Is this an invasive species on the dunes just north of Needle Rush Walk?
Another invasive species — Chinese Tallow tree — is threatening the biodiversity of Dewees Island!
The South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council has designated Chinese Tallow tree as a “severe threat” (the only invasive tree with this highest threat designation). The Nature Conservancy has designated Chinese tallow as one of the “ten worst alien plant invaders” in the United Sates.
Facts:
This non-native aggressive tree grows quickly and can shade out native plants reducing diversity.
Mature trees produce abundant fall fruit that are consumed by birds and spread quickly through bird droppings.
Chinese tallow can tolerate freshwater and saline soils.
A chemical is produced from its decomposing leaves which prevent nearby plant growth.
Dense stands of large Tallow trees have a high water demand during the growing season, causing dewatering of depression wetlands.
Chinese Tallowtree colonization was aggressive on Bull Island after 1989 Hurricane Hugo and on Capers Island after the 2007 wildfire.
For more information please see the attached document and visit http://www.se-eppc.org/southcarolina/scinvasives.pdf
Removal:
If you would like information on how to remove Chinese Tallow tree from your lot on Dewees Island please contact the Director of Environmental Education, Lori Sheridan Wilson, at 843-568-3994 or lori@deweesislandpoa.org
Calling All Volunteers!
If you would like to help remove Chinese Tallow tree in the conservation areas on Dewees Island please plan on attending a volunteer work day. Volunteers are needed to pull seedlings, cut trees, and apply herbicide. Please RSVP with Lori, 843-568-3994 or lori@deweesislandpoa.org. All help is greatly appreciated!
Volunteer Days:
November: Wednesday 12 & 19 and Friday 14.
December: Wednesday 3 & 10 and Friday 5 & 12
Aloha Lori,
my name is Dr. James Leary and I am an asistant specialist in invasive weed management at the University of Hawaii. I am currently developing a new technology called ‘Herbicide Ballistic Technology (HBT)’ designed for accurate long-range delivery of herbicide aliquots to incipient weeds in difficult to reach areas. Please google ‘Herbicide Ballistic Technology’ to preview video logs of HBT in action. In the future this type of application may be useful to your efforts. thank you for your attention.
FYI: the grass in the photo looks very much like Pampas grass Cortaderia jubata or Cortaderia selloana, which are extremely invasive.
Have a nice day.