Re-posted Note on Invasive Plants . . . .

I am re-posting this note from the Summer of 2012, because it IS important to develop an awareness around invasive plants.

Non-native invasive plants pose a LARGE problem to our eco-systems.

If action is taken we may be able to avoid the negative economic and ecological impacts associated with invasive plants. The most cost effective option for dealing with invasive plants involves detecting species as they are establishing and responding rapidly to their presence. To achieve this, interested citizens and participating agencies must work collaboratively to eliminate the threat of invasive plant species.

Invasive plants have many characteristics that allow them to dominate native vegetation. They grow rapidly, mature early and are able to reproduce both sexually and vegetatively. These factors, along with many others, enable invasive plants to out-compete native vegetation. As plant communities change from native to nonnative entire ecosystems can be altered. Nonnative invasive plants have been found to: utilize large amounts of water and nutrients, alter soil and water nutrient availability and increase fire frequency.    They also rob animals of healthier food choices.  The negative impacts associated with invasive plants are not limited to terrestrial systems.

Wetlands and waterways are particularly sensitive to invasion. Aquatic invasive plants can alter water pH, turbidity and light availability, thus damaging fish habitat and impeding fish migration. Aquatic invasive plants can also choke waterways, restricting recreational and transportation corridors.

From my research, the beautiful perennial, purple loosestrife, is one of the country's top offenders.  (Really beautiful flowering plant.) 
Ruellia is another . . . .
Both are readily available at garden centers .

Now that you are aware of the problem, please elect to make a different choice.