Oregon Grape

lschultz • February 11, 2020

The invasive species Oregon Grape is an evergreen shrub that may reach 4 to 6 feet in height and 3 to 4 feet in width.  This shrub has large, pinnately compound leaves with 9 to 13 spiny leaflets.  The shrub is multi-stemmed and the bark is corky.  Fragrant, yellow flowers appear in winter.  Small, black fruits hang in grape-like clusters and mature in May and June. Oregon Grape likes to take root in partial shade and moist soils. This invasive shrub colonizes by seeds that are dispersed by birds and mammals.

So far this invasive species hasn’t taken root that much in the great lakes state but is taking hold in other parts of the world like Europe.  When comparing different treatment methods of eradicating invasive species which include manual removal and, herbicide application scientists reported herbicide leaf treatment is the most effective method. Manual removal by digging and treating stems with the herbicide chemical glyphosate shows medium effectiveness. Treating stems with a saturated salt solution appeared rather cosmetic. However, it’s not that easy to choose which method would be the best to work with, since with herbicide use there are non-target effects on the environment, economy, and society to be considered.

MUCC’s On the Water program is working with Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dunes Preserve​ to target this invasive that is possibly taking residency in this dunes preserve along Lake Michigan. Keep a lookout for an invasive species removal project coming soon in this area!

On the Water’s funding from Consumers Energy’s Planet grant comes to an end this September. If you like whatOTW is creating and want this program to continue please let us know! OTW unquestionably wants to advance as a program, connect and form partnerships that improve watersheds around the state of Michigan, but we can’t do this without your support.

The post Oregon Grape appeared first on Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Recent Posts

By Justin Tomei May 8, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) met for their May meeting today at Lansing Community College West Campus. The commission voted to return antlered opportunities to the Independence and Liberty hunts at the May Natural Resources Commission meeting. The amendment to restore this opportunity passed after Commissioner Walters withdrew his amendment from April to only partially restore antlered opportunity during these hunts. MUCC testified for the complete restoration of antlered opportunity during these two hunts, per a member passed policy from our 2025 Annual Convention. The commission also voted on, and ultimately accepted, a proposal to allow archery antlerless take in the high snowfall zone in the Upper Peninsula. Additionally, the commission also chose to leave on the table and postpone indefinitely the order to reopen the illegally partially closed coyote season. This prevents the order from dying after today's meeting and makes it eligible for action at a later date. This amendment will remain postponed until the June meeting at the earliest.  MUCC has created the Coyote Coalition to assist in unifying the voice of conservationists in support of Proposal G. To join the Coyote Coalition, visit https://www.mucc.org/coyotecoalition . The commission did adopt proposed fall turkey regulations unanimously. The June commission meeting is Thursday, June 12 in Bay City. To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC .
By Olivia Triltsch May 8, 2025
In total, volunteers improved about 6 acres of habitat and planted around 6,000 trees in this stand to continue regeneration.
By Katelyn Helsel May 7, 2025
Our student volunteers have been hard at work improving wildlife habitat on public lands! MUCC’s On the Ground Junior (OTG Jr.) program, a subset of the On the Ground program, is a fully funded field trip program that brings grade-school classrooms into the outdoors to improve fish and wildlife habitat in their local communities. Through activities like native plantings, brush pile building, and invasive species removal, students gain hands-on experience with conservation and positively impact the world around them. Students also participate in educational activities like predator-prey tag to teach them about population dynamics and other natural resources concepts. So far this spring season, MUCC welcomed 69 students, teachers, and chaperones who participated in multiple OTG Jr projects with more on the way! In total, they improved over 12 acres of wildlife habitat. Read on for a recap of each OTG Jr project and see what all our awesome student volunteers have been up to. 
More Posts