Non-native plant and invasive species, the Yellow Starthistle
Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partners are constantly working to prevent the spread of non-native plants and invasive species that threaten the ecosystem on the Landmarks, one of which is yellow starthistle. Over the last 6 years, the Invasive Control team has been working hard to reduce the yellow starthistle population at two particular areas in the northern portion of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. So far, their efforts have been successful, indicated by a significant decrease in plants at one site and a near eradication of plants at the other.
This non-native plant is a serious emerging invasive species with spiny, yellow flowers and leaves extending down the stem that gives a winged appearance. Because yellow starthistle propagates rapidly and reproduces very quickly, with tens of thousands of seeds annually, the plant can spread fast and cause issues like crowding out native plant species, depleting soil moisture reserves, decreasing biodiversity, and creating a less resilient natural community.
This non-native plant is a serious emerging invasive species with spiny, yellow flowers and leaves extending down the stem that gives a winged appearance. Because yellow starthistle propagates rapidly and reproduces very quickly, with tens of thousands of seeds annually, the plant can spread fast and cause issues like crowding out native plant species, depleting soil moisture reserves, decreasing biodiversity, and creating a less resilient natural community.
In addition, the yellow starthistle species is an annual plant, meaning they grow in the summer months, and die in the fall, potentially leaving fields of dead plants, leading to more vulnerable habitats that can be threatened by wildfire. This can change the fire ecology by adding more fuel for wildfires allowing them to spread faster and burn hotter.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is always looking for ways to protect, restore, and enhance the natural environment; eradicating invasive species, such as this one, is a top priority. Their invasive control work to treat the yellow starthistle includes members of the Conservancy and volunteers monitoring areas where they find this species. Once they find a threat, they hand-pull and dispose of the plant. The summer season is the busiest, as they try to treat areas before these plants flower and drop their seeds. They don’t want these seeds to get picked up by the wind and spreading far.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partner, OC Parks, are still in the treatment process of this project, working diligently to help prevent the spread of the invasive yellow starthistle on the Landmarks. Volunteers interested in helping with this initiative, as well as other upcoming restoration projects, can learn more about becoming a volunteer on LetsGoOutside.org.
For more information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy is always looking for ways to protect, restore, and enhance the natural environment; eradicating invasive species, such as this one, is a top priority. Their invasive control work to treat the yellow starthistle includes members of the Conservancy and volunteers monitoring areas where they find this species. Once they find a threat, they hand-pull and dispose of the plant. The summer season is the busiest, as they try to treat areas before these plants flower and drop their seeds. They don’t want these seeds to get picked up by the wind and spreading far.
Irvine Ranch Conservancy and its partner, OC Parks, are still in the treatment process of this project, working diligently to help prevent the spread of the invasive yellow starthistle on the Landmarks. Volunteers interested in helping with this initiative, as well as other upcoming restoration projects, can learn more about becoming a volunteer on LetsGoOutside.org.
For more information about the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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