Invasive plant species in New Jersey include Japanese Barberry, Japanese Knotweed, Multiflora Rose, English Ivy, and Tree of Heaven. Many of these were introduced as ornamental plants or for erosion control and have since spread, outcompeting native plants. Organizations like The Native Plant Society of New Jersey advise against planting invasive species and encourage removal from properties. [1, 1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Here's a more detailed look at some of the most problematic invasive plants in New Jersey:
Terrestrial Invasive Plants:
Japanese Barberry: (Berberis thunbergii)
Japanese Knotweed: (Reynoutria japonica)
Multiflora Rose: (Rosa multiflora)
English Ivy: (Hedera helix)
Tree of Heaven: (Ailanthus altissima)
Autumn Olive: (Elaeagnus umbellata)
Oriental Bittersweet: (Celastrus orbiculatus)
Japanese Honeysuckle: (Lonicera japonica)
Garlic Mustard: (Alliaria petiolata)
Callery Pear: (Pyrus calleryana)
Winged Euonymus (Burning Bush): (Euonymus alatus)
Japanese Stiltgrass: (Microstegium vimineum)
Common Reed: (Phragmites australis)
Common Mugwort: (Artemisia vulgaris)
Aquatic Invasive Plants:
Hydrilla: (Hydrilla verticillata)
Water Chestnut: (Trapa natans)
Why are these plants a problem?
Outcompete native plants: Invasive plants often grow aggressively, taking over habitats and preventing native plants from thriving. [1, 1, 4, 8, 9]
Disrupt ecosystems: They can alter soil composition, water availability, and nutrient cycles, impacting the entire ecosystem. [1, 1, 4, 8, 8, 10]
Threaten wildlife: Many native animals rely on specific native plants for food and shelter, and invasive species can displace them. [4, 8, 8]
Cause economic damage: Some, like Japanese Knotweed, can damage infrastructure. [11, 11]
What can be done?
Don't plant invasive species: Be mindful of the plants you choose for your garden and landscape. [3, 3, 12, 12]
Remove invasive plants: If you have invasive plants on your property, remove them and replace them with native alternatives. [3, 3, 13, 14]
Report invasive species: If you see an invasive plant in a natural area, report it to the appropriate authorities. [3, 3, 10, 10, 15]
Support efforts to control invasive species: Get involved in local initiatives to manage invasive plants. [3, 3, 16, 17]
[1] https://old.npsnj.org/articles/invasive_plant_species.html
[2] https://dep.nj.gov/invasive-species/plants/
[3] https://npsnj.org/information-about-invasive-plants/
[4] https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/fishing/freshwater/aquatic-invasive-species-clone/
[5] https://www.brooklinema.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2172/Guide-to-Invasive-Species-in-Brookline?bidId
[6] https://npsnj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NPSNJ_Newsletter_2023_Summer.pdf
[7] https://fwwa.org/2020/04/01/ais-spotlight-hydrilla/
[8] https://dep.nj.gov/invasive-species/
[9] https://nwipc.org/invasive-plants/
[10] http://www.grandviewoutdoor.com/general/invasive-plant-species-in-new-jersey-what-you-need-to-know/
[11] https://www.nj.gov/agriculture/divisions/pi/prog/buglab/invasive-plants-biocontrol/
[12] https://www.jerseyyards.org/jersey-friendly-plants/invasive-plants/
[13] https://www.nwf.org/Native-Plant-Habitats/Plant-Native/Why-Native/Invasive-Plants
[14] https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/york-most-invasive-garden-plants-133000218.html
[15] https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/invasive-plants-to-look-out-for-on-the-waterways
[16] https://princetonhydro.com/invasive-species/
[17] https://www.mass.gov/info-details/invasive-plants