Find these sections below:
- Definition of “invasive plant species” and the harm that invasives cause
- Identify which species are invasive
- Two Takoma Parkers learn about invasives
- Summary of links on this page
The definition of invasive plants and the harm they cause
Invasive plants, like all invasive species, are not native to a location and are harmful to the environment or humans there.
It is that second criterion — being harmful — that distinguishes invasive plants from other non-native plants. Learn more about the harm caused by invasive plants.
In 1999, the federal government established the following definition for invasive species: “Invasive species” means an alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” (Read more about the federal definition here.)
Some people call a plant “invasive” when what they really mean is that it is “a weed” or “aggressive.” An invasive plant may or may not be perceived as a weed or aggressive in someone’s yard. (1) The label “invasive” indicates that the plant has been evaluated by a governmental or other body and judged to cause environmental harm.
(1) A “weed” is a subjective category–any plant that you don’t want in your yard. “Aggressive” means a plant spreads quickly through seeds or rhizomes.
FONTT’s concern is primarily with invasive plants in yards because these invasives can spread to natural growth areas such as Sligo Creek Park, Rock Creek Park, school yards, etc. to the detriment of the native habitat and native plants there. (Learn more about the harm caused by invasive plants.)
Designating a plant as invasive is an assessment done by expert organizations. Consult MAIT for a comprehensive list of invasive plants in the Mid-Atlantic. (You can find more information about this and other sources listing designated invasive plants here.)
Information on which plants are invasive
See Common Takoma Park Invasives for specific information on the invasive plant species in our area.
See Where to look up invasive plant species for sources where you can look up other plant species to see if they have been designated as invasive.
Takoma Parkers come to recognize the threat posed by invasives
Meg Voorhes explains: “Have you ever wondered why so many invasive plants pervade our yards? Consider my own experience.”
Bob Gibson writes about his growing awareness: “…many of us in Takoma Park filled our gardens with plants to add beauty and greenery with little or no awareness that many of our choices were … invasive.”
Read more posts by Takoma Parkers about their struggles against invasive plants here
Summary of links
Read more about the federal definition of “invasive species”
Learn the difference between “invasive,” “aggressive,” and “weed.”
Learn more about the environmental harm caused by invasive plants
Common Takoma Park Invasives
MAIT (Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool)
Where to look up invasive plant species
Meg Voorhes blog post
Bob Gibson blog post
Takoma Parkers Fight the Good Fight against Invasives