Information on invasives in Takoma Park that are very common, notably harmful, or both.
Clicking on a species name in the list below will take you either to a
- website or document with information on that species, or
- FONTT profile of the species with information compiled from multiple sources as well as links to more information.
A quick guide to removing invasive plants and native plants to replace them.
Definition of invasive species versus “weed,” “non-native,” and “native.”
Jump or scroll to: ~ FONTT Invasive Species Profiles
Go to Important References for information on invasive plants that are not listed below.
Check back! — we will be adding more species and more FONTT species webpages periodically.
FONTT Invasive Species Profiles
Bush Honeysuckle (various species of Lonicera)
Bush honeysuckles are several invasive species in the same genus (Lonicera) that are abundant in Maryland’s habitats with unfortunate results: outcompete native plants for soil moisture, light, and nutrients; reduce pollination in native plants; and exude chemicals that inhibit the growth of native plants. Read more…
Fountain Grass and Purple Fountain Grass (Cenchrus alopecuroides and Cenchrus setaceus)
Anna Mische John, Vegetation Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Takoma Park MD, sees in her work how these species of fountain grass are escaping from yards and crowding out natural growth in our city parks. Read more…
Liriope (Liriope muscari and Liriope spicata)
Liriope is right up there with fountain grass and porcelainberry as Anna Mische John’s least favorite invasive plants. Read more…
Porcelainberry (Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata)
This invasive plant kills trees, shrubs, and other plants by completely blanketing them with foliage and shutting out sunlight. Read more…
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon crowds out native plants in natural growth areas by producing huge numbers of seeds and putting down deep tap roots. Read more…
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
This invasive plant poses a serious threat to native plants in wetlands and along streams and rivers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Colonies of yellow flag can cause sediment to build up, which alters wetlands habitat by creating drier environments.
Eliminating yellow flag from your property, and encouraging your neighbors to do the same, helps protect habitat along Sligo Creek and the downstream waterways to which it connects. Read more…
Friends of Native Trees in Takoma 