The Oklahoma invasive tree, the eastern red cedar, is contributing to the spread of another problematic species in the state, the lone star tick (Photo by OSU Agriculture).

An Oklahoma invasive species has become a haven for another problematic species, which has the potential to create a range of problems for human, wildlife and livestock health, as well as the environment.

Native to the rocky areas of eastern Oklahoma, eastern red cedar has been documented spreading through grasslands across the state, which affects rangeland quality and livestock productivity, as well as having negative impacts on water resources. According to studies, the trees spread by 40 square miles per year in Oklahoma.

Eastern red cedars use a significant amount of water, which reduces the amount of water running off into streams and reservoirs where it is needed. Not to mention, once it’s established, eastern red cedar proves to be a highly flammable fuel for wildfires.

Now, ticks, particularly the lone star tick, are also spreading statewide into western Oklahoma. Is this a coincidence? According to Dr. Scott Loss, OSU professor of natural resource ecology and management, and Dr. Bruce Noden, OSU professor of entomology, it’s not.

Noden and graduate student Jozlyn Propst found evidence that the expansion of eastern redcedar across the state into the western grasslands is contributing to the spread of ticks by creating a hospitable environment for them to thrive. (See link for article)

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**Comment**

Every state has it’s invasives that ticks love to shelter under.

Here in Wisconsin it’s the Japanese barberry, honeysuckle, and Buckthorn.

I’ve personally seen the red cedar problem in Oklahoma.  These trees were planted after the dust bowl to help with erosion, but they are obviously a problem now.  They are also hazardous fuel to forest fires due to the volatile oils they contain.

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