Invasive Plants

Approximately 50,000 non-native species have been introduced to the US for food, landscape restoration, biological pest control, pets, and sport. Many introduced invasive plant species have become established throughout the western US and have disrupted food chains and nutrient cycles by out-competing native plants. Economic damages from invasive species and costs associated with their control total nearly $120 billion annually in the US. Wetland, riparian, and disturbed areas have an increased risk of invasion by non-native plants which can significantly reduce the biodiversity and the health of ecosystems by replacing riparian vegetation communities




Updated 2/07/08