In studies published by institutions like Nature and the National Institutes of Health, it’s been established that Google Trends can be used to track the outbreak of infectious diseases, as one of the first things that people do when they feel ill is to consult search engines to find out about their symptoms.
With that in mind, we took a dive into Google Trends to write about the most-commonly searched-for terms related to removing invasive plants in New York State in the last five years. Included with each is a little more background on each.
If you’re having trouble with invasive species like poison ivy, wisteria, garlic mustard and more on your property in the Hudson Valley, give us a call at 845-687-9528!
1. Poison Ivy
By far, the most commonly searched-for invasive plant in New York State is Poison Ivy. Although Poison Ivy is native to the US, most people consider it invasive.
Traditionally, searches for poison ivy spike in the last week of May into the first week of June. Volume remains very high throughout June and slowly decreases until dying out in October. We have published a lot of content about how to identify poison ivy. The most important factor for dealing with it is early detection. The vine can be a master of deception, adapting to its surroundings and climbing nearby trees. It can thrive in both sun and shade, making it a versatile threat to your yard and to the surrounding natural area.
2. Wisteria
Wisteria is a formidable second-place finisher for the most-Googled invasive plant.
Searches for wisteria typically top out in early to mid-May, and otherwise remain low. It has gained quite a foothold in the Hudson Valley, with strangling vines that pose a serious threat to our local ecosystems. Its aggressive growth pattern allows it to take over forests by suffocating trees and layer the ground with its thick, fibrous roots. It can create an impenetrable tangle with its runners; removal requires severing deep taproots from the mother plant and implementing ongoing maintenance to prevent regrowth.
3. Garlic Mustard
Searches for garlic mustard spike massively alongside wisteria in early to mid-May.
Garlic mustard is one of the most pervasive invasives in the Hudson Valley; it rapidly can overtake environments like forests, trails and yards. It has a two-year life cycle, beginning as a low-growing rosette before shooting up into a stalked plant with small, white flowers and bean-like seed pods. The seeds can remain viable for up to five years. It has strong adaptability and a track record of outcompeting native plants. The best strategy for removal is persistent hand-pulling, particularly after the rain, before the seeds can mature.
4. Tree of Heaven
Tree of Heaven is a later bloomer than many of the others on this list; searches tend to spike sometime in August.
It’s one of the most aggressive and resilient invasive species out there, notorious for rapid growth and ability to outcompete our local native plants. It’s sometimes mistaken for native sumac or black walnut, and it can spread aggressively with dense groves. It’s also a “match made in heaven” for the spotted lanternfly, which is reaching critical levels as it feeds on the forests and plants of the Mid-Hudson Valley.
Cutting down a Tree of Heaven without addressing its roots will only worsen the problem, as it will continue to sprout new shoots. To fully remove it, the entire root system must be dug up along with the tree. Additionally, these trees communicate with one another—if too many are cut down at once, mature females respond by releasing an astonishing number of seeds. We’ve witnessed this firsthand.
5. Japanese Knotweed
New York searches for Japanese Knotweed tend to spike in May.
It’s one of the most relentless invasives in the region, and it’s capable of devastating ecosystems and even property values. It has bamboo-like stems, heart-shaped leaves, and delicate white flowers; it can form dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation, degrade wetlands, and provide little to no habitat for wildlife. Once it’s established, it will spread aggressively, requiring long-term persistence for removal. If you come across it, you should dig it up while it’s young before it can establish deep root systems. For large-scale infestations, professional removal is key.
6. Virginia Creeper
Searches for Virginia Creeper typically explode in the last week of May and in early June. Like Poison Ivy, Virginia Creeper is also native to the US.
It’s often mistaken for poison ivy due to its ability to cause skin irritation, but the key distinction in identifying Virginia Creeper is that it has five leaflets instead of three. Some gardeners intentionally plant it for its red vibrant autumn foliage, but its aggressive spreading can quickly smother other vegetation, climb trees, and even damage buildings. It requires diligent pruning to manage, but many homeowners opt to completely remove it to prevent it from overwhelming the landscape.
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