Invasive Plants

What is an Invasive Species?

Invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, the economy or to human health. Invasives come from all around the world. As international trade increases, so does the rate of invasive species introductions. Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to New York's biodiversity. They cause or contribute to: habitat degradation and loss; the loss of native fish, wildlife and tree species; the loss of recreational opportunities and income; and crop damage and diseases in humans and livestock ( from the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation).

Japanese Barberry

An invasive species in New York state that has become a common decorative landscaping plant. Find out more here about how you can identify the plant and what you can do to help.

Multiflora Rose

Currently found in 41 states, this flowering shrub is classed among the top forest invasive plant species for the northeastern area by the US Forest Service.

Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed is one of New York's most striking and dangerous invasive plants. Learn how to recognize and manage it safely on our site.

Swallow Wort

Areas that have been cleared of swallow-wort should be planted with rapid-growing native species to avoid introduction of other invasive plants.

Garlic Mustard

Garlic mustard is one of very few non-native plants to be able to successfully invade forest understories.

What are those berries?

Exotic bush honeysuckle is perhaps the most widespread exotic invasive in the U.S. Widely dispersed by birds, it is now found in at least 38 states.

Last updated April 10, 2019

Invasive Plants

Disposing of Invasive Plants

Guidelines for Disposal of Terrestrial Invasive Plants (2011) is a 4-page PDF (1422kb) that covers methods for disposing of woody & non-woody plant materials, grasses and sedges, and includes a list of invasive plants that should not go into your compost pile.

Cornell Invasive Plants

Invasive Plant Atlas of the U.S.

Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States - A collaborative project between the National Park Service, the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, the Invasive Plant Atlas of New England and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The purpose of the Atlas is to assist users with identification, early detection, prevention, and management of invasive plants, with an emphasis on primarily non-native plants.