Many people look at nature and think everything is okay. They see green and assume it’s good. But not all green is beneficial. Take Asiatic bittersweet, for example. Or Porcelainberry. Even purple flowers can signify trouble, like wisteria, which can strangle trees as it grows. Then there’s the Callery pear and Japanese knotweed. The Callery pear, once thought to be sterile, is now invasive. Japanese knotweed can grow roots deep enough to damage homes. In England, having it on your property can even stop you from getting a mortgage. With its spread in the U.S., we might face similar issues soon.
Invasive plants are taking over, especially in the Northeast. They threaten native habitats and wildlife. Unlike native plants, these invaders don’t support the environment well. Their shallow roots can’t retain water or anchor soil effectively. They don’t filter groundwater, either.
Take the reeds you see everywhere. They’re invasive. Forsythia is another example. English ivy can harbor ticks, as does Japanese barberry, which provides cover for mice that carry these tick-borne diseases. Each invasive plant comes with its own set of consequences.
Recently, I was in Albany talking to state legislators about this issue. Many were eager to learn about the environmental crisis we’re facing. Understanding the problem is the first step to addressing it.
Once you see the invasion of these plants, it’s hard to ignore. We need to awaken our communities and leaders to this issue. Many of us used to know about the native plants and wildlife. Those connections faded when urban sprawl took over. It’s time to reconnect with nature. Our communities—and the wildlife that lives in them—depend on it.
Consider mapping the invasive plants in your yard. Share this information with your neighbors. Awareness is a crucial first step toward taking action.
Statistics show that invasive species cost the U.S. economy roughly $120 billion annually. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invasive species compromise about 42% of endangered species. Awareness and education can make a significant difference.
Let’s bring back our knowledge of local flora and fauna. Reengaging with nature can help restore balance to our ecosystems.
