Ecology and Management of Ranunculus ficaria in Rock Creek Park
Hammerschlag R, Salmons S, Krafft C, Paul M, Hatfield J. 2002. Ecology and Management of Ranunculus ficaria in Rock Creek Park
It will be recalled that the basic problem leading to this project is that R. ficaria, an invasive non-native plant, has been observed to be overspreading the Rock Creek floodplain and in so doing seems to be displacing most of the spring vernal wildflowers that were once prominent. As the basis from which to draw conclusions from this study dealing with the fore-stated problem, the original objectives of the study are being presented again: Test chemical/herbicide treatment efficacies including timing and concentrations, as potential means to manage the extent of and impact from R. ficaria Evaluate the ability of local native species to sustain and/or reestablish themselves following treatment; also, similarly evaluate the potential for non-native species to move in Determine the rate of reestablishment of R. ficaria following treatments Try to determine the means and rate of spread of R. ficaria Evaluate the impact of R. ficaria growth on local plant populations. Two additional objectives evolved during the course of the project: Test the importance of retreatment by respraying half of the plots Bracket the lower herbicide concentration by adding two lower herbicide dosages.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Hammerschlag, Richard; Salmons, Susan; Krafft, Cairn; Paul, Mary; Hatfield, Jeff
- Date of Issue
- 2002
- Units
- ROCR
- Keywords
- ephemeral wildflowers, exotic plants, Ficaria verna, fig buttercup, floodplain, herbicide, invasive plants, lesser celandine, northern floodplain, Ranunculus ficaria, spring wildflowers, vernal wildflowers, wildflowers