Japanese Barberry removal on East Unit of Hiawatha National Forest

By Janel Crooks on Jun 6, 2010

Upon discovering this invasive plant on the National Forest, a team of employees pulls five pick-up truck loads. The pulled plants will be burned to reduce the possibility of re-seeding.

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a dense, spiny shrub that grows 2-8 feet high. It has been reported as an invasive in twenty states and the District of Columbia. This plant is sold by nurseries for landscaping purposes due to its ornamental interest. Unfortunately, it has a relatively high germination rate (seeds estimated as high as 90%) and has the ability to overtake native plant habitat. This plant is also shade tolerant and drought resistant. Ecological threats include its ability to alter soil pH, nitrogen levels, and biological activity of soils along with displacing native plants and reduce wildlife habitat and forage. Spread of this invasive occurs via avian dispersal

In mid-May Japanese Barberry was observed on the Hiawatha East National Forest by AJ Smith and Sean Sullivan while planting White Pine seedlings along the Northeast side of the Brevort River. An investigation of the matter occurred on 5/26/10 and yielded approximately 15 Japanese Barberry masses. After researching the plant, it was determined that the best method of removal is to manually remove the plants. A team was assembled by Steve Sjogren (Wildlife Biologist) and headed by Wildlife Technician Tiffany Radka to remove the plant from the area.

The team set out on 6/22/10 to remove the Japanese Barberry. The team consisted of Tiffany Radka, Allene Smith, Erik Larson, Veronica Eiseman, Chad Peplinski, AJ Smith, Sean Sullivan and Cory Wagner. Large plants were pruned to a manageable size. Root systems of all plants found were dug out and removed from the area. 30 large contractor bags of Japanese Barberry were removed. This was a total of 59 plants that filled the back of 4 pick up trucks. The entire removal process took about 5 hours to complete.

From here, the plants will be transported to Raco for burning. A follow-up will occur later in the summer or next spring to determine if the plant becomes reestablished. By removing this invasive, we hope that native species will take back areas where they once flourished and enhance wildlife habitat and foraging areas along the east side of the Brevort River.