At first glance, you might recognize Baby’s Breath, its the little white flower that is usually used as a filler flower in bouquets at special events. Very few people know the true negative impact this small flower has had on the dunes regions in the Great Lakes Region particularly along Lake Michigan.
The origin of Babys Breath is uncertain some say a florist in Frankfort Michigan found it and started to use it and its popularity spread nationwide, but that is basically Michigan lore at this point. We do know that its original origins are from Europe and most likely made its way over to North American through humans. What we do know is that it is very established in the dune regions in Michigan and it is causing massive 
problems.
It starts with the structure of the plant. Baby’s Breath has a long and sturdy taproot that when fully matured can reach a few feet into the dunes, this anchors the entire root systems. Then above ground, there is an entire shrub that can grow up to about 3 feet tall it flowers and then once the flowering season has come to an end, the bush snaps off and basically becomes a tumbleweed and with the help of the wind, it disperses the seeds all over the dunes. This distribution method makes monocultures of Babys Breath a very real problem around Lake Michigan. Once the plant is established, Baby’s Breath can spread quickly by its many windblown seeds, since there can be up to 13,000 seeds per plant. Baby’s Breath out-competes native plants and takes over their habitat while providing no food or habitat for native wildlife. Its threatening native plants like wormwood, broomrape, and the threatened Pitcher’s thistle.
According to the Detroit Free Press who recently published an article on this plant,” Invasive plants, such as baby’s breath, often result in the loss of native plants in the dunes that eventually transition into a “closed-canopy forest,” or trees and leaves form a ceiling. ” This is a massive problem when it comes to the biodiversity and ecology of this fragile and ever-evolving region in the Great Lakes.
“It can change the dunes and choke out native plants,” said Katie Grzesiak, invasive species network coordinator with Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (MISIN).
The best way to dispose of Baby’s Breathe is to manually remove the top of the taproot by severing it with a shovel and then disposing of the rest of the plant. The chemical application can also be a successful way of preventing the spread of this invasive. Education is the first step to know what is native to Michigan and what is not. You can get more information here!
I am an environmental enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of invasive plant species, particularly those affecting ecosystems in the Great Lakes Region. My extensive knowledge stems from both academic study and hands-on experience in the field, where I have actively participated in conservation efforts and collaborated with organizations dedicated to preserving native biodiversity.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about Baby's Breath and its negative impact on the dunes regions in the Great Lakes, specifically along Lake Michigan:
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Introduction to Baby's Breath:
- Baby's Breath is a small white flower commonly used as a filler in bouquets at special events.
- The origin of Baby's Breath is uncertain, with some attributing its popularity to a florist in Frankfort, Michigan, although its original roots trace back to Europe.
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Negative Impact on Dunes Regions:
- Baby's Breath has become established in the dune regions of Michigan, particularly along Lake Michigan, causing significant problems.
- The plant's structure includes a long and sturdy taproot that anchors the entire root system and an above-ground shrub that grows up to about 3 feet tall.
- After flowering, the bush becomes a tumbleweed, dispersing seeds across the dunes, leading to the formation of monocultures.
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Reproductive Strategy:
- Baby's Breath can produce up to 13,000 windblown seeds per plant, contributing to its rapid spread.
- The wind dispersal of seeds poses a threat to native plants as Baby's Breath out-competes them, taking over their habitat without providing food or shelter for native wildlife.
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Ecological Impact:
- The invasive nature of Baby's Breath can lead to the loss of native plants, ultimately transforming dunes into a "closed-canopy forest," disrupting the biodiversity and ecology of the region.
- Native plants such as wormwood, broomrape, and the threatened Pitcher’s thistle are particularly at risk.
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Media Coverage and Expert Opinions:
- The Detroit Free Press has highlighted the issue, emphasizing the impact of invasive plants like Baby's Breath on native plant loss in the dunes.
- Katie Grzesiak, an invasive species network coordinator with Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network, stresses the threat posed by Baby's Breath, stating that it can change the dunes and choke out native plants.
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Control and Prevention Measures:
- The article suggests manual removal of Baby's Breath by severing the top of the taproot with a shovel and disposing of the plant.
- Chemical applications are also mentioned as a successful method for preventing the spread of this invasive species.
- Education is emphasized as the first step in addressing the issue, promoting awareness of native plants in Michigan.
In conclusion, addressing the invasive nature of Baby's Breath requires a multifaceted approach, including manual removal, chemical intervention, and public education to mitigate its impact on the fragile ecosystems of the Great Lakes Region.
