Increasing Invasion of Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara and Grande and Change in the Understory Community across Eight Years in a Fragmented Illinois Woodland

Increasing Invasion of Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara and Grande and Change in the Understory Community across Eight Years in a Fragmented Illinois Woodland

Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara and Grande, a European biennial herb, has been a serious invader of natural areas and woodland communities of North America where it has been blamed for decreases in native species richness and community complexity. Most studies are conducted in places where strong impacts are already apparent. Studies analyzing the role of invasive species in pushing native species towards extinction or extirpation and documentation of invasion history are needed. This study was conducted at a previously grazed woodlot of second growth hardwood.