KALAMAZOO, MI -- A fast-growing invasive weed, called the purple jewelweed, was found in the city of Kalamazoo.

The Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to report the presence of the weed if they see it.

The plant is being managed in some areas of the Upper Peninsula. Other previously identified presences of invasive purple jewelweed in the Lower Peninsula have been identified and removed.

Hannah Whiteman, a landscape coordinator with Kzoo Parks, spotted the plant last year in Kalamazoo’s Frays Park, 1006 Piccadilly Road.

“I knew right away this was an unusual plant, so I took some photos,” Whiteman said.

After taking a tutorial on invasive species, Whiteman learned what she spotted was invasive purple jewelweed. The DNR has also received another report that the pl

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