new invasive in the mountains

[Rich]

There are recent reports of Ranunculus ficaria (Ficaria verna), which goes by the common name of buttercup fig or lesser celandine, in Sosebee Cove in the Chattahoochee National Forest. This is a very aggressive species that could quickly overwhelm Sosebee Cove and potentiallyinvade other botanically rich areas nearby such as the Coosa Bald Research Natural Area.

There is additional information at http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/rafi1.htm

This is a rather nasty species that can completely blanket the ground. We should heed Barney's advice and "Nip it in the bud."  

BotSoc members, you will see an initial planning effort for a workday next spring to start the process of control/eradication in our September Newsletter.

[mikepaddler]

This could indeed be terrible news for Sosebee Cove and perhaps other wonderlands in North Georgia.  Keep us posted.