Native Plants vs. Non-Native Plants (What to Plant)

Courtesy of Meijer.com/The Nature Conservancy:

What is an invasive plant, and are all plants from other areas invasive?

• An invasive plant is one that has negative effects on our economy, environment, or human health.



• The term "invasive" applies to the most aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major changes to the areas where they become established.



• Almost all invasive plants are non-native, but it's also true that most plants that come from other places are not invasive.

What are some commonly known invasive plants?

• Two well-known examples of invasive plants include - purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)



• Both of these plants are from regions with climates similar to the Midwest, and both produce seeds by the thousands that can spread rapidly over long distances.



• Neither one is vigorously fed upon by native Midwest insects or other animals.



• Many other examples of plants like these were originally introduced as garden flowers or herbs and have now become invasive.

Is a non-native plant always invasive?

• Most non-native plants do not compete well with native plants in the wilds of the Midwest, so they don't become invasive.



• They may find the growing season too short or their seeds may not be able to germinate properly here, or they may not have adequate defense against herbivores in the Midwest.



• Some of these may occasionally escape cultivation, but do not negatively affect Midwest ecosystems.

Why is it important to avoid planting invasive plants?

• Whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, invasive plants can quickly overwhelm native plants by reducing the availability of light,water, nutrients, and space.



• Destructive invasives damage forests, fields, wetlands, and waterways, causing erosion and depriving wildlife of food and habitat.



• The U.S. spends $120 billion annually on the control and impacts of more than 800 invasive species infestations. This does not account for the values of species extinctions and losses in biodiversity, ecosystems, services and aesthetics.