The tree of heaven, a non-native invasive tree that is a primary food source, mating spot and egg-laying location for the equally invasive spotted lanternfly, could soon be targeted as one of the most noxious weeds in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee is scheduled to consider adding the tree of heaven to the state’s Class B Noxious Weed List at its April 25 meeting.
That listing would authorize the department of Agriculture to take action to eradicate injurious infestations and prevent sales of the species.
Also known as Chinese sumac, stinking sumac and tree of hell, the native of Asia spreads rapidly through the hundreds of thousands of seeds produced by each tree and through vegetative sprouting.
Tree of heaven can grow into large clonal colonies along forest edges, fields and roadsides. In addition to crowding out native species, the roots of the tree of heaven produce chemicals that prevent other plant species from growing nearby.
The spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper native to Southeast Asia, was first discovered in the U.S. in Berks County in 2014. In addition to spreading into 13 Pennsylvania counties since then, the insect was found in in Frederick County, Virginia, in 2017, and in Hunterdon, Mercer and Warren counties in New Jersey in 2018.
Spotted lanternflies feed on the sap of a plant and when there are high populations of them, they can cause significant damage. They feed on more than 70 species of plants, including important forestry and agricultural crops.
Also on the committee’s agenda is classifying European frogbit, European water chestnut and water primrose as Class A Noxious Weeds, and changing hydrilla from Class A to Class B.
Preventing new infestations and eradicating existing infestations of Class A Noxious Weeds are high priority for the department.
Public comment on the plan will be accepted until April 25 by email to RA-plant@pas.gov or by mail to the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry Noxious Weed Program, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The meeting will be held at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, starting at 1 p.m.
Homeowners with questions about treatment, including approved sprays, can learn more through Penn State Extension Spotted Lanternflywebpage.
For more information about the spotted lanternfly, visit the Department of Agriculture’s Spotted Lanternfly webpage.