Biocontrol Research Aimed At Control Of Black Swallow-Wort

When: Thursday, August 13 at 6 pm
Where: Cross Mills Public Library, 4417 Old Post Rd., Charlestown
Who: Lisa Tewksbury, Biological Control Lab Director, URI Department of Plant Sciences and Entomology

Join Lisa Tewksbury for a look at black swallow-wort, an aggressive invasive vine spreading through Rhode Island fields, forests, and gardens-and the biocontrol research underway to bring it under control.

From the URI website: “Swallow-worts are invasive vines native to Europe that were introduced into North America in the 19th century, and quickly spread along the East Coast and into Canada. Not only do they outcompete native species and alter soil chemistry, but they harm Monarch butterfly populations. Because swallow-wort is so closely related to milkweed, Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on swallow-wort leaves, but when the eggs hatch the larvae are unable to survive on the plant.”

Link to help identify black swallow-wort.

For questions about the presentation contact Cross Mills Public Library at (401) 364-6211

Banner image shows some some key features for identification of black swallow-wort:

• Flowers: Small, 5-petaled star-shaped flowers ranging in color from dark purple to near-black with tiny hairs on the upper surface.
• Leaves: Opposite, dark green, shiny, and oval to lance-shaped with pointed tips.
• Growth Habit: Herbaceous twining vine that climbs surrounding vegetation up to 6–10 feet high.
• Seed Pods: Slender, smooth, milkweed-like pods that turn brown and split open in late summer, releasing feathery wind-borne seeds.