What You Should Know About Invasive Plants in the U.S.

Invasive plants are plants that have been introduced into the United States from other countries either intentionally or unintentionally and that have spread virulently. Due to a lack of natural herbivores and parasites to limit their spread, they soon taking over their new habitat, displacing native species and disrupting ecosystems, adversely affecting agriculture, wildlife that depend on native plants for food, soil composition, and biodiversity.

Not every non-native plant introduced into the United States is invasive. Some have been beneficial and include a large percentage of our food crops. However, many species cause major environmental and economic damages to agriculture and other aspects of the ecosystem. It is estimated that the economic cost comes to about $120 million per year. The ecological cost is incalculable.

European Purple Loosestrife (shown in the photo on the right), for example, was introduced in the early 1800s for its ornamental qualities and, although it is lovely to look at, it is also extremely aggressive, spreading. across more than one billion acres in 48 states annually. It is considered the cause for the loss of at least 44 native plant species and, because local wildlife do not eat the plant, and starve, the demise of the bog turtle and several duck species as well as the depletion of other animal species. It is estimated that it currently costs about $45 million per year to control just this one species of plant.

Some local and mail-order Nurseries continue to sell plants that are invasive in some or all climates because they are easy to grow -- but they can soon take over your landscape. You should familiarize yourself with those plants considered invasive in your area before purchasing such unfortunately common plant offerings such as leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), Bishop's weed (Aegopodium podagraria), Norway Maple (Acer platinoides), False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa), Barberry (Berberis vulgaris and thunbergii), Burning bush (Euonymus alata), and even Lady bells (Adenophora) (pictured).

If you do choose to cultivate a plant classified as invasive in your region, plan on being vigilant about deadheading to prevent seeding and constantly monitoring the spread of the plants. If you turn your back, go on an extended vacation, or otherwise neglect your garden, the invasive plants will take over their better-behaved neighbors.

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