Community Workday – Saturday, January 11 from 1 to 3 pm

Meet at the Saxapahaw Island Park at 1 pm

Let’s Eradicate Invasive Chinese Privet from the Island!

Friends,

Meet in the Saxapahaw Island Park parking lot at 1 pm this coming Saturday for our regular Second Saturdays Workday. The work session will be from 1 to 3 pm.

Bring: pruning saws of all kinds, loppers, pruning shears, 1-2 chainsaws, work gloves, water and snacks.

Chinese Privet

Our Task: We'll continue the work of removing invasive Chinese Privet plants. We'll cut larger privet plants at their bases and fold cut plants into low areas on the island. Seedlings and small privet plants can easily be pulled up and deposited into low areas. This marks the 4th year of privet work on the island. We should complete the removal of most privet plants this winter. This work session will go a long way toward reaching this goal. While there will always be small privet plants to remove from the island, this first clearing is the most important and will make future work sessions much easier.

Here's a short description of Chinese Privet from the NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina

This plant is problematic and alternatives should be considered when planting shrubs.

Chinese privet is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub in the olive family (Oleaceae) and is native to Asia. It was introduced to this country in 1852 as an ornamental but has become invasive, especially in the eastern and southern USA.

This shrub can grow 6-15 feet tall and wide and tolerates various soils. it prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. This aggressive shrub is capable of overtaking native plants and becoming a monoculture. It produces many seeds and also spreads by suckers creating thickets. Once established, it is very difficult to eradicate.

This plant flowers in the late spring and its malodorous flowers are offensive to many people. The purple drupes that follow are eaten by birds and mammals further helping to spread the seeds. The plant can be pruned, however, keep in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on new growth.

Thank you for helping to beautify Saxapahaw! The next workday is scheduled for February 8 from 1 to 3 pm. Stay tuned for details!