INVASIVE PLANT INFORMATION                              Courtesy of The Norcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc

What is an Invasive Plant?

An invasive plant is one which is introduced to an area outside its natural range which is able to reproduce prolifically.  Also termed alien, exotic, non-native, introduced, or non-indigenous, invasive plants aggressively compete for food, water, and space and hybridize with native species. This displacement of native species disturbs natural ecosystems by altering the food web and the soil's physical or chemical composition.

How do Invasive Plants Make Their Way to New Habitats?

An alien plant is introduced to a new area either accidentally or purposefully. Seeds may be carried inadvertently to new areas in soil, feed, and agricultural products or by other means. People may intentionally bring plants to new environments for ornamental, medicinal, or agricultural uses. Additionally, some invasives come as the result of attempts to correct other environmental problems, such as soil erosion.

Why do Certain Plants Become Invasive?

Alien species are considered one of the leading threats to the flora of the United States and the ecological integrity of forests, grasslands, and waterways. Interestingly, only a small percentage of introduced plants become invasive. For instance, a mere 15 percent of the estimated 4000 exotic plant species in the U.S. cause severe harm to the ecology and economy. Further, in 1990, The Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program found that 51 of the 209 invasive alien plants are aggressive and most problematic in Massachusetts. In their natural habitats, plant populations are kept in check by the pressures of competition with other plants, predation by insects and animals, and infection by pathogens. When a plant is introduced to a new area, it leaves behind many, if not all, of these natural
controls. Freedom from these biological and physical constraints allows the introduced plant to multiply unchecked in its new environment. Moreover, invasive plants often possess one or more certain characteristics that enable them to compete aggressively within its new niche. These characteristics-- abundant and early seed production, rapid germination and population establishment, adaptations for spread via wind or animals, presence of vegetative reproductive structures, seed dormancy and long-term survival, ability to occupy disturbed sites, and tolerance for a range of soil moisture and temperatures-- give alien species the competitive edge over native species.

What is the Solution?

Early detection is important in containment and subsequent eradication of the alien species. Once establishment and spread of the pest occurs, control becomes more difficult. Control can be achieved by mechanical, chemical, or biological means as indicated on each invasive species information sheet. Use these information sheets to help identify and eradicate invasive species. Once the problem species is eliminated from an area, the natural
ecosystem must be protected and native species re-established to prevent re-invasion.

INVASIVE ALIENS

We have prepared this list of species TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS!! !!! These invasive aliens are running over our landscapes and natural areas. Although there is something attractive about each one, their habits and growth rates are damaging our New England landscape (and others as well).

BUT, across from each invasive, we have listed a species that is native and would be similar in growth, appearance or food value for wildlife.

Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants
Invasive alien plants are species that were imported for a variety of reasons. They left behind the diseases and herbivores that naturally controlled their spread. Invasive plants take over large areas of land or water and are hard to control or eradicate, they reduce diversity, and provide low quality food for wildlife. Some native species are also invasive, but most, like Poison Ivy, you probably wouldn’t plant anyway. How do you know if a plant is invasive? Watch for warning language like "fast growing", "prolific seed / fruit producer", "adapts to any soil type", or "free of pests and diseases".
                  Invasive plant                                                                           Native alternative

TREES

Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Silver Maple (A. saccarinum), Sugar Maple
                    (A. saccharum), Red Maple (A. rubrum)
Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) Hickories (Carya sp.), Oaks (Quercus sp.)
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Western Catalpa (Catalpa sp.) Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides), Big Toothed Aspen (P. grandidentata)
White Poplar (Populus alba) Mountain Ash (Sorbus americana)
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)  

SHRUBS - All were introduced for use for wildlife, that has helped these plants to become so invasive.

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Wild Rasin (Viburnum cassinoides)
European Barberry (B. vulgare) Maple Leaf Viburnum (V. acerifolium)
Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis), Lyonia sp. (Staggerbush)
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), Gaylussacia brachycera (Box Huckleberry)
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei & Cvs.) Creeping Junipers (Juniperus horizontalis and Cvs.)
Common Buckthorn (Frangula cathartica) (Also known as "Tall Hedge" - watch out) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) Chokeberries (Aronia arbutifolia, A. melanocarpa)
Morrow's Honeysuckle (Lonicera morrowii)  
VINES
Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia sp.) Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana)
Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata) Native Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)
Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)  
Mile-a-Minute Vine (Polygonum perfoliatum)  
PERENNIALS
Bishop's Weed or Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria) Wild Sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis)Some not invasive, pick clump growers
Bamboo (Arundinaria sp.) Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa) Blue Flag (Iris versicolor), (I. prismatica)
Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) Carolina Catchfly (Silene caroliniana), Mt. Phlox (Phlox pulchra)
Yellow Flag (Iris pseudacorus) Spotted Monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus)
Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya, Liatris sp.)
Moneywort (Lysmachia nummularia) Bluets (Houstonia caerulea)
Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardi)
Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis scorpoides) Gama Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
Giant Reed (Arundo donax) some Carex species
Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)  
Ribbon Grass (Phalaris arundinacea 'picta', 'rosea')  
Common Reed (Phragmities communis)  
HERBS / EDIBLE PLANTS These plants are some of the worst offenders - DO NOT PLANT THEM!
Garlic mustard (Allaria petiola) Mints (Mentha sp.) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
WATER PLANTS                                                                                                                                                    
Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana)
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Water Chestnut (Trapa natans)

There are a wide variety of non-invasive plants available for use in your water garden.  DO YOURSELF AND YOUR PLANET a favor and seek alternatives to these plants.

By using native plants or non-invasive plants we can provide greater biodiversity for the birds, animals, and insects that visit our home landscape. If you need information on how to control an invasive plant problem, fact sheets on Norway maple, tree of heaven, Japanese barberry, Russian and autumn olive, burning bush, common and glossy buckthorn, bush honeysuckles, multiflora rose, porcelain berry, Asiatic bittersweet, garlic mustard, spotted knapweed, dame's rocket, purple loosestrife, Japanese knotweed, common reed, and the water plants are available by asking our staff.

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien
http://www.eeb.uconn.edu/invasives