John Ervin, Regional Ecologist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, recently discovered an invasion of Lyme Grass (Leymus arenarius (L.) Hochst.(= Elymus arenarius L.) on the shores of Lake Michigan. Areas in which an invasion has been found to date includes Ogden Dunes; and in Whiting just east of Whiting Park and at Whihala Beach County Park.
While this ornamental grass is not noted federally as an invasive species, the State of Wisconsin is very concerned about an invasion in that state, where it appears to be spreading quickly and outcompeting native flora. Following is a link to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources information about this grass:
http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/herbarium/invasive_species/leyare01.htm
According to John, this grass can be distinguished from Marram Grass by its height, which is around 4 feet; and it currently has green seed heads, whereas the Marram Grass has brown seed heads.
John is currently surveying areas for invasions and is planning a control campaign later this summer to help stem the invasion.
Please let John know if you have an invasion of this plant on your shoreline area.
While this ornamental grass is not noted federally as an invasive species, the State of Wisconsin is very concerned about an invasion in that state, where it appears to be spreading quickly and outcompeting native flora. Following is a link to Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources information about this grass:
http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/herbarium/invasive_species/leyare01.htm
According to John, this grass can be distinguished from Marram Grass by its height, which is around 4 feet; and it currently has green seed heads, whereas the Marram Grass has brown seed heads.
John is currently surveying areas for invasions and is planning a control campaign later this summer to help stem the invasion.
Please let John know if you have an invasion of this plant on your shoreline area.
(Thanks to Noel Pavlovic for this photo. He also found Lyme Grass back in 2004 in Miller.)
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