Native Vines Valuable wildlife plant or forest villain?

摘要

Take a walk in any natural area throughout our region of New York State and you are almost certain to find at least one of three common vines growing. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and Wild grape (Vitis spp) are ubiquitous in the landscape. They are so common and relatively easy to identify that even when people learn to recognize them by leaf, fruit or vine they don't give them a second glance. All three native plants provide important benefits for native wildlife, but at the same time they may have undesirable impacts for people and on the ecosystem they inhabit. For good or bad they are here to stay; they are widespread and if you spend any time in the outdoors you will certainly encounter them.