nvasive Species Information | Identification & Control | Stephen Coan Garden Design

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Invasive Species Information

Invasive plant species remain one of the most persistent threats to garden health and regional ecology, and a major challenge is that many invasive plants are still sold in garden centers and big box stores. Before you buy any plant, take a moment to verify whether it is considered invasive in your region. Even popular landscape plants can become problems over time. One example now widely flagged in many areas is Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii).

Below is a curated list of trusted resources to identify invasive species in the Philadelphia tri-state (NJ/PA/DE), understand why they spread, and find responsible alternatives.

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INVASIVE SPECIES DEFINED - THE NATIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL

USDA - Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance White Paper. Submitted by the Definitions Subcommittee of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) and approved by ISAC on April 27, 2006.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Invasive Species...What are they and why are they a problem? An invasive species is "a non-native species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human, animal, or plant health."

CORNELL UNIVERSITY ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE PLANTS PROGRAM

The Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants Program conducts research to assess the ecological impacts of introduced plant species.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY - INVASIVE SPECIES - WHAT DOES A GARDENER NEED TO KNOW?

When deciding what to plant in your yard or garden, it can sometimes be difficult to know if you're making a good choice. Trees and shrubs that look beautiful could prove to be harmful when they "escape" from your yard into nearby natural areas.

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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY - INVASIVE SPECIES: WHAT CAN YOU DO?

The best way to fight invasive species is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

NEW JERSEY INVASIVE SPECIES STRIKE TEAM

The Strike Team is a statewide cooperative effort to prevent the spread of emerging invasive species across the state of New Jersey. Here they provide a library of information about the invasive species that threaten the Garden State.

USDA - INTRODUCED, INVASIVE, & NOXIOUS PLANTS

THis is a search for invasive species. The United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Introduced, Invasive, and Noxious Plants. You can choose your State or the Federal list of Noxious Weeds. Unfortunately NJ & NY are not listed but most States are, including PA and DE.

USDA - FEDERAL LIST OF NOXIOUS WEEDS

The USDA's Federal list of noxious weeds. This is for the entire country. Not all noxious plants are listed. There are new species of noxious weeds always being added to the list. Butterfly Bush is now considered invasive but is not yet listed but shortly will be. It is already listed in many State lists.

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