Home | About
 
Invasive Species Invasive Plants

Invasive Species What’s the difference between a “weed” and an “invasive plant”? A weed is simply a plant growing in a place where it’s not wanted. It might be a problem locally, but it generally doesn’t spread to become a large-scale problem in natural areas.

An invasive plant is a non-native plant with very high reproductive potential and the ability to establish across long distances (for example, it might produce seeds that can spread by wind or by animals). An invasive plant can become established in natural areas, and disrupt natural communities by outcompeting native plants.

An invasive species grows/reproduces and spreads rapidly, establishes over large areas, and persists. Species that become invasive succeed due to favorable environmental conditions and lack of natural predators, competitors and diseases that normally regulate their populations.

This includes a wide variety of plants, insects and animals from exotic places. As invasive species spread and take over ecosystems, they decrease biodiversity by threatening the survival of native plants and animals. In fact, invasive species are a significant threat to almost half of the native U.S. species currently listed as federally endangered.

In addition to negatively impacting ecosystems, invasive species are also costly. It is very expensive to prevent, monitor and control the spread of invasives, not to mention the damage to crops, fisheries, forests, and other resources. Invasives cost the US $137 billion annually. Some of the most harmful species cost in excess of $100 million annually.

Sometimes you will see invasive species referred to as exotic, alien, or non-indigenous species. The problem with these names is that they only refer to the non-native part of the definition above. Many exotic or alien species do not cause harm to our economy, our environment, or our health. In fact, the vast majority of "introduced" species do not survive and only about 15% of those that do go on to become "invasive" or harmful.

Learn more about Invasive Species Learn more about Invasive Species


By:
Rod Pinkston, a former U.S. Army Master Sergeant and war veteran, may well be one of the world's best and most intuitive wild hog hunters in the world. Read More »


By:
White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emergent disease of hibernating bats that has spread from the northeastern to the central United States at an alarming rate. Read More »


By:
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) are nonindigenous species that threaten the diversity or abundance of native species, the ecological stability of infested waters, and/or any commercial, agricultural, aquacultural , or recreational activities dependent on such waters. ANS include  nonindigenous species that may occur within inland, estuarine, or marine waters and that presently or potentially threaten ecological processes or natural resources. The term ANS is often used interchangeably with aquatic invasive species, the preferred term of Federal and State managers. An aquatic invasive species is defined as a species not native to the ecosystem under consideration whereby introduction of this species does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or threaten human health.
Read More »


By:
Many forest managers are unknowingly introducing and spreading invasive plants on their lands through management practices they implement. These practices, ranging from traditional silvicultural management to wildlife enhancement and land-use conversion practices, all influence invasive plant growth, reproduction, and dispersal. Recognizing and predicting the response of individual species to these practices will enable managers to take steps to prevent or reduce the impact of invasive plants on their land. Many of these species eliminate all productive uses on infested sites and are very expensive to control and/or eradicate. Knowing which invasive plants are common in your region and being able to identify them aids in quickly responding to new threats. Monitoring disturbed areas and proper sanitation of equipment helps prevent new infestations. Issues such as when and how to use prescribed fire and how different invasive plants will respond can be confusing and overwhelming. This publication integrates vegetation management guidelines and control techniques with silvicultural practices, such as prescribed fire, harvest  techniques, site preparation, timber stand improvement, and wildlife plantings, in a format that will help the manager understand the relationship of management  practices and invasive plants.


(Evans, C.W., D.J. Moorhead, C.T. Bargeron, and G.K. Douce. 2006. Invasive Plant Responses to Silvicultural Practices in the South. The University of Georgia Bugwood Network, Tifton GA, BW-2006-03. 52 p.) Read More »


By:
Invasions of nonnative plants into forests of the Southern United States continue to spread and include new species, increasingly eroding forest productivity, hindering forest use and management activities, and degrading diversity and wildlife habitat. This book provides the latest information on how to organize and enact prevention programs, build strategies, implement integrated procedures for management, and proceed towards site rehabilitation and restoration. Effective control prescriptions are provided for 56 nonnative plants and groups currently invading the forests of the 13 Southern States. A companion book, “A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests,” (Miller and others 2010) includes information and images for accurate  identification of these invasive plants. Read More »


