Scientists & Staff
Cynthia Huebner
Current Research
My research focuses on the biology and ecology of invasive plant species in forest systems, especially inassociation with anthropogenic and natural disturbances. Research topics include:
- prediction of vulnerability to invasion (from seed bank, to establishment, to spread),
- competitive ability of common invaders (such as Ailanthus altissima and Microstegium vimineum) in comparison with associated native species and under various environmental conditions,
- basic biology and reproductive ecology of common invaders, especially in terms of how these characteristics may explain their invasiveness or pinpoint particular weaknesses,
- evaluation of detection methods for sampling so that establishing invaders (or rare species) are documented early and effectively, and
- restoration of invaded forest sites.
Research Interests
My research will continue to focus on the biology and ecology of invasive plant species in forest systems, especially in association with anthropogenic and natural disturbances.Why This Research is Important
Successful management of our forests is dependent on being able to predict the effects of invasive plant species on the maintenance of healthy forest systems as well as the effects of different management and disturbance regimes as potential deterrents or promoters of invasion.Education
- Miami University, Oxford, OH, Ph.D. Botany,
- Indiana University, Bloomington, IN., M.S. Environmental Science,
- Indiana University, Bloomington, IN., M.A. Plant Ecology,
- University of California, B.S. Biology,
Professional Organizations
- Ecological Society of America (1988 - Present)
- Phi Beta Kappa (1988 - Present)
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (1996 - Present)
- Botanical Society of America (1997 - Present)
- Center for Plant Conservation (1997 - Present)
- International Association of Vegetation Scientists (1999 - Present)
- Southern Appalachian Botanical Society (2000 - Present)
- Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council (2002 - Present)
- West Virginia Invasive Species Working Group (2002 - Present)
- American Institute of Biological Sciences (2003 - Present)
Featured Publications & Products
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2011. Establishment and spread of Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass) in closed-canopy forests. In: McManus, Katherine A; Gottschalk, Kurt W., eds. 2010. Proceedings. 21st U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2010; 2010 January 12-15; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-75. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 29.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2010. Spread of an invasive grass in closed-canopy deciduous forests across local and regional environmental gradients. Biological Invasions. 12: 2081-2089.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Gottschalk, Kurt W.; Miller, Gary W.; Brose, Patrick H. 2010. Restoration of three forest herbs in the Liliaceae family by manipulating deer herbivory and overstorey and understorey vegetation. Plant Ecology & Diversity. 3(3): 259-272.
- Gavier-Pizarro, Gregorio I.; Radeloff, Volker C.; Stewart, Susan I.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Keuler, Nicholas S. 2010. Housing is positively associated with invasive exotic plant species richness in New England, USA. Ecological Applications. 20(7): 1913-1925.
- Aldrich, Preston R.; Briguglio, Joseph S.; Kapadia, Shyam N.; Morker, Minesh U.; Rawal, Ankit; Kalra, Preeti; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Greer, Gary K. 2010. Genetic structure of the invasive tree Ailanthus altissima in eastern United States cities. Journal of Botany. Vol. 2010, Article ID 795735: 1-9.
Publications & Products
- Barrett, Craig F.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Bender, Zoe A.; Budinsky, Trezalka A.; Corbett, Cameron W.; Latvis, Maribeth ; McKain, Michael R.; Motley, M'Kayla ; Skibicki, Samuel V; Thixton, Hana L.; Santee, Mathilda V; Cumberledge, Aubrey N. 2022. Digitized collections elucidate invasion history and patterns of awn polymorphism in Microstegium vimineum. American Journal of Botany
- Huebner, Cynthia. 2022. Effects of global climate change on regeneration of invasive plant on invasive plant species from seeds. In: Baskin, Carol C.; Baskin, Jerry M., eds. Plant regegeneration from seeds: A global warming perspective. Elsevier Academic Press: 243-257.
