WHAT ARE INVASIVE PLANTS AND WHY ARE THEY A PROBLEM?

According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, invasive plants are species that are intentionally or accidentally introduced by human activity into a region in which they did not evolve and cause harm to natural resources, economic activity or humans.

Non-native, invasive plants evolved in other parts of the world and do not have natural controls in our local environment to keep them in check. Where these plants originated, they are a part of the natural food web. The animals and insects that evolved alongside these plants help control their growth and reproduction, keeping the ecosystem in balance.

In our local environment, these plants lack natural controls and often have other characteristics that give them a competitive advantage. Native animals and insects did not evolve alongside these non-native plants and frequently will not eat them. Many of these plants also are able to reproduce and grow much more rapidly than native plants, and can quickly colonize areas where the soil is disturbed. Additionally, some of these plants release chemical compounds into the soil that interfere with native plant germination and growth. With these advantages, invasive plants can quickly overrun and displace native species.

When nonnative, invasive plants infest our forests, they not only harm the trees, they also cause a host of other problems. Healthy forests with native plant species, especially riparian forests, provide a range of important benefits. They help supply and safeguard our drinking water, filter air and water pollution, absorb flood waters, reduce soil erosion, sustain wildlife on land and in the water, keep us cool as the climate warms, and improve the mental and physical health of our community. When unchecked, invasive plants destroy the ability of forests to provide these essential services.

Can you spot the volunteer in this photo from Riverview Park? Can you find the sycamore tree behind the curtain of vines?

THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

1. Free your trees from invasive vines.

2. Get help – Managing large areas overrun with invasive plants may require the help of a professional. Blue Ridge PRISM has a list of local contractors who can help you determine what methods of removal and control are best for your property.

3. Stop planting invasives – Many invasive species were introduced to our environment due to their appeal in ornamental garden settings. Home gardens may contain invasive plants, and some nurseries in Virginia still sell them. Make informed choices when buying new plants, encourage businesses to stop selling them, and replace undesirable plants in your gardens with native selections to prevent their spread. Plant Virginia Natives provides more information on native plants including where you can purchase them.

4. Learn more and get involved – Join volunteer efforts to manage invasive plants in local parks and along waterways. To learn about upcoming events and opportunities through the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership, please fill out this form.

Blue Ridge PRISM has great resources available to learn more about options available for invasive plant management, including workshops for the public.
The Virginia Department of Forestry has many resources on invasive plants.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains a list of invasive species.
What Are Invasive Species? – Watch Video
Little Things, Big Problems — Invasive Plants in Our Parks – Watch Video

Through coordination and partnership in our region, we can tackle this problem and improve the health of the Rivanna River watershed!

Invasive barberry vs native ninebark_edi

Consider replacing the invasive shrub barberry (left, Berberis thunbergii) with native ninebark (right, Physocarpus opulifolius) to retain dark foliage in your garden

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