Here are just a few scary stats about invasive plants, per the U.S. Forest Service:
Invasive plants are contributing to the decline of native plant species at an alarming rate.
They’re a major cause of decline for 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened plant species, and they’re the primary cause of decline for 18% of all U.S. endangered or threatened plants.
The loss of native plants results in broad-ranging harms that affect us all, including increased soil erosion, decreased water quality, diminished quality of agricultural land, degraded wildlife habitat, and overall loss of biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Invasive plants threaten pollinators in several ways.
Most notably, they outcompete native species, reducing the food and habitat sources that pollinators have relied on for millenia. This significantly reduces the survival rates of pollinators and wildlife.
Invasive plants diminish opportunities for outdoor recreation.
They crowd forest floors and riverbanks, making it difficult to travel by foot, and they reduce native species available for fishing, foraging, and so on.
These negative impacts aren’t confined to wild spaces. They’re also occurring in human yards and landscapes across the country. Additionally, invasive species can create a cluttered, uninviting landscape that impedes homeowners’ ability to enjoy their outdoor living spaces.
That’s all pretty frightening, but don’t run away just yet!
The good news is that humans can play a big role in mitigating the spread of invasive plants and restoring our native ecosystems.