By:
Invasive non-native plants are a serious threat to native species, communities, and ecosystems in many areas around the world. They can compete with and displace native plants, animals, and other organisms that depend on them, alter ecosystem functions and cycles significantly, hybridize with native species, and promote other invaders. The good news is that many plant invasions can be reversed, halted or slowed, and in certain situations, even badly infested areas can be restored to healthy systems dominated by native species. In most instances this requires taking action to control and manage those invasive plants. This handbook provides you with detailed information about the tools and techniques available for controlling invasive plants, or weeds, in natural areas. Whenever possible, language familiar to natural area managers is used, and unfamiliar terms and jargon borrowed from other fields are defined.
Read More »


By:
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Program monitors, analyzes, and records sightings of non-native (introduced) aquatic species through-out the United States. The program is based at the USGS Southeast Ecological Science Center in Gainesville, Florida. Read More »


By:
Introduced species represent an accelerated global change, and current efforts to manage them, though effective in particular situations, are not controlling the general problem. In the US, this failure is the result of insufficient policy, inadequate research and management funding, and gaps in scientific knowledge.
Read More »


By:
Injurious wildlife are mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, mollusks and their  offspring or gametes that are injurious to the interests of human beings, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, wildlife or wildlife resources of the United States. Read More »


By:
The negative consequences of invasive species are far-reaching, costing the United States billions of dollars in damages every year. Compounding the problem is that these harmful invaders spread at astonishing rates. Such infestations of invasive plants and animals can negatively affect property values, agricultural productivity, public utility operations, native fisheries, tourism, outdoor recreation, and the overall health of an ecosystem. Read More »


By:
Fire management can help maintain natural habitats, increase forage for wildlife, reduce fuel loads that might otherwise lead to catastrophic wildfire, and maintain natural succession. Today, there is an emerging challenge that fire managers need to be aware of: invasive plants. Fire management activities can create ideal opportunities for invasions by nonnative plants, potentially undermining the benefits of fire management actions. This manual provides practical guidelines that fire managers should consider with respect to invasive plants. Read More »


This 40-page document provides detailed information on the biology of wild pigs, how to recognize their presence, the type of damage they can cause to agriculture and natural areas and a wide range of management techniques, including hunting.  It applies to just about anywhere in the U.S. where wild pigs are found. Read More »


This brief 2-pager tells which reptiles make good pets and which do not, as well as advice on care and an explanation for why responsible pet owners do not release their pets into the environment. Read More »

Invasive Species Native species
Invasive Species Nearly 1500 species of native plants are part of what makes Maine a unique place. Native plants—also called indigenous plants—are those that either originated here, or arrived without human intervention.

We have brought many nonnative plants—exotic or alien plants—to Maine as food, fiber, and landscape plants. In addition, we have introduced some nonnative plants unintentionally, as contaminants in crop seed, in the soil of other plants, and in ships’ ballast.

Why are native plants important?
Invasive Species Native plants form the historical basis of our landscape, provide food and habitat for animals, and serve as natural sources of food, fiber, and other products.

Native plants can serve several functions in the landscape. Native shade trees such as red oak and white ash, and evergreens like white pine and eastern hemlock, form the structure of the natural landscape. Fruiting shrubs such as black chokeberry, gray dogwood, and winterberry provide food for wildlife and add seasonal interest to the landscape. Groundcovers like bearberry and creeping juniper can be planted to preserve a sense of open space while reducing the size of lawns. Native perennials and ferns can be used in woodland gardens.
Invasive Species Texas Plant Information Database
The Texas Plant Information Database (TPID) contains comprehensive information about native and a few selected naturalized plant species that have value for erosion control and wildlife use. It provides the user an opportunity to query and select species that have application for landscape enhancement or restoration. The selection of appropriate plants is based on specific site characteristics and management objectives.

This project is still evolving.Therefore, we welcome comments and suggestions. We hope the program is user-friendly as well as applicable. Species can be added to the database and modifications of existing data can be made where needed.In case there is a plant you would like to see added to the database, please e-mail the plant name to us at the address below. If the plant meets the criteria for addition to the database, a blank form will be mailed to you to fill out and send back.

Criteria for Including Plants in the Database TPID is based upon plants that have desirable characteristics and, when planted in appropriate associations, can provide vegetated landscapes similar to those that naturally occur in Texas. These plants include trees, shrubs, vines, forbs, grasses, and marsh plants. This database contains information on specific plants (e.g. wooly croton) as well as groups of plants (e.g. Croton spp.) for which data for several plants are grouped together.

