Category «Masters of War»

Masters of War: Garlic Mustard

We’re here to talk about our monthly Michigan invasive species, which is in full spring frenzy as we speak. Name: Alliaria petiolata, commonly called garlic mustard. Native Range: Europe Description: Garlic mustard is an herbaceous plant (meaning it has no woody stems) that smells like garlic when you crush the leaves. The first year, it …

Masters of War: Rusty Crayfish

Today’s featured Michigan invasive species is one that I am intimately familiar with since I used them for my graduate school thesis experiments, which I’ll tell you all about another time. This species is the rusty crayfish, and the State of Michigan is serious about controlling their population, for reasons you will learn below. Name: Orconectes …

Masters of War: Phragmites australis

Here’s our first monthly “Masters of War” series post, which highlights invasive species in Michigan so you can recognize and help report them. I thought we’d start off with this particular plant since our first featured scientist, Jake Bonello, spends a lot of time mapping its location and treating it. Name: Phragmites australis, commonly called Phrag …