Species:
Lygodium japonicum
Common Name:
Japanese climbing fern
Systems Affected (standardized):
forest/woodland, riparia/aquatic
Regions(s) present (updated by AB):
SE
Impacts:
Smothers native vegetation by blocking sunlight and increases fire risk by allowing fire to spread up trees along its vines. Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
Host damage
Modification of fire regime
Modification of successional patterns
Monoculture formation
Negatively impacts agriculture
Negatively impacts forestry
Negatively impacts livelihoods
Negatively impacts tourism
Reduced native biodiversity
Threat to/ loss of endangered species
Threat to/ loss of native species
Damages animal/plant products
Source? likely to be reintroduced:
Cultivation as an ornamental has been the primary vector for the introduction of L. japonicum to regions outside of its natural range. It has been cultivated in the southeastern USA since the late 1800s.
Info Blurb:
Smothers native vegetation by blocking sunlight and increases fire risk by allowing fire to spread up trees. Cultivated as an ornamental.
Native Regions in OK:
NONE
Current and past designations:
OWL
Present in OK?
Yes
Present in Bordering States?
TX, AR, LA
Has Legal Status in BS?
NONE