Colbert County-Alabama Extension

🌿 Japanese climbing fern (Lygodium japonicum)

Leaves are positioned opposite one another along the stem.

🍃 Shape is variable but generally triangular in outline and finely lobed. Fertile fronds (with spores) are more finely dissected than nonfertile fronds.

🌱 Stems are thin and wiry but difficult to break and can range in color from green to tan, reddish or almost black.

Leaves turn tan to dark brown after a freeze but may remain evergreen in warmer climates.

Dense mats can form on shrubs and trees, shading out native vegetation and creating a fire hazard by allowing flames to climb into the tree canopy.

📍 Preferred habitat includes roadsides, rights-of-way, forest edges, open forests, forest plantations, streambanks, riparian areas, urban green spaces and even flower beds.

This species is found primarily in central and south Alabama, but reports are increasing in north Alabama. Early detection and control can help slow its spread.

Thoroughly inspect pine straw before using it in landscapes, as Japanese climbing fern can easily spread through this product.

Learn more about identification and control on the Alabama Extension website:
https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry-wildlife/japanese-climbing-fern-identification-control/

🌿 Join the 2026 Year of Alabama Invasive Plants Project to raise awareness, improve identification skills and take action against invasive species. Visit the ACES Year of Alabama Invasive Plants Project to learn more and take the pledge.

Fireworks can be beautiful, but they also pose risks to people, homes, and the environment. According to experts with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, a few precautions can help reduce those risks:

Follow all state and local laws regarding fireworks.
Use fireworks only in open areas away from homes, dry grass, trees, and other flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire.
Never allow young children to handle fireworks, and always supervise older children closely.
Light one firework at a time and move away quickly after lighting it.
Never relight a firework that fails to ignite.
Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water before placing them in the trash.
Be mindful of wildlife, pets, and neighbors, as loud fireworks can cause stress and disturb natural habitats.
Avoid using fireworks during very dry or windy conditions, when the risk of wildfire is higher.

These recommendations help protect homes, forests, fields, and wildlife while reducing the chance of fires and injuries during holiday celebrations.

Read more: https://www.aces.edu/go/6526

Safe Firework Use: Protecting Nature, Homes This Independence Day - Alabama Cooperative Extension System The Alabama Cooperative Extension System offers tips for safe firework use this Independence Day to protect forests and wildlife.

🐝 Mark your calendar for August 21-22!! 🐝

The Colbert County Extension Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of Independence Day.

We will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026.

We wish everyone a safe, happy, and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday! 🎆