Volunteer dedicated to removing invasive plant

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)– Flowers are blooming, colors are becoming more vibrant, and the air is filled with a fresh scent of spring, but one invasive species is gaining traction and is threatening Mid-Michigan’s springtime sights & smells.

Carolyn Miller, a volunteer at the Eaton Conservation District is a mid-Michigan native trying to get rid of a non-native & invasive plant species called ‘Ficaria Verna,’ more commonly known as ‘Lesser celandine.’

“Spring is very special with all our native plants and our spring ephemeral. And that has my heart. And to see it get smothered by this invasive plant, it’s sad,” Miller said.

Miller said, lesser celandine started emerging about two months ago, even though she’s seen it since 2016.

It has a yellow flower, leaves about the size of a half dollar, and loves to grow in lowland wet areas.

“We know it’s along the Grand River, so we’re just trying to find those pockets. And if we can try to control it and further prevent it from spreading further down the river,” Miller said.

According to Miller, the biggest reason why she wants to get rid of this invasive plant – is because it ends up covering up and preventing any new native plants from growing.

“It makes a complete blanket, and it prevents our native species from actually coming up and there’s no food source in it whatsoever for our native insects, so to speak, or are other native fauna as well,” Miller said.

And so, she’s taking the job of fighting back the invasive species into her own hands… Literally.

“So, I have my applicator’s license. But right now, the magic percentage of glyphosate is 1 to 3%,” Miller said.

“Anything more will burn the plant. It’ll burn the leaves, but the tuber still stays strong and just comes right back again.”

Miller recommends not trying to take care of this plant yourself.

If you or someone you know has seen Ficaria Verna, you can report it at www.Misin.Msu.Edu

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