

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

The Electronic Field Guide to the Invasive Plants of Nantucket © Maria Mitchell Association

Caprifoliaceae

Lonicera

morrowii

Morrows Honeysuckle

White, Yellow

opposite

oblong, elliptic

Shrub

Invasive

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cbeaton1/IMG_0475_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0475_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2872_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2872_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2284_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2284_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_4365_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4365_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_scan13.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_scan13.jpg

woody; perennial shrub; 8 ft. high

opposite; oblong to narrowly elliptic; apex usually obtuse or acute; grayish and tomentose below

hollow

peduncles very hairy; bracts, corolla, and sepals hairy; white fading to yellow with maturity; May to early June

paired; red; spherical; mid summer

pastures, open forests, fields; dry, sandy, calcareous; prefers mesic soils

Used as an ornamental species in landscaping, Morrow's Honeysuckle quickly escaped cultivation. Its seeds are dispersed by birds that consume the red fruits. It creates dense stands and shades out natives.

shrub; opposite leaves; gray and fuzzy below; stems hollow; flower stalks hairy; red paired fruits

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

The Electronic Field Guide to the Invasive Plants of Nantucket © Maria Mitchell Association

Brassicaceae

Lunaria

annua

Money Plant

Purple

alternate

ovate

Herb

Intermediate

Not rated

cbeaton1/IMG_0050_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0050_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_0185_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0185_1.jpg

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cbeaton1/IMG_1253_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1253_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_4342_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4342_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_1255_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1255_1.jpg

herbaceous biennial; 2-3 ft tall; erect

alternate; simple; ovate; coarsely toothed; stem leaves sessile

erect; stiff hairs

pink or purple; terminal racemes; late spring

flat; circular-oval; silicle; satiny, papery; white-silver center; with seeds inside; silver dollar-like

gardens, roadsides

The flowers of this species resemble those of Dame's Rocket, but the fruits of the Money Plant are flat ovals, while those of Dame's Rocket are long, cylindrical pods.

4 petals purple flower; coarsely toothed leaves; papery white; large flat fruits; resembling silver dollars

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

The Electronic Field Guide to the Invasive Plants of Nantucket © Maria Mitchell Association

Primulaceae

Lysimachia

nummularia

Creeping Jennie

Watchlist

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

The Electronic Field Guide to the Invasive Plants of Nantucket © Maria Mitchell Association

Lythraceae

Lythrum

salicaria

Purple Loosestrife

5, 6, 7

Purple

opposite

lanceolate

Herb

Invasive

cbeaton1/IMG_2457_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2457_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2465_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2465_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2491_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2491_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_4719_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4719_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2455_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2455_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_2467_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2467_1.jpg

erect; perennial; branching at top; 1.5-5 ft tall

opposite; sometimes whorled; entire; lance-shaped; smooth; somewhat clasping the stem

short, soft hairs; or without hairs; stiff; square or 6 sided

5, 6 or 7 petals; 1/2-3/4 in. wide; purple-magenta; in circles around the stem; dense clustered spike; long petals; calyx greenish

dry capsule; green-brown

wetlands, swamps, wet meadows; roadside ditches; shores of streams, rivers, lakes

Purple Loosestrife is a very problematic plant when it takes over wetland areas and dramatically reduces biodiversity. It has little nutritional value for wildlife. July through August is the time to see the dense stands blooming a vibrant purple. Manual removal of infestations may be difficult due to the thick almost woody rhizomes, but can be effective. Removing blooms will help reduce the spread of seed to other areas.

opposite or whorled; lance-like leaves; 5, 6 or 7 petals; purple-magenta; square stem

Photos © Cheryl Comeau Beaton

The Electronic Field Guide to the Invasive Plants of Nantucket © Maria Mitchell Association

Poaceae

Microstegium

vimineum

Japanese Stilt Grass

alternate

lanceolate

Grass

Watchlist

Likely

annual grass 6.5 ft. tall

alternate; light green; lanceolate; taper at both ends; slightly pubescent; silvery line on center of the blade, not pubescent

nodes and internodes glabrous; stems root at the nodes

terminal; thick-branched panicle

ellipsoid shape; caryopsis (grain); yellow maturing to yellow-purple; late September through early October

moist ground, open woods, wetlands; fields, paths, clearings; roadsides, gardens, disturbed areas; acidic to neutral soils that are high in nitrogen

This species can spread when stems root at the nodes, giving rise to long, branched, horizontal stalks.

