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Invasive Plants

WHAT IS AN INVASIVE PLANT?
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Invasive weeds are plants that have been introduced
into an environment outside of their native range. In
their new environment, they have few or no natural
enemies to limit their reproduction and spread. 

 

WHAT IS A NOXIOUS PLANT?

When an invasive plant creates a serious negative impact on public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property, Oregon declares it a noxious plant (Oregon Administrative Law 603-052-1200).  Noxious weeds choke out crops, destroy range and pasture lands, clog waterways, affect human and animal health, and threaten native plant communities.

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WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF INVASIVE AND NOXIOUS PLANTS?

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  • ​Reduce crop yield and quality

  • Reduce biodiversity

  • Displace native plant and wildlife species

  • Reduce land values

  • Reduce recreational and tourism activities
     

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EARLY DETECTION AND RAPID RESPONSE (EDRR)
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Even the best prevention efforts cannot stop all invasive species. Early detection, rapid assessment and rapid response is a critical defense strategy. EDRR increases the likelihood that localized invasive populations will be found, contained, and eradicated before they become widely established. EDRR can slow range expansion, and avoid the need for costly long-term control efforts.

 

Effective EDRR depends upon the timely ability to answer critical questions such as:

  1. What is the species of concern, and has it been authoritatively identified?

  2. Where is it located and likely to spread?

  3. What harm may the species cause?

  4. What actions (if any) should be taken?

  5. Who has the needed authorities and resources?

  6. How will efforts be funded?

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THINGS WE CAN DO TO
 

  1. Eradicate invasives in our yards

  2. Avoiding purchasing or planting invasives in our gardens

  3. Speak out when we see invasives in garden stores

  4. Help others be aware of the damage that invasives create

  5. Be careful when entering natural areas not to transport invasive seeds

  6. Report sightings

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Featured Invasive Plant
Useful Publications

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Pacific Northwest's Least Wanted List: Invasive Weed Identification and Management, OSU Extension, EC1563, June 2003 (download pdf)

 

GardenSmart Oregon 
A gardener's guide that identifies 25 of the most threatening invasive plants across Oregon and recommends non-invasive alternative plants for gardeners and landscapers. (download pdf) 

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