Invasive Plants of the Southeast

Top 20 Invasive Species

1. Chinese Privet, Ligustrum sinense
2. Nepalese Browntop, Microstegium vimineum
3. Autumn Olive, Elaeagnus umbellata
4. Chinese Wisteria, Wisteria sinensis & Japanese Wisteria, W. floribunda
5. Mimosa, Albizia julibrissin
6. Japanese Honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica
7. Amur Honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii
8. Multiflora Rose, Rosa multiflora
9. Hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata
10. Kudzu, Pueraria montana
11. Golden Bamboo, Phyllostachys aurea
12. Oriental Bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus
13. English Ivy, Hedera helix
14. Tree-of-Heaven, Ailanthus altissima
15. Chinese Tallow, Sapium sebiferum
16. Chinese Princess Tree, Paulownia tomentosa
17. Japanese Knotweed, Polygonum cuspidatum
18. Silvergrass, Miscanthus sinensis
19. Thorny Olive, Elaeagnus pungens
20. Nandina, Nandina domestica

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia and The Georgia Plant Conservation Alliance

Invasive organisms
pose one of the biggest threats to our natural enviroment

Invasives displace native species, destroy habitat and food for wildlife, alter hydrology and nutrient flow, and compete for pollinators and seed dispersers that native plants depend on.

Free from the vast and complex array of natural controls present in their native lands, including herbivores, parasites, and diseases, exotic plants may experience rapid and unrestricted growth in new environments. When this happens, native plants can get crowded out, even to the point of extinction.

Invasives cost billions of dollars annually in damage and control measures in the United States. The cost to our natural heritage is immeasurable.

Not all exotics are invasive. Many introduced plants are easily controlled and are beneficial ornamentals. Many of our important food sources, such as corn and wheat, are exotic plant species.

Recommended Species Native to the Southeastern U. S.

Definitions

Native

A native species is one that occurs in a particular region, ecosystem or habitat without direct or indirect human action.

Non - Native

(alien, exotic, foreign, introduced, non-indigenous) A species that occurs artificially in locations beyond its known historical natural range. A species should be considered non-native if it is from a different region, even if from the same country or state.

Invasive Species

A species that, through rapid growth or other characteristics, is capable of altering natural ecosystems to the detriment of native species.

“Invasiveness” is characterized by strong vegetative growth, abundant seed production, high germination rate, longlived seeds and rapid maturation to sexually reproductive stage.

Weed

A subjective word used to describe any plant considered to be “out of place”. In other words, weeds can include native and non-native plants, growing wherever someone wishes they weren’t. Invasive species are often referred to as weeds of natural areas.

You can help

Avoid disturbing natural areas, including clearing of native vegetation.

Know your plants. Find out if plants you grow have invasive tendencies.

Do not use invasive species in landscaping, restoration, or for erosion control; use plants known not to be invasive in your area.

Control invasive plants on your land by removing or managing them to prevent spread. Management may include pruning away flowers, mowing or herbicide use to prevent vegetative spread.

Discuss concerns about invasive plants with plant retailers. Ask them to refrain from selling these species and instead offer native or non-invasive alternatives.

Volunteer to assist in invasive plant removal projects, such as “privet pulls”. Notify land managers of invasive plant occurrences.

Work with local government officials to encourage use of native plants in their landscapes. Provide lists of attractive, non-invasive, hardy, pest-resistant plants that are beneficial to wildlife.

Resources

www.uga.edu/gpca/
www.nps.gov/plants/alien
www.se-eppc.org
http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/
www.invasive.org
www.gaeppc.org