alternate leaves; tapering at both ends; silver line on center of leaf blade

Boraginaceae

Myosotis

scorpioides

True Forget-me-not

Blue

alternate

oblong, elliptic

Herb

Potentially

Likely

cbeaton1/IMG_0143_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0143_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_M004.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_M004.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_0139_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0139_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_scan23.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_scan23.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_1023_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1023_1.jpg

herbaceous perennial; 8-20 in. tall; creeping; fibrous roots or stolons

pubescent; evergreen; lower leaves oblanceolate; upper leaves oblong to elliptic, obtuse and narrow at base; 1-3 in. long

flat; blue rarely white; yellow centers; terminal racemes

nutlets contain seeds; angled and keeled on inner side

naturalizes in wet areas; stream banks, floodplains, wetlands, lake, pond, wet meadow, garden

creeping; hairy; evergreen; terminal, flat, blue flowers centers yellow; nutlets

Amaryllidaceae

Narcissus

spp.

Daffodil

Yellow

basal

strap-like

Herb

Intermediate

Not rated

cbeaton1/IMG_0111_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0111_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_scan12_copy.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_scan12_copy.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_0113_2.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0113_2.jpg

erect; herbaceous perennial; 6-24 in. tall; grows from bulbs

linear; strap-like; basal; 3/4 in. wide; up to 15 in. long; glaucous green

flower stems erect; stiff; papery sheath at flower base

1 to several flowers per scape; salver form white or yellow perianth; long tubular trumpet (corona)

full sun; gardens; roadsides

Daffodils naturalize easily and the bulbs may multiply rapidly.

strap-like leaves; papery sheath at base of flower; trumpet shaped corona; perianth and corona may have different colors

Poaceae

Phragmites

australis

Giant Reed

Brown

alternate

acuminate

Grass

Invasive

cbeaton1/IMG_4548_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4548_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_4555_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4555_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_4558_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4558_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_3725_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_3725_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_3672_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_3672_1.jpg

erect; perennial wetland grass; 6-20 ft tall; grows in colonies

alternate; entire; smooth; gray-green; glabrous; acuminate; 10-20 in long; .75-1 in. wide; white hair present at base of leaf sheath; leaves arise from swollen stem nodes

smooth; glabrous; hollow between nodes

light brown to purple; .75-15 in long; 3-7 flowers per spikelet; feathery plumes; July-September; silky white hairs on flowers; seeds brown

beaches, dunes, coastal grasslands, lake; pond, salt marsh, roadside, wet meadows; Tolerant of brackish waters; prefers fresh water; tolerates acid or alkaline wetlands

This wetland grass thrives in sunny freshwater habitats and can survive in salt water, though its growth is restricted. It is one of the tallest grasses found on the island, second only to bamboo. Giant reed can be dispersed through seeds, rhizomes, or stolons, and has visible above-ground runners. Stems that are knocked over can also root. Tan stalks persist throughout winter and into the next growing season, along with feathery plumes that turn grayish over time. Phragmites is considered both native and invasive in America; it is the non-native strain that you typically see on Nantucket and elsewhere in the Northeast U.S.

alternate; glabrous leaves; white hairs at base of leaf; swollen nodes; silky white hairs; above ground runners

Pinaceae

Pinus

thunbergiana

Japanese Black Pine

bundled

needle-like

Tree

Invasive

Not rated

cbeaton1/IMG_2571_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2571_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2293_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2293_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_2291_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2291_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2570_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2570_1.jpg

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cbeaton1/IMG_2568_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2568_1.jpg

small; irregularly shaped; pyramidal crown; evergreen tree; 30 ft tall; up to 40 ft. across; widespread with age

long needles; 3-7 in. long; groups of two; often twisted; dark green; fine teeth

gray tint or purple-gray; scaly; fissured; trunk often divided

male flowers yellow; female flowers red; clusters at branch tips; spring

light brown woody cones; small prickles; seeds dark brownish black

dry sandy soils; full sun; salt tolerant

irregular shaped; divided trunk; young shoots covered with dense fuzz; winter buds white, slightly resinous

Pinaceae

Pinus

rigida

Pitch Pine

Red, Yellow

bundled

needle-like

Tree

Invasive

Not rated

cbeaton1/IMG_5236_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_5236_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_1546_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1546_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_4795_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4795_1.jpg

