Invasive Plants in Delaware

1. Invasive Plants in Delaware

2. What is an invasive plant? Not native – does not naturally occur in a specific area Aggressive, creates problems for native plants, animals and natural communities Has very few, often no predators in its new location

3. 45o 30o 30o 45o Where do they come from?

4. What makes a plant invasive? Usually non-native Hardy, out-competes natives Grows quickly Produces many seeds and/or spreads by underground root systems (rhizomes) Produces biological toxins that suppress the growth of other plants Few predators

5. How do they get here? ornamental landscapes and gardens conservation projects, erosion control pallets and packing material crop seed

6. Why should we be concerned? Ecological Impacts fire hazards alter hydrology alter soil chemistry changes in plant communities and biodiversity competition with native plants

14. English Ivy Hedera helix

17. Japanese Honeysuckle Lonicera japonica

20. Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora Photo by David Cappaert

22. Phragmites Phragmitesaustralis