Invaded by Alien Species
So what is all this we’re hearing about invasive or alien species in the landscape? They are a plant that’s introduced into the landscape (either deliberately or unintentionally) to a new place, taking over and crowding out the native plants that belong there. They are generally fast growers, very adaptable, and easily spread their roots or seeds. They are unsightly, damage trees, and are harmful to wildlife.
Invasive plants also clog or prevent passage on trails and in State Parks, requiring difficult and continual hand removal. Often, litter that’s blowing in the landscape gets trapped in the masses of vines, creating an eyesore and the need for more litter cleanups.
Kudzu, sometimes referred to as “the vine that ate the South,” is the most common example of an invasive plant that can be seen from the Interstates of Virginia. In the early 1900’s, it was introduced to farmers as an inexpensive crop to grow for foraging and erosion control. It was planted on purpose! With good intentions, but it didn’t take long to get out of control.
And while you may think the ivy climbing up a tree or the side of the building may seem quaint and historic, English ivy can take over even mature trees, suffocating and killing the branches from the bottom up. It can grow across the ground, choking out all other vegetation, creating an “ivy dessert.”
But surprisingly, English ivy is sold in many catalogues and garden centers! The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) lists 90 invasive plants that “pose a threat to Virginia’s forests, native grasslands, wetlands or waterways,” and unfortunately, many of them are for sale at your local garden center.
What can you do about it? A couple of things for starters. One is to join in the efforts to clear invasive species from the landscape. Keep an eye on our Event Calendar for future opportunities. You can also make an effort to learn more about invasive species, which will also help with distinguishing between invasive plants and their native “look-alikes.” And you can plant native plants every chance you get! Here’s a list of nurseries that sell native plants in Virginia.
If you’d like to get a free packet of Virginia native wildflowers, just take the pledge on our website to help us end litter, and we’ll send them right out to you!