- Moore, Gerry ; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Twery, Mark J.; Glenn, Steven D.; Clemants, Steven E.; Lorimer, Ulrich ; Ferguson, Charles ; Blackburn, Laura M. 2022. Woody vegetation in the New York Metropolitan Region: changes over time, taxonomic keys, maps, ecological descriptions, and management implications. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-205. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 757 p.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2021. Patterns of invasive plant abundance in disturbed versus undisturbed forests within three land types over 16 years. Diversity and Distributions
- Kim, Jaewon ; Huebner, Cynthia ; Reardon, Richard ; Park, Yong-Lak. 2021. Spatially Targeted Biological Control of Mile-a-Minute Weed Using Rhinoncomimus latipes (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and an Unmanned Aircraft System . Journal of Economic Entomology
- Kim, Jaewon ; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Park, Yong-Lak. 2021. Plant Species Composition and Interactions within Communities Invaded by Persicaria perfoliata (Polygonaceae). Northeastern Naturalist
- Koch, Jennifer ; Pearson, Dean E.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Young, Michael K.; Sniezko, Richard A. 2021. Restoration of Landscapes and Habitats Affected by Established Invasive Species. In: Poland, Therese M.; Patel-Weynand, Toral; Finch, Deborah M.; Ford Miniat, Chelcy; Hayes, Deborah C.; Lopez, Vanessa M., eds. Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the United States Forest Sector. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer International Publishing: 185 - 202. Chapter 8.
- Marsh, Anne S.; Hayes, Deborah C.; Klein, Patrice N.; Zimmerman, Nicole ; Dalsimer, Aliso ; Burkett, Douglas A.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Rabaglia, Robert ; Meyerson, Laura A.; Harper-Lore, Bonnie L.; Davidson, Jamie L.; Emery, Marla R.; Warziniack, Travis ; Flitcroft, Rebecca ; Kerns, Becky K.; Lopez, Vanessa M. 2021. Sectoral Impacts of Invasive Species in the United States and Approaches to Management. In: Poland, Therese M.; Patel-Weynand, Toral; Finch, Deborah M.; Ford Miniat, Chelcy; Hayes, Deborah C.; Lopez, Vanessa M., eds. Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the United States Forest Sector. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer International Publishing: 203 - 230. Chapter 9.
- Poland, Therese M.; Juzwik, Jennifer ; Rowley, Allen ; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Kilgo, John C.; Lopez, Vanessa M.; Olson, Deanna H.; Pearson, Dean E.; Progar, Robert ; Rabaglia, Robert ; Rothlisberger, John D.; Runyon, Justin ; Sing, Sharlene E. 2021. Management of Landscapes for Established Invasive Species. In: Poland, Therese M.; Patel-Weynand, Toral; Finch, Deborah M.; Ford Miniat, Chelcy; Hayes, Deborah C.; Lopez, Vanessa M., eds. Invasive Species in Forests and Rangelands of the United States: A Comprehensive Science Synthesis for the United States Forest Sector. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer International Publishing: 133 - 184. Chapter 7.
- Thomas-Van Gundy, Melissa A.; Perkins, Jessica D.; Krause, Crystal ; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Ferrari, Lorenzo ; Smith, Linda S. 2021. Primeval Paths: Bison in West Virginia. Natural Areas Journal
- Redwood, Mame E.; Matlack, Glenn R.; Huebner, Cynthia D. 2019. Seed longevity and dormancy state in an invasive tree species: Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae). The Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; McGill, David W. 2018. The importance of disturbance versus physiography in defining vegetation composition and predicting possible successional trajectories. Castanea. 83(1): 54-76.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Regula, Adam E.; McGill, David W. 2018. Germination, survival, and early growth of three invasive plants in response to five forest management regimes common to US northeastern deciduous forests. Forest Ecology and Management
- Nilsen, Erik; Huebner, Cynthia; Carr, David; Bao, Zhe. 2018. Interaction between Ailanthus altissima and Native Robinia pseudoacacia in Early Succession: Implications for Forest Management. Forests
- Redwood, Mame E.; Matlack, Glenn R.; Huebner, Cynthia D. 2018. Seed Longevity and Dormancy State Suggest Management Strategies for Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) in Deciduous Forest Sites. Weed Science
- Culley, Theresa M.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Novy, Ari. 2016. Regional and local genetic variation in Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum). Invasive Plant Science and Management. 9(2): 96-111.
- Redwood, Mame E.; Matlack, Glenn R.; Huebner, Cynthia D. 2016. Seed longevity and dormancy state in a disturbance-dependent forest herb, Ageratina altissima. Seed Science Research. 26(02): 148-152.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Karriker, Kent. 2015. Response of smooth rock skullcap (Scutellaria saxatilis), a globally rare plant, to fire. Res. Pap. NRS-28. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 16 p.
- Regula, Adam E.; McGill, David W.; Huebner, Cynthia D. 2015. Effects of different management regimes on survival of northern red oak underplantings in the Ridge and Valley Province. In Proceedings of the 17th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-203. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. p. 39-44.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Steinman, Jim; Hutchinson, Todd F.; Ristau, Todd E.; Royo, Alejandro A. 2014. The distribution of a non-native (Rosa multiflora) and native (Kalmia latifolia) shrub in mature closed-canopy forests across soil fertility gradients. Plant and Soil. 377(1-2): 259-276.
