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Invasive Plants

Invasive plants are non-native plants that grow very aggressively and take over natural spaces, home landscapes, roadsides etc. They displace native plants, negatively impacting local ecosystems and are very costly in time and money to remove. Invasive plants are a serious threat to the environment.

English Ivy (17).JPG

Why Invasive Plants are Problematic

Invasives spread quickly and take over

  • Because they are not eatens by native herbivores, invasives plants are free from natural controls that would otherwise keep them in check.

  • They grow aggressively and reproduce rapidly 

  • They thrive in wide range of conditions, including disturbed areas 

  • Produce large numbers of seeds  

  • Difficult to eradicate  

Microstegium.JPG

Japanese Stiltgrass somestimes referred to by its genus name Microstegium, quickly covers the forest floor

Privet Japanese (4).JPG

Decreases biodiversity and causes habitat loss

-  Invasive plants grow aggressively, out competing and 

   displacing native floral. This is causing a decline in both   

   numbers of native plants and diversity

-  Provide little to no food for native animals, which causes

   a decline in wildlife.

-  Nectar and fruits of invasive plants may not be as             

   nutritious for birds as native plants

-  Some invasive plant berries are toxic to birds

Privet is an extremely problematic invasive plant that unfortunately is found in most nurseries and is very commonly planted in development.

Costly and time consuming to remove

-  According to the NC Invasive Plant Council, 

   “It is estimated  that $34.7 billion a year are spent managing 

   invasive plants in the United States.”

-  Invasive plants are very difficult to eradicate, require a lot of

   time to remove and many need herbicides (often multiple     

   treatments) to effectively get rid of them.

English Ivy (6).JPG

English Ivy grows aggressively by runners underground as well as up trees, engulfing trees and whole areas of forests.

What Can We Do? Remove & Avoid Planting!

Unfortunately, invasive plants are found in most garden stores and are commonly planted in development.

Remove what you can from your property and avoid planting them.

Always research a plant before planting and when shopping for plants, use the scientific name to ensure you are getting a North American plant, and not a non-native plant with the same common or Genus name.

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Resources for more information of invasive plants in North Carolina

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Common Invasives and Native Alternatives for Wake County, NC.pdf

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NC Invasive Plant Council website: List of invasive plants in North Carolina

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NC Native Plant Society information on Invasive Plants

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