There are several ways you can search the database for native species:
Search by Common Name
Search by Scientific Name
Search by Code
Search by Ecological Region
Search by County
Search the database by Specific Location

Find a nursery that sells plants native to Texas »

Learn more about Native Species Learn more about Native Species


By:
In recent years, there has been increased interest in establishing native warm season grasses (NWSG) and forbs as wildlife habitat. Commonly known as prairie or prairie grass, native grasslands and savannas, a forest/grassland complex with less than 50% tree coverage, historically dominated the landscape across much of the United States. These grasses and forbs grow during the warmer months of the year as opposed to cool season grasses such as fescue and brome. Read More »


A 2008 Farm Bill provision allows for a 25% Deduction for Endangered Species Recovery Expenditures. Read More »


Excerpts from the Texas Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) applicable to private landowners.

Read More »


This brief 2-pager tells which reptiles make good pets and which do not, as well as advice on care and an explanation for why responsible pet owners do not release their pets into the environment. Read More »


Bats, still a required decor component for Halloween, are increasingly recognized as the important creatures that they are.  Bats are important predators and pollinators in ecosystems throughout the world.  The benefits they provide humans are substantial - both in terms of controlling insect pests and pollinating economically important crops.
Read More »


According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, endemic species are native species that are confined to a certain region or having a comparatively restricted distribution.  For example, the Joshua Tree is endemic to the Mojave Desert.  In other words, endemics, wherever they are located, are unique to their region.  In general, the greater the isolation or specialized nature of the habitat, the more numerous the endemics.  Thus, according to Britannica Encyclopedia online, species on remote oceanic islands tend to be almost 100% endemic. Read More »


Unlocking Bird Conservation Plans to Create Education Programs that Work
Do you want to connect your audiences to conservation messages but don’t know where to start? Conservation plans, based on extensive biological research, will help prioritize your efforts. 

This resource sheet will help you:
  • Link your education programs to priorities in bird conservation plans; 
  • Find relevant bird conservation plans in your area of focus; 
  • Extract key information to guide education program development; and 
  • Involve scientists in the development of your education programs.


Invasive Species Best Management Practices

This is an Invasive Species Element Stewardship Abstract, prepared by The Nature Conservancy to assist their land stewards and other land managers in managing invasive species. An Element Stewardship Abstract always contains information on the origins and range of the species, as well as its biology and, most importantly, options for management, control and habitat restoration. This abstract addresses the nuisance aquatic species hydrilla.

Read More »


A Prescribed Fire Association is a group of landown- ers and other concerned citizens that form a partnership to conduct prescribed burns. Prescribed burning is the key land management tool used to restore and maintain native plant communities to their former diversity and productivity for livestock production and wildlife habitat. Native prairies, shrublands, and forests supply the majority of livestock forage and much of the wildlife habitat in the U.S. Without fire, many native plant communities become dysfunctional and unproductive. Research has clearly shown that there is no substitute for fire. 

Many forest and grassland ecosystems are fire dependent and not burning is poor land management.  Why do not more people use prescribed fire to manage their land? First, fire was not part of the European culture that settled in post-Columbian America. Fire exclusion and fire suppression has been engrained in our society for years and popularized by the very successful Smokey the Bear ad campaign. The result has been a rapid decline in the quality of our natural resources, along with costing taxpayers millions of dollars each year to fight wildfires and the many other nega- tive consequences of fuel build up.

article adapted from Oklahome Cooperative Extension Association
Read More »


A summary of all the benefits of prescribed fire in southern forests. Read More »


This 40-page document provides detailed information on the biology of wild pigs, how to recognize their presence, the type of damage they can cause to agriculture and natural areas and a wide range of management techniques, including hunting.  It applies to just about anywhere in the U.S. where wild pigs are found. Read More »


Gives an overview of prevention techniques for live fish, shellfish, ornamental fish and invertebrates, aquatic plants, marine shrimp and freshwater prawns.
A list of all Southern Regional Aquaculture Center factsheets (more than 150) are available at https://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm/event/viewAllSheets/ Read More »


Discusses pathogens and parasites, genetic alterations, and genetically modified organisms.
A list of all Southern Regional Aquaculture Center factsheets (more than 150) are available at https://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm/event/viewAllSheets/ Read More »


A must-read for any responsible aquaculturist contemplating non-native species production.
A list of all Southern Regional Aquaculture Center factsheets (more than 150) are available at https://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm/event/viewAllSheets/ Read More »


Strategies and cost estimates for various forms of frightening programs and exclusion ro barrier methods of control.
A list of all Southern Regional Aquaculture Center factsheets (more than 150) are available at https://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm/event/viewAllSheets/ Read More »

BMPs oriented more specifically toward farming & agriculture, wildlife habitat and energy efficiency are also available on this site.