- Gavier-Pizarro, Gregorio I.; Kuemmerle, Tobias; Hoyos, Laura E.; Stewart, Susan I.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Keuler, Nicholas S.; Radeloff, Volker C. 2012. Monitoring the invasion of an exotic tree (Ligustrum lucidum) from 1983 to 2006 with Landsat TM/ETM+ satellite data and support vector machines in Cordoba, Argentina. Remote Sensing of Environment. 122: 134-145.
- Gavier-Pizarro, Gregorio I; Kuemmerle, Tobias ; Hoyos, Laura E.; Stewart, Susan I; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Keuler, Nicholas S.; Radeloff, Volker C. 2012. Monitoring the invasion of an exotic tree (Ligustrum lucidum) from 1983 to 2006 with Landsat TM/ETM+ satellite data and Support Vector Machines in Córdoba, Argentina. Remote Sensing of Environment
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Hutchinson, Todd; Ristau, Todd; Royo, Alejandro; Steinman, James. 2012. Documenting the Regional and local distribution of Kalmia latifolia and Rosa multiflora in West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania Forests along a soil fertility gradient. In: Potter, Kevin M.; Conkling, Barbara L., eds. 2012. Forest health monitoring: 2009 national technical report. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-167. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 211-217.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Nowak, David J.; Pouyat, Richard V.; Bodine, Allison R. 2012. Nonnative invasive plants: Maintaining biotic and soceioeconomic integrity along the urban-rural-natural gradient. In: Laband, D.N.; Lockaby, B.G.; Zipperer, W., eds. Urban-rural interfaces: linking people and nature. Madison, WI: American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America: 71-98.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2011. Seed mass, viability, and germination of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) under variable light and moisture conditions. Plant Science and Management. 4: 274-283.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2010. Establishment of an invasive grass in closed-canopy deciduous forests across local and regional environmental gradients. Biological Invasions. 12: 2069-2080.
- Sieg, Carolyn Hull; Densow, Julie S.; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Miller, James H. 2010. The role of the Forest Service in nonnative invasive plant research. In: Dix, Mary Ellen; Britton, Kerry, editors. A dynamic invasive species research vision: Opportunities and priorities 2009-29. Gen. Tech. Rep. WO-79/83. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Research and Development: 35-41
- Gavier, Gregorio; Stewart, Susan; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Radeloff, Volker C. 2009. Is housing a factor of invasive plants distribution at coarse and fine scales?. In: McManus, Katherine A; Gottschalk, Kurt W., eds. Proceedings. 19th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2008; 2008 January 8-11; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-36. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 27-29.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Morin, Randall S.; Zurbriggen, Ann; White, Robert L. 2009. Patterns of exotic plant invasions in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest using intensive Forest Inventory and Analysis plots. Forest Ecology and Management. 257: 258-270.
- Aldrich, Preston R.; Brusa, Anthony; Heinz, Cheryl A.; Greer, Gary K.; Huebner, Cynthia. 2008. Floral visitation of the invasive stinking ash in western suburban Chicago. Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science. 101(1&2): 1-12.
- Huebner, Cynthia C.; Stephenson, Steven L.; Adams, Harold S.; Miller, Gary W. 2007. Short-term dynamics of second-growth mixed mesophytic forest strata in West Virginia. Castanea. 72(2): 65-81.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2007. Detection and monitoring of invasive exotic plants: a comparison of four sampling methods. Northeastern Naturalist. 14(2): 183-206.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2007. Strategic management of five deciduous forest invaders using Microstegium vimineum as a model species. In: Cavender, Nicole D. ed. Proceedings of the 2007 Ohio invasive plants research conference: continuing partnerships for invasive plant management; 2007 January 18; Delaware, OH. Columbus, OH: Ohio Biological Survey: 19-28.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; McQuattie, Carolyn; Rebbeck, Joanne. 2007. Mycorrhizal associations in Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) from forested and non-forested sites. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society. 134(1): 27-33.
