Garden Detective

Invasive weeds are non-native plants that somehow get into our environment and grow like crazy until they take over and, often, choke out our own native vegetation. This is bad, not only because plants that rightfully belong here have to fight a losing battle for survival, but also because of the trickle-down effect invasives have on insects and wildlife, which end up losing their valuable food sources.

Many invasive weeds have been brought over from Europe and Asia, either deliberately or accidentally. Deliberate introductions occur when immigrants or American tourists bring plants from other countries. These plants might have been courteous in their home countries, but in our environment they go berserk. Sometimes seeds inadvertently hitch a ride on cargo imported from overseas.

According to The Invasive Plant Council of New York State, invasive plants "pose one of the greatest threats to the conservation of biological diversity, and are a significant problem for land managers across New York State."

As a home gardener, you can do your part by diligently removing invasive weeds, refusing to purchase invasive species (yes, many invasive perennials are sold in local nurseries and by mail order,) and planting native alternatives instead.

Check with these local nurseries for native plants:

The Invasive Plant Council of New York State is currently targeting six invasive plants. Keep an eye out for these local offenders:

Diagrams courtesy The Invasive Plant Council of New York State