The Van Buren Conservation District is asking Southwest Michigan residents to be on the lookout for an invasive plant that’s been spreading around the region.
Jena Johnson with the CISMA Team of the district tells us cinnamon vine has been found at around 40 sites.
“It’s a thin vine that spirals counterclockwise,” Johnson said. “It has small, spiky white, greenish-yellow flowers that smell like cinnamon, heart-shaped leaves that are kind of distinctly shiny.”
Johnson says the cinnamon vine spreads quickly and can crowd out native vegetation. It’s most likely to be found in areas that have been disturbed.
“Let’s say there’s some land clearing. You cut down a bunch of trees because you want to build something. That’s an example of disturbance, and invasive species like to move in at those sites. And then also it likes wet, moist areas.”
Johnson says everyone should check out some photos of the cinnamon vine and keep their eyes peeled. Anyone who spots it is asked to take a photo and contact the Van Buren Conservation District.
Johnson also advises those who have been outdoors to brush off their boots before heading to another outdoor area to avoid spreading invasives.