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cbeaton1/IMG_4780_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4780_1.jpg

evergreen tree; cone-bearing; 40-60 ft. tall

2-5 in. long needles; 3 needles per fascicle; stout; coarse; mostly twisted; yellow-green to green

twigs orange-brown; stout; bark dark, scaly when young; red-brown to yellow-brown, thick rectangular plates; deep furrows

cylindrical, red to yellow; large clusters at twig tips; female flowers with small curved scales; yellow to red

Cones; ovoid; 2 to 4 in. long; light brown; short, stout prickles; cones persist for years; mature in fall.

heathlands, roadsides, disturbed areas

buds narrow, ovoid; light gray-brown; twigs orange brown; thick rectangular plates on bark; deep furrows; 3 twisted needles per fascicle

Plantaginaceae

Plantago

lanceolata

English Plantain

White

basal

oblong, lanceolate

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

cbeaton1/IMG_0622_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0622_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_0616_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0616_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2387_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2387_1.jpg

9-24 in. tall; herbaceous perennial

basal; long; lance shaped; erect; hairy; entire; tapering; slender; 3-5 ribbed

flower stalks slender; ridged; long or held high

dense spikes; short, bushy; white, tapering; tight clusters, numerous small flowers; held by a long, slender, grooved stalk; April-November

capsule

waste places, roadside, sidewalks; dry sandy soil

This species resembles Seaside Plantain (P. juncoides), which has 1-nerved leaves, and a longer flower head that is held on a shorter stalk. The flower stalk of English Plantain also resembles Common Plantain, which has broad short leaves.

basal; hairy; 3-5 ribbed; spikes white; held on long, slender, grooved stalk

Polygonaceae

Polygonum

cuspidatum

Japanese Knotweed

Green, White

alternate

egg-shaped

Herb

Invasive

cbeaton1/IMG_3768_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_3768_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_4141_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4141_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_4120_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_4120_1.jpg

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upright; herbaceous; shrub-like; appears woody; 3-10 ft tall

broadly oblong-ovate; cordate bases; pointed at the tip

round; hollow; scales; smooth; swollen at joints

small; greenish-white; attractive; branched racemes (sprays); August to September

small; winged fruits; contain triangular, shiny, black, smooth, 3-angled seeds

prefers full sun; tolerates light shade, salt, high temperatures, dry soil; intolerant of frost; thrives in wetlands, roadsides, disturbed areas, intolerant of frost

Japanese knotweed can hybridize with the related Giant knotweed (P. sachalinense) to form P. x bohemica. Giant Knotweed has large leaves that have rounded bases, wavy margins, and long hairs on the undersides, while Japanese Knotweed leaves have squared-off leaf bases and lack long hairs. Hybrids can be extremely difficult to distinguish from either parent. The seeds of Japanese Knotweed are wind dispersed and the plant also commonly spreads through extremely long (40-60 ft) rhizomes or by stem nodes.

shrub-like; triangular pointed leaves; greenish-white flowers; winged fruits; leaves zigzag on stem

Salicaceae

Populus

alba

White Poplar

Yellow

alternate

lobed

Tree

Likely

Does not meet criteria

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deciduous; 60-100 ft. tall; 40-60 ft. wide; open irregular crown; oval; large shade tree

alternate; simple; lobed; undulate margins; pubescent and white below; petiole tomentose; coarsely toothed; dark green

white; showy; smooth; ridged and furrowed old bark; stems gray; dark splotches

flowers before leaf emergence; insignificant catkins; yellow

dry, brown, elongated capsule; 2-valved

full sun; tolerant of salt, drought, and air pollution; prefers moist, deep, loam

deciduous tree, open crown; alternate; lobed; hairy and white below; toothed; small, light brown, tomentose buds appressed; white showy bark, ridged; stems gray with dark splotches

Ranunculaceae

Ranunculus

ficaria

Lesser Celandine

Watchlist

Ranunculaceae

Ranunculus

repens

Creeping Buttercup

5, 7

Yellow

alternate

ovate

Herb

Potentially

Likely

cbeaton1/IMG_0586_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0586_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_0002.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0002.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_0200_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0200_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_2774_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_2774_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_0188_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0188_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_0192_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_0192_1.jpg

herbaceous perennial; 2-3 ft. tall

3-parted; terminal division; cleft, lobed, or toothed; alternate; apex of leaves obtuse to acuminate; long, pubescent petioles

creeping, horizontal; hirsute or glabrate

5 to 7 obovate petals; yellow; spreading sepals; receptacle hispid or glabrous

spherical achenes; sharp, narrow margins; short curved break at tip

rich, damp soil, moist sand, gravel, fields, roadside, garden

Creeping Buttercup spreads by creeping stolons, and has seeds that are dispersed by wind, birds, and small mammals, and can form large stands and crowd out native species. It may be confused with other native buttercups (Ranunculus spp.).

