Session 2C: Phenological Differences between Invasive Grasses, Shrubs, and Trees in Comparison to Native Species
Session Number
Session 2C: 1st Presentation
Advisor(s)
Christine Rollinson, Morton Arboretum
Location
Room A151
Start Date
28-4-2017 10:00 AM
End Date
28-4-2017 11:15 AM
Abstract
Invasive species plaguing the United States threaten native species and biodiversity by damaging native habitats. In Illinois, invasives of concern include common buckthorn, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, leafy spurge, and Japanese honeysuckle. Plant phenology is the study of seasonal occurrences in plants, such as the timing of bud bursts or flowers blooming. Previous studies have shown that invasive plants tend to grow for longer periods of time than native plants, and we are further exploring how a species’ functional role in the ecosystem can affect this difference. National Phenology Network data and data collected at the Morton Arboretum will be used to compare invasive and native phenology for several plant functional types (e.g. forbs, shrubs, and trees). Different functional types fill different ecological niches, so this will allow for an improved understanding of the roles invasive species play and how we can better manage them.
Session 2C: Phenological Differences between Invasive Grasses, Shrubs, and Trees in Comparison to Native Species
Room A151
Invasive species plaguing the United States threaten native species and biodiversity by damaging native habitats. In Illinois, invasives of concern include common buckthorn, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, leafy spurge, and Japanese honeysuckle. Plant phenology is the study of seasonal occurrences in plants, such as the timing of bud bursts or flowers blooming. Previous studies have shown that invasive plants tend to grow for longer periods of time than native plants, and we are further exploring how a species’ functional role in the ecosystem can affect this difference. National Phenology Network data and data collected at the Morton Arboretum will be used to compare invasive and native phenology for several plant functional types (e.g. forbs, shrubs, and trees). Different functional types fill different ecological niches, so this will allow for an improved understanding of the roles invasive species play and how we can better manage them.