Send Cheer Not Pests! Carefully inspect plant material to make sure they are free of insects. Thank you!
Holiday Greenery - Select Wisely - Send Cheer Not Pests
If you are planning to decorate with wreaths and garlands during the holiday season, please be sure that they do not include invasive plants or pests that harm Maine's natural areas and wildlife.
Invasive Plants to Look Out for and Report
The two most common invasive plants used in wreaths and garlands are bittersweet, and multiflora rose. Both plants cause severe environmental damage by invading open fields, forests, wetlands, meadows, and backyards and crowding out native plants.
Both species are difficult to control and easily re-sprout after cutting. The placement of invasive plant wreaths and garlands outdoors or disposing of them in compost piles can lead to new infestations. Birds and other animals also eat the fruit and spread viable seeds into vulnerable forest areas.
Report It - Wreaths may not be sold that contain these or any of the plant species banned for importation and sale in Maine. Report locations where banned plants are sold to the Maine Horticulture Program at horticulture@maine.gov or by calling 207-287-3891.
Shipping Greenery Tips - Save time and money by sending healthy plant material and knowing shipping and labeling requirements and be sure to send holiday cheer, not pests.
Habitat Friendly Alternatives
Look for decorations with native species in them like winterberry holly - Ilex verticillata, (not the Smooth Winterberry Holly - a species of concern), red twig dogwood, or American mountain ash.
Share Nature Note with your friends, family, teachers, scouts, and anyone you think might be interested. Here is how they can sign up for a free subscription:
Read back issues online.
Suggest a topic by email; put Nature Note in Subject line and email Jocelyn Hubbell.
|