creeping stems; cleft, lobed, or toothed leaves with pale blotches; hairy petioles; yellow flowers

Rhamnaceae

Rhamnus

frangula

Glossy Buckthorn

Watchlist

Leguminosae

Robinia

pseudoacacia

Black Locust, Common Locust, White Locust

White

alternate

pinnately compound

Tree

Likely

Invasive

cbeaton1/IMG_3065_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_3065_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_1383_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1383_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_5182_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_5182_1.jpg

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cbeaton1/IMG_3068_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_3068_1.jpg

cbeaton1/IMG_1384_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1384_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_1385_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1385_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_1382_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_1382_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_5178_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_5178_1.jpg,cbeaton1/IMG_5174_1.thumb.jpg#cbeaton1/IMG_5174_1.jpg

medium; deciduous tree; upright; narrow crown; widest at top; upright to irregular branching; long straight trunk; 40-50 ft tall

dark; blue-green; dull; alternate; pinnately compound; 7 to 19 elliptic leaflets; stems glabrous; thorns around some buds

dark gray; furrows interlace; distinct rope-like ridges

pea-like; hanging clusters; creamy white; fragrant; late May to early June

long flat pod; 2-4 in. long; October; persists; dried brown

full sun; tolerant of dry, sandy conditions; salt, heat and pollution tolerant; nitrogen fixing

The seedlings and sprouts of this species have distinct paired thorns and can grow very rapidly. Two locusts that also have invasive tendencies are clammy locust (R. viscosa - pink flowers) and Bristly Locust (R. hispida - rose-purple flowers). Black Locust can kill off sun-loving native plants by shading them out. Also, its fragrant blooms draw the pollinating bees away from other native species. Due to its erosion control and nitrogen fixing abilities, and use in the lumber industry, Black Locust has been widely planted. Its seeds generally don't germinate, but it creates clonal populations through root suckering and sprouting stumps.

medium sized deciduous tree; dark; blue-green; 7-19 leaflets; some thorns around buds; dark gray bark; rope-like ridges; long flat pods

Rosaceae

Rosa

multiflora

Multiflora Rose

Pink, White

pinnately compound

elliptic

Shrub

Invasive

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upright; fountain-shaped; shrubby; thorny; densely spreading; up to 15 ft tall

alternate; pinnately compound; 5 to 11 leaflets; serrated; elliptic; 1-1.5 in. long; smooth, dark above; small hairs and pale below; feathery or comb-like margin on stipules at base of leaf stalks

red to green; glabrous; long; arching; older stems woody; recurved thorns

fragrant; white or pink; 5 petals; many stamens; May to June

red fruit (rose hips); mid to late summer; spherical; 0.25- 0.3 inches in diameter

pasture, open disturbed areas, roadside, vacant lots; gardens, reverting fields; woodland borders, hedgerows, and woods

Multiflora Rose creates a living fence due to its dense growth, preventing native plants from establishing. The seeds are spread when birds consume the rose hips and spread the seeds great distances.

alternate; 5-11 serrated leaflets; dark above, pale below; feathery at base of leaf stalk; fragrant white or pink flowers; rose hips red

Rosaceae

Rosa

rugosa

Saltspray Rose

Pink, White

compound

ovate, elliptic

Shrub

Potentially

Does not meet criteria

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perennial; shrub; 3-6.5 ft tall

leathery; pinnately compound; 7-9 leaflets per leaf; leaflets ovate to elliptical; dentate margins; dark green; wrinkled (rugose) upper surface; pubescent below

many prickles; green and maturing to brown; young stems have prickles with hairy bases; prickles below stipules large and decurved

fragrant; June to August; clusters or single; rose (pink) or white; single or double; 2 in. diameter

green maturing to red or orange; depressed-globose shape; large; 1 in. diameter; hips have 5 persistent drying sepals attached; ripen late summer

naturalizes on beaches; dunes; coastal headlands; open disturbed areas; roadside; vacant lots; gardens

Other Rose species can be distinguished Saltspray Rose by their smaller flowers and rose hips and lack of leathery leaves. The large rose hips of this species contain many seeds, and are dispersed by small mammals, water and birds. While Saltspray Rose can help build and sustain dunes, it can also displace native species.

