plant profile - Tallgrass Restoration LLC

Dense, leafy green trees fill the background behind a grassy park lawn.

Plant Profile: Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

October 2, 2026 Plant ProfileTallgrassWeeds

If you were to ask an ecologist to name the most problematic invasive species in our woodlands, they very well might mention buckthorn first. There are a variety of traits that this species has that helps it outcompete and displace…

A dense field of tall, feathery grasses with green foliage and trees in the background, under a clear blue sky. A house is partially visible in the upper right corner.

Plant Profile: Common Reed (Phragmites australis)

September 1, 2026 Plant ProfileTallgrassWeeds

When you come across a wall of the invasive common reed (Phragmites australis) you can’t help but marvel at how tall and dense the monocultures of this grass can get. This aggressive invader can now be found in wetlands and…

A close-up of green leaves and clusters of small, white flowers, likely Japanese knotweed, in a sunlit outdoor setting with tall grasses in the background.

Plant Profile: Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)

August 1, 2026 Plant ProfileTallgrassWeeds

Most of our invasive, non-native weeds can be quite aggressive, but few seem to be able to thrive in the variety of conditions that Japanese knotweed can tolerate. While it may prefer to be in a sunny area with moist…

Teasel, Dipsacus sp dries 2nd year seed heads in winter.

Plant Profile: Teasel (Dipsacus sp.)

July 1, 2026 Plant ProfileTallgrassWeeds

Not every invasive weed stands out, but teasel with its marshmallow stuck to a trident appearance is very noticeable. This weed is very easy to spot; it has spread far and wide throughout much of the United States. Even in…

Monotypic stand of flowering yellow sweet clover Melilotus officinalis.

Plant Profile: Sweet Clover (Melilotus sp.)

June 1, 2026 Plant ProfileTallgrassWeeds

When we are working in a natural area, people will frequently ask our crews what we are doing, and why. Seeing a plant with delicate white or yellow flowers being removed or treated with herbicide often raises questions. A weed…

Callery pear, pyrus calleryana close up of white stinky flowers in spring.

Plant Profile: Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

May 15, 2026 Plant ProfileTallgrassWeeds

Parking lots, planted medians, local parks, lining streets, and around homes and businesses are all places where decorative Callery or Bradford pear trees have been planted. It’s easy to understand why they were so commonly used as they can tolerate…

Plant Profile: Crown Vetch (Securigera varia)

May 5, 2025 Plant ProfileTallgrassWeeds

If you’re a gardener or a friend to bees, you may have been tempted to plant crown vetch in your flower beds. It grows quickly, it’s easy to take care of, and its flowers are pretty and prolific. Yet while…