FORFS 25-03: Invasive Plant Outreach Series: Defining Invasive Species - Weeding out the Words

By Ellen Crocker, Frannie Preston, and Matthew Springer
Published on Jan. 24, 2025

More people are becoming aware of the problems caused by invasive species. However, there is also confusion about what constitutes an invasive species as well as the meanings of related terms. This factsheet defines what “invasive,” “native,” “non-native,” and other related terms mean.

FORFS 24-10: Tips for Taking Mushroom Photos for Identification

By Ellen Crocker and Megan Buland
Published on Dec. 20, 2024

This guide provides several general tips and guidance on taking photos of mushrooms to better enable their identification. Authors: Casey Bowlin - M.A. Applied Environmental and Sustainability Studies Megan Buland and Ellen Crocker - Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Kentucky

FOR177 - Field Guide to Kentucky's Invasive Plants

By Ellen Crocker
Published on Oct. 11, 2024

Invasive plants are non-native plants that cause ecological, environmental, or economic damage. Because they can spread rapidly and take over, forming dense monocultures, invasive plants threaten the diversity and health of forests, prairies, streams, and other natural areas.

FOR174 - Fall Webworms

By Ellen Crocker
Published on Oct. 31, 2023

Fall webworms are native tent caterpillars that can be found throughout the United States and southern Canada. This species is distinguished by its "tent" constructed at the ends of tree branches, allowing caterpillars to feed gregariously on enclosed foliage.

FOR175 - Woodland Invasive Plant Management Series: Bush Honeysuckle

By Billy Thomas, Ellen Crocker, Jacob Muller, Jeffrey Stringer, and John Cox
Published on Oct. 31, 2023

Several species of Asian bush honeysuckle in the genus Lonicera are invasive in North America. The most common invasive bush honeysuckle species in Kentucky is the Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) but other invasive honeysuckle species include L. morrowii, L. tatarica, L. x bella.

FOR171 - Best Practices for Mushroom Foraging in Kentucky

By Ellen Crocker and Megan Buland
Published on May. 19, 2023

Kentucky is a great place to forage wild mushrooms. Its extensive forests are home to many different edible fungi including morels, chanterelles, lions' mane, chicken of the woods, oyster mushrooms, and more. While mushroom hunting is a great hobby, it is not without risks.

PPFS-OR-H-11-Common Problems of Annuals and Perennials: An Index

By Ellen Crocker
Published on Aug. 2, 2021

Authors: Ellen Crocker, Jamie Dockery, Nicole Ward Gauthier, 

PPFS-OR-W-31-Common Problems of Common Shrubs: An Index

By Ellen Crocker
Published on Jul. 19, 2021

Authors: Ellen Crocker, Jamie Dockery, Nicole Ward Gauthier, 

FORFS20-03 - American Chestnut

By Ellen Crocker
Published on Oct. 14, 2020

Ellen Crocker Assistant Professor, Forest Health Extension 101 Dimock Animal Pathology Lexington, KY 40546 (859) 257-3040

FORFS20-01 - Laurel Wilt Disease & Redbay Ambrosia Beetle

By Ellen Crocker
Published on Jul. 23, 2020

Ellen Crocker Assistant Professor, Forest Health Extension\ 101 Dimock Animal Pathology Lexington, KY 40546 (859) 257-3040