Invasive Species Native & Invasive Species News
The following news articles are provided by the Google News service and do not reflect the views or imply an endorsement by the Houston Conservation Center and its affiliates. We cannot guarantee the relevance of the content of this page or any links that may be followed from the articles herein.
Google News

Latinos Post

Good-Bye Fire Ants, Hello Crazy Ants - Invasive Species Causing Big Ecological ...
Latinos Post
Those economic considerations, as bad as they've been, could grow even worse with the invasion of the crazy ants, according to the study's lead author, Ed LeBrun, a research associate with the Texas invasive species research program at the Brackenridge ...




Crazy Ants Are Displacing Fire Ants — Invading Texas And The South (VIDEO)
PlanetSave.com
“When you talk to folks who live in the invaded areas, they tell you they want their fire ants back,” said Ed LeBrun, research associate with the Texas invasive species research program at the Brackenridge Field Laboratory in the College of Natural ...

and more »



Care2.com

Reimaging the Environmental Movement
Care2.com
One good example is a campaign The Nature Conservancy in Texas rolled out for this year's Earth Day. Our Malicious But Delicious campaign highlighted the devastation wrought by invasive species–not through statistics or images, but through food.




UPI.com

Invasive Crazy Ants Are Displacing Fire Ants, Researchers Find
University of Texas at Austin News
Invasive “crazy ants” are displacing fire ants in areas across the southeastern United States, according to researchers at The University of Texas at Austin. It's the latest in a .... In short, instead of one invasive species, you have two. Google ...
Invasive crazy ants have a taste for technologyCNET
They WANT to EAT YOUR COMPUTER - welcome your ANT overlordsRegister
Researchers: 'Crazy Ants' Invading, Chasing Out Fire AntsCBS Local
Fox News -VOXXI -Mother Nature Network
all 40 news articles »



Join Quinta Mazatlan for Cha-cha-la-ca mornings
The Valley Town Crier
Projects will include bird feeding, watering gardens, weeding, planting shrubs and trees, trail maintenance, trail building, invasive plant removal, cleaning, and more! You will learn about South Texas plants and wildlife, enjoy a few hours with other ...




Smith: Area anglers using 'strolling' technique for landing crappie
Longview News-Journal
Invasive species such as Giant Salvinia, Hydrilla, Tilapia, grass carp, zebra mussels and many other imports are endangering Texas waterways and all anglers should be aware of the regulations. Transporting any of these, even if unintentiona,l is an ...




Fort native on 'Swamp Monsters'
Daily Union
WALLER INVASION — Friday evening marks the premiere of “Invasion of,” a special series on Animal Planet on invasive species co-hosted by Fort Atkinson native Jana Waller. The two one-hour premiere episodes are slated to be aired Friday at 6 and 7 p.m ...




Attack of the Invasive Species
Austin Monthly
Because a) that's their name (bastard cabbage), and b) they're one of the invasive species I ate last night at “Malicious But Delicious,” a four-course feast prepared by the team at Foreign & Domestic and sponsored by the Nature Conservancy of Texas.




Texas Fishing Report
Westport-News
Black bass are fair on Texas rigged craws. White and yellow bass are good on slabs. Catfish are good on cut bait and trotlines. All boaters and anglers should be aware of new TPWD regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species — see: ...

and more »



Hello Zebra Mussels. Goodbye Texas Lakes.
Cedar Creek Lake
Zebra Mussels are a small, destructive invasive species that can spread by hitching a ride on boats, trailers and gear. They grow to about 1 ½ inches and develop a distinctive zebra-striped shell. One Zebra Mussel can produce up to one million ...


Google News
Select a County

Shop for Conservation
Robin Schiele, a dedicated conservationist and talented painter of exotic birds has generously agreed to donate 20% of the sale of his paintings to help support our conservation efforts.  Visit Resource First Foundation's Conservation Art Sale and put a life-size original watercolor of an endangered, endemic or rare bird from the Neotropical forests on a wall in your home or office.