One of the surest signs that spring has arrived each year is the blooming of the Bradford pear trees. Widely planted as a street tree, in the parking lots of malls and offices, and in home landscapes, they’re impossible to miss: oval-canopied trees with a mantle of white flowers so thick that it almost resembles snow.
Once introduced, invasive species spread quickly and aggressively, often because they don’t have natural predators. They then compete with native species for resources.
Some other plants are not recommended for planting because they are considered invasive. Invasive plants have a tendency to spread and disrupt ecosystems in natural areas such as state and national parks and forest preserves.
Do you see those beautiful white flowering trees lining the streets and backyards? These delicate white blossoms, made brighter by the months of winter endured, are actually an environmental hazard to the Illinois wilds. Callery Pear season is upon us.
According to a 2010 tree census conducted by the U.S. Forest Service and The Morton Arboretum, buckthorn is the most common tree in the Chicago region. Common, or European, Buckthorn, and glossy buckthorn were brought to the midwest to be used as hedging material.
Remove and replace buckthorn with recommended native shrubs & trees. Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is an invasive species of shrub or tree, reaching up to 30 ft. high.
