Download Invasive Species

I NVASIVE S PECIES
D EFINITION
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Invasive plants are introduced species that can
thrive in areas beyond their natural range of
growing. These plants are characteristically
adaptable, aggressive, and have a high
reproductive capacity. Their vigor combined with
a lack of natural enemies often leads to outbreak
populations.
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Some invasive species are native species that
naturally occur in a habitat but are experiencing a
population explosion in response to an unnatural
influence such as disturbance by humans
(dandelions can cause economic harm even
where they are native).
C OMMON T RAITS
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Fast growth
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Rapid reproduction
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High dispersal ability
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Phenotypic plasticity (the ability to alter one’s growth
form to suit current conditions)
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Tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions
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Ability to live off of a wide range of food types
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Association with humans[
I MPACT
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Estimated economic impact of invasive species is
more than $100 billion dollars each year.
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Invasive species impact nearly half of the species
currently listed as Threatened or Endangered
under the U.S. Federal Endangered Species Act.
K UDZU

Native to Asia

Introduced in late 1800s
for erosion control

Crowds out native species

Currently grows all over
the southeastern US
W HITETOP

Native to Eurasia

Introduced in early 1900s
by accidental seed
contamination.

Crowds out native species

Currently grows in
Northwestern US
P RINCESS T REE

Native to China

Introduced in 1840 as an
ornamental plant

Grows and produces seeds
rapidly, and displaces
native species in disturbed
areas

Currently grows in Eastern,
Southeastern and
Midwestern US
J APANESE H ONEYSUCKLE

Native to Asia

Introduced in 1800s as an
ornamental plant

Crowds out native species

Grows pretty much
everywhere except the
Northwestern US
WATER H YACINTH

Native to South America

Introduced in 1884 as an
ornamental plant

Forms dense colonies that
block sunlight, clog water
intakes, and crowd out
native species

Currently grows in FL, GA,
LA, TX, and CA
S OME NYS I NVASIVE S PECIES
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Black Swallow Wart
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Wineberry
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Brazilian Water-weed o
Velvet-leaf
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European Bird Cherry o
Yellow Foxglove
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Kudzu
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Rambler Rose
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Floating Primrose
Willow
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Water Chestnut
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Marsh Thistle
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Cup Plant
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Japanese Black Pine
Japanese Wisteria