An invasive plant is one that may look most attractive in its little pot, but when planted out it grows so aggressively that it smothers other flowers and threatens to take over the garden. A prime example is English Ivy which can look most attractive when covering a fence or wall, but is almost impossible to remove once established. Ivy is only one of many invasive plants as Frank Williams explains in his article which I found on The Master Gardeners website.

Invasive species (plants, insects, and animals) have been a part of the American landscape for decades. But their spread in recent years has been truly monumental including virtually all sections of the country. This article stems from a contact I had with a friend in Adams County at whose home I observed massive amounts of English ivy invading his wonderfully wooded property and climbing even large trees in the area. Today we will deal only with those invasives which take over landscapes.
What is an Invasive Plant?

Basically, an invasive plant is one which can thrive and spread aggressively, often outside its natural range and under a wide variety of environmental conditions. Those that colonize in a new area have an ecological advantage since the insects, diseases and foraging animals which control them in their natural range may not be present to the same degree in a new environment.
Some Typical Examples

The English ivy mentioned above is but one of a number of invasive plant varieties which frequent our area. Some other prime examples include exotic honeysuckle, crown vetch, Japanese knotweed, mile-a-minute, and purple loosestrife. All share the ability to establish themselves easily, spread quickly, and strangle other desirable native indigenous plants over time.

See more at The Master Gardeners
Save