Nuisance and Invasive Plant Species

Nuisance and invasive plants species are a problem throughout the United States. Their impact on agriculture, industry, recreation and our environment have been extensive. Annual economic losses are estimated to be in the billions of dollars.

Some of the plants that invade our fields, forests and water bodies were purposely or inadvertently brought to the United States over a century ago, often as ornamentals. When these plants were introduced, their natural controls that existed in their native environments were not brought with them. Now, free of the competitors and predators that kept them in check in their native environments, they're able to grow and proliferate at alarming rates supplanting native species and their habitat and costing many millions of dollars in environmental impacts and need control

Black Swallow-Wort

Common and Glossy Buckthorn

Common Reed

Giant Hogweed

Purple Loosestrife

Reed Canary Grass

Below are a few examples of how invasive plant species are spread

• Nurseries and landscaping dealers
  
  Some invasive plants species actually remain popular selections from nurseries and landscaping suppliers, even on the internet. A consumer who is unaware of a plant's invasive characteristics may introduce the plant to their own garden, or even give seeds or cuttings to someone else to propagate, thus continuing the invasive cycle.
   

• Water craft
  
  Both invasive plants and animals can catch a free ride on a boat, boat trailer or related equipment. If the unsuspecting operator then moves the item to a different body of water without undergoing a thorough check and cleaning for 'hitchhikers', the potential for transporting an invasive plant or animal exists.
   

• Ballast water
  
  Ballast water is water used in the hulls of ships to provided stabilization. This water has been the source for many invasive plant species over the years. Ballast water may contain plants or animals transported from a different area of the world. If the water is emptied into a watercourse or water body it can lead to a number of serious environmental and economical consequences.

Interim Invasive Species Lists Compiled by USDA NRCS New York

Herbaceous and Woody Species

September 18, 2009 - USDA NRCS New York has compiled an interim list of invasive species of herbaceous and woody plants until an official list is released.
 

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