Native Vs. Non-Native Invasive Plants

What are Native Plants?

Native Plants is a term used to describe plants indigenous to a given area. They can survive and establish new plants without intervention by humans. Some native plants are adaptable, and can survive human intervention. However, even these plants can be crowded out or destroyed by intense use by humans and their pets or by non-native invasive plants.

Why are They Important?

Habitat refers to the places that provide all the resources that individuals need for their entire life cycle. Different species require a specific plants and animals for survival. Those plants and animals require other plants and animals. Creating a tangled web of intertwined habitats, called an ecological community. Groups of plant and animal species that have been living together for millions of years under certain conditions have evolved together. The survival of one species may depend on other species in the ecological community, even if it does not directly benefit from those other species. Changing conditions or disruption of the habitat of one or two species of plant or animal may result in a chain reaction of disruptions and losses of species in a given location.

What are Non- Native Invasive Plants and Their Harm?

When a non-native invasive plant establishes itself in a natural area, it can out compete and harm native habitats. It can destroy a network of plants and animals. Loss of even one species can cause a chain reaction of loss in "native biodiversity." Not all non-native plants are invasive and native plants can be invasive without being harmful. When non-native plants do not spread from gardens, they are not considered invasive. A locally native plant may play an integral role in its local ecosystem, even when it grows aggressively (ex. poison ivy). However, even though Non-native invasive plants are often beautiful and fascinating they may still cause harm. Many non-native invasive plants were originally brought here and sold to homeowners because of their attractive qualities.