Source: Ellen Crocker, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources assistant professor 

The University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources has released a Field Guide to Kentucky's Invasive Plants, a comprehensive resource aimed at helping landowners, conservationists and forestry professionals identify and manage invasive plant species across the state. 

This guide provides detailed profiles of the most prevalent invasive trees, shrubs, vines, grasses and herbaceous plants that threaten Kentucky's ecosystems. Each species is presented with full-color photographs, information about its origins, distribution, threats to native biodiversity and effective control methods. From the hardy callery pear to the pervasive kudzu vine, the guide highlights the threats these species pose to forests, fields and waterways. 

The book also emphasizes practical management techniques, offering guidance on hand removal, herbicide application and integrated approaches tailored to site-specific conditions. Special attention is given to balancing ecological health with practical land management goals, ensuring that users can address invasive species responsibly and effectively. 

The Field Guide draws on a wealth of expertise from contributors across specific regions, including the board members of the Kentucky Invasive Plant Council. It builds on an earlier pocket guide with updated content and new species profiles, reflecting the evolving landscape of invasive plant management. 

Key features include: 

• Species profiles: Clear descriptions and images to help with identification. 

• Control strategies: Step-by-step recommendations, from manual removal to chemical treatments. 

• Regional relevance: Focused on the invasive plants most common to Kentucky and neighboring states. 

Whether you’re a landowner grappling with autumn olive or a forest manager tackling multiflora rose, this guide serves as a practical reference for maintaining healthy ecosystems. As invasive plants spread, these resources are critical in equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to protect their natural heritage. 

To obtain your field guide visit https://forestry.ca.uky.edu/articles/for177-field-guide-kentuckys-invasive-plants or contact your local (COUNTY NAME) Extension office. 

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The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment news and communications team provides monthly Extension Exclusives in the categories of Horticulture, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 4-H and Family & Consumer Sciences. To see more exclusives, visit https://exclusives.ca.uky.edu.   

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