- Stephenson, Steven L.; Adams, Harold S.; Huebner, Cynthia D. 2007. Upland forest vegetation of the Ozark Mountains in Northwestern Arkansas. Rhodora. 109(938): 197-221.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2006. Testing basic ecological, evolutionary, and biogeographical principles using invasive species. Landscape Ecology. 22(1): 159-163.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2006. Fire and invasive exotic plant species in eastern oak communities: an assessment of current knowledge. In: Dickinson, Matthew B., ed. 2006. Fire in eastern oak forests: delivering science to land managers, proceedings of a conference; 2005 November 15-17; Columbus, OH. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-1. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 218-232.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Tobin, Patrick C. 2006. Invasibility of mature and 15-year-old deciduous forests by exotic plants. Plant Ecology 186:57-68
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Huebner, Cynthia D. 2005. Competitive Ability of Ailanthus altissima and an Overview of Other RWU- 4557 Invasive Plant Studies. In: Gottschalk, Kurt W., ed. Proceedings, 16th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on gypsy moth and other invasive species 2005; 2005 January 18-21; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-337. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 45.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Olson, Cassandra; Smith, Heather C.; Smith, Heather C. 2005. Invasive Plants Field and Reference Guide: An Ecological Perspective of Plant Invaders of Forests and Woodlands. NA-TP-05-04. Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Area State & Private Forestry. 86 p.
- Marsh, Michael A.; Fajvan, Mary Ann; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Schuler, Thomas M.; Schuler, Thomas M. 2005. The Effects of Timber Harvesting and Prescribed Fire on Invasive Plant Dynamics in the Central Appalachians. In: Gottschalk, Kurt W., ed. Proceedings, 16th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on gypsy moth and other invasive species 2005; 2005 January 18-21; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-337. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station: 64.
- Huebner, Cynthia D. 2003. Vulnerability of oak-dominated forests in West Virginia to invasive exotic plants: temporal and spatial patterns of nine exotic species using herbarium records and land classification data. Castanea. 68(1): 1-14.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Vankat, John L. 2003. The importance of environment vs. disturbance in the vegetation mosaic of central Arizona. Journal of Vegetation Science. 14: 25-34.
- Chen, Jiquan; Huebner, Cynthia D.; Saunders, Sari C.; Song, Bo. 2002. Plant distribution and diversity across an Ozark landscape. In: Shifley, S. R.; Kabrick, J. M., eds. Proceedings of the Second Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project Symposium: Post-treatment Results of the Landscape Experiment. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-227. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station. 45-65.
- Huebner, Cynthia D.; Randolph, J.C.; Parker, G.R. 1995. Environmental factors affecting understory diversity in second-growth deciduous forests. American Midland Naturalist. 134: 155-165.
National Research Highlights
Spatially Targeted Drone Carries Biocontrol Weevil to Hard-to-Reach Patches of Mile-a-Minute Weed
Year: 2020
Inadvertently introduced in the northeastern United States in the 1930s, mile-a-minute weed is a highly aggressive invasive plant that is replacing native species in many areas of the Nation. While a biocontrol agent has been identified, finding and reaching dense patches of mile-a-minute weeds has been a problem for land managers. The solution may be drones carrying environmentally friendly pods packed with tiny weevils.
Spread of Nonnative Invasive Plant Species in Mature and Disturbed Forests Across Landtypes
Year: 2019
Native species could help slow the spread of invasive plants in disturbed forests.
Soil seed banks predict future forest composition
Year: 2017
Soil seed banks help define both forest health and the likelihood of invasion. In a comparison of soil seed banks at four sites in West Virginia, researchers found that non-native invasives may be poised to succeed mature forests.
Forests Characterized More by Regionally Defined Understory Species are Less Vulnerable to Invasion
Year: 2016
Current forest understory composition may help predict future invasion by exotic plants. Sites with species that can be found across regions and are indicators of disturbance are more prone to invasion than sites with regionally different species, though these regionally defined species may be found in both disturbed and undisturbed sites.
Staghorn Sumac Out-competes Ailanthus Under Different Light and Density Conditions
Year: 2015
In a greenhouse and common garden study led by a Forest Service scientist, staghorn sumac out-competed ailanthus (tree-of-heaven). Thus, at least one native early successional species may be able to deter this non-native invasive tree, if the site has sumac seeds and seedlings already present. These results highlight the importance of maintaining healthy native seed and seedling banks.
A Globally Rare Plant's Response to Fire
Year: 2014
The resiliency of rock skullcap, a globally rare plant, was studied by a Forest Service scientist working with a National Forest System ecologist. They found that populations increased after a prescribed burn, but decreased to pre-burn levels after one more growing season. Total cover of other understory vegetation also increased after the burn and continued at higher levels for another year. Rock skullcap is resilient to fire, but frequent fire or more severe fires with greater increases in other understory vegetation could be detrimental to this species.