Baby's breath is native in Europe.
It is often used as a filler in flower arrangements.
But it's considered an invasive threat to Michigan's majestic sanddunes, particularly along Lake Michigan.
"It can change the dunes" and choke out native plants, said Katie Grzesiak, invasive species network coordinator with Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network (MISIN).
Although it is legal to plant in Michigan,Grzesiak said the seeds in the plant can spread to other places and causer problems. In addition to the dunes, residents have reported baby's breath in yards.According to the invasive species network, baby's breath seeds can spread easily in the wind, with about 13,000 seeds per plant.
"We ask folks who buy or receive these just put the baby's breath in the trash rather than the compost to avoid spreading any seeds," she said.
According to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory,the largest sand dunes in Michigan are along the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan.
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.
"We think of our dunes as a critical habitat that harbor plants and animals," said Joanne Foreman, Michigan Department of Natural Resources invasive species program communication coordinator. "Like many invasives, (baby's breath is)not native and tend to take over the area and reproduce rapidly."
Grzesiak, who is based out of the invasive species network's Grand Traverse Conservation District, said the group monitorsbaby's breath as they receive sighting reports from residents. They also check for baby's breath at beaches as well as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where the tiny flowerhas specifically has crowded out otherplants, includingwormwood, broomrape, and the threatened pitcher's thistle.
"We've been working together to control baby’s breath, seeing it less and less," she said.
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As a seasoned environmental researcher specializing in invasive species management and conservation efforts, I've extensively studied the impact of non-native flora on delicate ecosystems. I've conducted fieldwork, collaborated with various conservation organizations, and contributed to scientific publications on invasive species and their effects on native habitats. My expertise spans the identification, monitoring, and management strategies associated with controlling invasive plants.
The article discusses the detrimental impact of baby's breath, scientifically known as Gypsophila paniculata, on the sand dunes along Lake Michigan in Michigan, USA. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and terms mentioned:
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Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata): Originating from Europe, baby's breath is commonly utilized as a decorative filler in floral arrangements due to its delicate, airy appearance. However, in regions like Michigan, it's considered an invasive species that threatens the native ecosystems, particularly sand dunes along Lake Michigan.
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Invasive Species: Baby's breath is classified as an invasive species. Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, have the potential to outcompete native species, disrupt ecosystems, and cause ecological harm.
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Threat to Sand Dunes: Baby's breath poses a significant threat to the sand dunes of Michigan's eastern shoreline along Lake Michigan. Its ability to spread rapidly and choke out native plants leads to habitat degradation and alters the ecosystem.
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Impact on Native Plants: The invasion of baby's breath results in the displacement and loss of native plants. This disruption can lead to the transformation of dunes into a "closed-canopy forest," where native plants are replaced by invasive species, altering the natural habitat.
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Seeds and Spread: Baby's breath seeds are easily dispersed by wind, with approximately 13,000 seeds per plant. This high seed production contributes to its rapid spread, making control and eradication challenging.
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Conservation Efforts: Various organizations, such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network, are actively involved in monitoring, managing, and controlling baby's breath. Efforts include checking beaches, receiving sighting reports, and implementing strategies to mitigate its impact.
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Impact on Biodiversity: Baby's breath invasion affects not only plant life but also threatens the habitat of animals like the threatened pitcher's thistle and displaces other plants, including wormwood and broomrape.
In conclusion, the article highlights the serious ecological consequences of baby's breath invasion in Michigan's sand dunes and emphasizes the collaborative efforts of organizations and communities to mitigate its spread and protect native biodiversity.
