Invasive Plants in the Mid-Atlantic

Purple Loosestrife - a pretty but invasive plant

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What Are Invasive Plants and Why Are They a Concern?
Plant Lists
State-Specific Invasive Plant Information

What Are Invasive Plants and Why Are They a Concern?

They are non-native plants . . .

primarily exotic plants - those that originated in another part of the country or world

They are a concern because they may . . .

spread out of control and overwhelm native vegetation
mix with native plants altering their genetic makeup
harbor pests harmful to other plants
produce toxins lethal to certain animals

When one species takes over a large area it can also alter hydrological patterns, fire regimes and soil chemistry, moisture-holding capacity, wildlife habitat, and erodibility. All told, invasive plants cause billions of dollars of damage each year and tens of millions of dollars are spent annually trying to control them. One of the more notorious examples is kudzu, a quick-growing vine that was introduced in the Southeastern US as a quick-growing groundcover for disturbed areas like highway embankments. A native of Asia, it has now spread from East Texas to New England where it has smothered 7 million acres of forest.

Invasive Landscape Plants of the Mid-Atlantic States

Avoid their use, consider removing from the landscape. Partial list from those identified in "Plant Invaders of the Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas," Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.