AUTUMN-OLIVE--

This plant, a deciduous shrub from 3-20 feet in size, is an invasive species native to China and Japan.  It was introduced into North America in 1830.

It invades open fields and woodland edges and forms a dense shrub layer which displaces native species.  It spreads by birds dropping the undigested seeds from its bright red berries and will completely close open areas if left unchecked.

Besides it's fairly transparent berries it can be identified by its oblong, crinkled-edge leaves with their dotted and silvery undersides.

We saw dreadful expanses of this plant at the "Wilds" in southeastern Ohio this summer.  It also is being fought at the Gorman Nature Center where volunteers often help eradicate the plant.

Saturday, Fogeyisms will feature a recent visit to the center for a Senior Nature Walk led by naturalist Jan Ferrell.  We hope you will tune in and enjoy our romp across some of their 150 acres.