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Backyard Invasives

They may look innocent in your backyard, but invasives can pose a serious environmental threat.

Do You Have an Invasive Species in Your Backyard?

Once used widely in gardening, landscaping and erosion control, non-native plants like those pictured here can be found in yards, along roadsides and in business lots across the country. Free from natural restraints, alien plants, pests and diseases can establish themselves in new areas and eventually supplant native species.

You can help! Click on each of the pictures to learn what you can do to fight invasives and preserve the species native to your region.

Asian-Longhorned-BeetleThe Asian longhorned beetle is an invasive wood-boring insect native to China and Korea. © Kenneth R. Law
The Asian Longhorned Beetle

This wood-boring insect has infested and killed thousands of trees in New York City, Chicago, Ohio and Toronto.

Emerald Ash BorerEmerald Ash Borer © David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org
Emerald Ash Borer

This invasive insect is wreaking havoc on Ash trees. Learn More.

Giant SalviniaGiant salvinia at the Fred and Loucille Dahmer Caddo Lake Preserve in Uncertain, Texas. © Jack Canson
Giant Salvinia

Giant Salvinia can completely cover waterways, making boating and fishing nearly impossible. Learn More

KudzuKudzu © Barry Rice/sarracenia.com
Kudzu

Kudzu can grow an astonishing rate of up to one foot per day! Learn More

Multiflora RoseMultiflora Rose © Wikimedia commons/JoJan
Multiflora Rose

Multiflora rose damages pastures and crowds out other vegetation and crops. Learn More

Purple Loosestrife Backyard Invasivespurple loosestrife © John Randall
Purple Loosestrife

Stands grow to thousands of acres in size, eliminating crucial open-water habitat for species such as butterflies and rare amphibians. Learn more

Threats of InvasivesA large container ship makes its way down the Savannah River. Trade, transport and agriculture are three of the more common routes, or “pathways,” through which invasive species arrive. © Sarah Wellington/The Nature Conservancy
The Threat of Invasive Species

when a species is introduced into a new landscape that is not used to its presence, the consequences can be devastating. Learn more

Tree of HeavenTree of Heaven infestation © Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Tree of Heaven

This invasive tree's root system is aggressive enough to damage sewer systems. Learn more

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Photo Special Features TabLion in Maasai Mara, Kenya, Africa. © Kenneth K. Coe

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Arden OConnor 215x143Arden O’Connor. © Lajla LeBlanc

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Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos

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Naches Forest, Washington Naches Forest, eastern Washington. © John Marshall
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