Nonnative Plants
Nonnative Plants
Overview
Nonnative plants
Alien or nonnative plants are species that are introduced to an area where they do not naturally occur. This introduction can be intentional (for agriculture or horticulture purposes) or accidental (through trade, travel, etc.). Not all alien plants become invasive, some coexist harmlessly with native species.
Invasive Alien plants
Invasive alien plants are species that are not native to a specific location and tend to spread aggressively, outcompeting native vegetation. They can cause significant harm to ecosystems, biodiversity, and local economies. These plants often lack natural predators or controls in their new environments, allowing them to proliferate rapidly. Examples include Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) and Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii).