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Submodule 3: Invasive Plants
Examples of Terrestrial Invasive Plants by Region
Rangeland Weeds
Saltcedar -- Rangelands
(photo courtesy NOAA)
Miconia -- Hawaii and Florida
(photo courtesy NPS)
Canada thistle -- Great Lakes region
(photo courtesy NPS)
St. Johnswort -- West Coast
(photo courtesy USDA)
Rangeland covers approximately 40% of the United States landmass, or about 770 million acres, with most of this land is in the western half of the country. This region is predominately grasses, herbaceous annuals and perennial, and some shrubs, and includes natural grasslands, savannas, shrub lands, and most deserts. Examples of major rangeland in the United States include the grasslands of the Great Plains and the cold and hot deserts throughout the western U.S. Native rangelands are ecologically rich areas with great biodiversity providing valuable economic (grazing land), environmental (habitat for wildlife and important in nutrient cycles), and recreational (camping and hiking) resources. Invasive plants have already infested vast areas of U.S. rangeland in the U.S., and this area continues to grow. Let's look at some examples of rangeland weeds:
- Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
- Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria dalmatica)
- Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)
- Downy brome (Bromus tectorum)
- Saltcedar (Tamarix)
- Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)
Hawaii and Florida
The tropical climate in Hawaii and Florida make them particularly susceptible to invasive plants. In addition, they both have high exposure to potential invaders since they have numerous ports of entry and high rates of traffic. In Florida, it is estimated that at least 30% of the flora is made up of non-native plants; many of these are invasive. It is estimated that there are roughly 8,000 introduced plant species and varieties in Hawaii, with over 10% with established populations. Both states also have numerous waterways that contribute to the transport of invasive plants.
- Miconia (Miconia calvescens)
- Buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare)
- Whitehead (Kyllinga nemoralis)
- Firetree (Morella faya)
- Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica)
- Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Atlantic Coastal Infestations
- Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
- Kudzu (Pueraria montana v. lobata)
- Mile-a-minute (Polygonum perfoliatum)
- Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
- Privets (Ligustrum species)
- Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
The Great Lakes Region
- Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
- Curly pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
- Eurasian milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
- Frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)
- Cattails (Typha angustifolia)
- Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
West Coast
- Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis)
- Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
- Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
- Squarerose knapweed (Centaurea virgata)
- Jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrical)
- Saint Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum)
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