The Problem with Invasive Plants

Did you know that a lot of the common ornamental plants that many people used in their landscaping are actually non-native plant species.  Some of these species are quite benign and do exactly what they are meant to do.  They are planted, they bloom and die and that is the end of them.  But in many cases that is not what happens, in some cases the plant escapes its confines and spreads uncontrolled into the surrounding ecosystem. 

This usually does not go well for the local flora and fauna of that ecosystem.  When this new unknown plant spreads it will usually do so unchecked due to the lack of predators and diseases that kept it in check and balanced with it original ecosystem. 

One in particular that I want to talk about is a plant called Kudzu.  If you live in the South, East or Northwestern part of the U.S you are probably familiar with this menace already.  Imported from Asia in the late 1800- early 1900 this plant was brought over for a variety or purposes.  It was used in erosion control, livestock forage and some food and "medicinal uses".  However by 1953 it was shown to work all to well at the job it was brought over here for.  It spreads quickly about 1 ft/day and is resistant to many common herbicides.  This plant once brought over to be helpful to us is now the bane to the existence of many landowners and homeowners. 

But what is done is done and the many species we brought over are here to stay and there is not much we can do about it except continue to manage and control them as best we can.

What can we do to help?  

1. Learn the local invasive plants and control/eradicate them from your property.
2. Dont plant non-native ornamental on your land.
3. Research into local natives that will do what you want/need.
4. Tell others about the damage that invasives cause.

Prairie Lily by Josh Larson

This beautiful Prairie Lily on the right is a native to much of the Midwest and it a great addition to any native landscaping.  Seeds for this beautiful native flower can be found at many native seed stores.  One that I know of is the Prairie Moon Nursery near Winona, MN.  If we all do our little bit we can help this poor beleaguered country of ours and bring back the native wonder it once had.

For more information about invasive and native plants you can talk to your local extension agent or check out land management agency sites like the Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service and NRCS.

 

Until next time my fellow environmentalists

 

Josh