shrub; 1-9 leaflets per leaf; wrinkled upper surface; pubescent below; very thorny stems; fragrant; pink or white; rose hips large green maturing to red; 5 dried sepals persist

Asteraceae

Rudbeckia

hirta var. pulcherrima

Black-eyed Susan

10+

Yellow

alternate

oblong, lanceolate

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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herbaceous perennial; 2-3 ft. tall; erect; clump

alternate; coarse hairs; upper leaves sessile; oblong to lanceolate

coarsely hairy

golden yellow ray flowers, reflexed; disk flowers dark brown to black; disk flowers arranged in raised clump in center

achenes

fields; dry, sandy areas; moors; roadsides; gardens

bright yellow flowers; cone-shaped, brownish disk flowers; coarse hairs; petals slightly reflexed

Polygonaceae

Rumex

acetosella

Sheep Sorrel

Red

alternate

arrow-like

Herb

Roadside Weed

Not rated

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6-12 in. tall; herbaceous perennial

alternate; linear or lanceolate upper leaves; lower leaves arrow shaped; hairless; lobes at base with possible teeth

slender; simple or branched; silvery sheaths

small; erect; panicled racemes; outer 3 sepals green; inner 3 sepals larger, colored

achenes

fields; roadsides; moors

This species grows in sour soils, and imparts a distinct red color to the moors in spring.

light green halberd-shaped leaves; red tiny flowers

Solanaceae

Solanum

dulcamara

Bittersweet Nightshade

Blue, Violet, White

alternate

ovate

Herb

Intermediate

Not rated

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perennial vine; climbing or straggling; 3-10ft long

alternate; ovate; dark green; short, soft hairs; purple tinge; unpleasant odor; deeply 3-lobed or divided; some leaves simple; heart shaped base

green maturing to dark red to black; glabrous; possible hairs when young; hollow; woody base

cymes; drooping; opposite the leaves; 10-25 flowers per inflorescence; base of petals fused; blue-violet; or rarely white; 2 shiny dark green spots on each petal; yellow fused anthers; petals reflexed; May-September

juicy; ovate; green ripen to red; contain disk shaped yellow seeds; fruit may persist

edge of disturbed or cultivated fields; stream or river banks; gardens; dry soils; prefers moist conditions; tolerates shade

This species reproduces by rooting at the nodes on the stems and through seed dispersal by birds. When large, the vine can pull down smaller native plants. Seedlings are tolerant of low-light conditions. The fruit and leaves are toxic to animals and humans. A similar plant is Black Nightshade (S. nigrum), which is an annual that has white to very pale purple flowers and black fruit, while Bittersweet Nightshade has purple flowers and red fruit.

vine; alternate; unpleasant odor; soft hairs; 3-lobed; woody based red to black stems; blue-violet flowers; juicy, green-red fruits

Asteraceae

Tussilago

farfara

Colt's-foot

Yellow

basal

deltoid

Herb

Watchlist

Likely

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herbaceous perennial; 3-18 in. tall

basal; long petioled; smooth above; dense, white pubescence below; long petioles; 3-7" wide; deltoid; toothed and lobed late in season

yellow dandelion-like; blooms on scaly stalk before leaf emergence; early spring bloom

damp soils; stream banks; waste areas

basal; hairy below; long petioles; yellow dandelion-like; scaly stalk

Scrophulariaceae

Verbascum

thapsus

Common Mullein

Yellow

alternate

oblong

Herb

Potentially

Does not meet criteria

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herbaceous perennial; 2-6 ft. tall; densely wooly; erect

alternate; simple; oblong; thick; narrow at base; round toothed; basal leaves on petioles

tall; stout; simple; rarely with erect branches; hairs branched

yellow; dense cylindrical spike; late June-Sept

capsule

fields; waste places; roadsides; disturbed areas; dry sandy locations

densely wooly; alternate; thick leaves; soft; tall stout; large yellow spike

Apocynaceae

Vinca

minor

Periwinkle

Purple

opposite

ovate, oblong

Vine

Intermediate

Not rated

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creeping groundcover; low

glossy; evergreen; ovate to oblong

trailing, creeping; roots at nodes

asymmetric petals; pinwheel shaped flower; star shape in center; blue-violet; March-June

woodlands; roadsides; gardens

This species spreads only by vegetative reproduction. It grows aggressively, and can form a dense evergreen groundcover that displaces and excludes many plants.

low; creeping groundcover; evergreen; glossy; pinwheel shaped flower; star shape in center; blue-violet