Invasive Species Alert
Posted on August 15, 2025
Chikaming Open Lands was recently notified by CISMA that two species on Michigan’s Invasive Species Watchlist, parrot feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) and cinnamon vine (Dioscorea polystachya), have been documented in Berrien County. CISMA (Southwest by Southwest Corner Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area) works to protect natural resources in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties from the threat of invasive species.
The sightings, confirmed through the community science platform iNaturalist, were on property not owned by COL but close enough to put our stewardship team on alert.
Why This Matters
Watchlist species are not yet widespread in Michigan, but they have the potential to cause significant environmental harm if they spread. Early detection is critical, as finding and reporting them early gives us the best chance to stop them before they become established. If you’ve heard about the spotted lanternfly, another species on the state’s watchlist, you know how quickly invasive species can spread and the damage they can cause to plants, trees, and crops. Parrot feather and cinnamon vine may not be as well-known, but they pose serious risks to our waterways and natural areas.
Parrot Feather is an aquatic plant with bright green, feathery leaves that grow both above and below the water’s surface. Its whorled leaves have 4–6 leaflets each, and stems rise above the water like bottlebrushes. Dense mats of parrot feather can crowd out native plants, disrupt water flow, and reduce habitat for fish and wildlife.
Cinnamon Vine is a vigorous climbing vine with bright green, heart-shaped leaves and small, cinnamon-scented flowers. It produces aerial tubers that resemble tiny potatoes, as well as underground tubers, allowing it to spread rapidly. Once established, it can blanket and smother native vegetation.
What You Can Do
Invasive species are easiest to manage when they are first introduced, since it is much easier to mange just a few plants, instead of acres of them. Because of this, early detection is key to protecting our resources! CISMA leans on partners, residents, and citizen scientists to help report emerging species, since they see far more of the county than the CISMA ever will. When you spot invasive species, report them using MISIN!
MISIN, the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network, is program through MSU to help identify and map invasive species throughout the area. Using either the website or the phone app, you can report invasive species locations for managers and municipalities. Or, visit the website to look at what has been reported in your area!
