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Battling Ohio's Invasive Species

Canada lily can be used as a native alternative to harmful invasive wildflower species.  © TNC Get Updates!   Join the Great Places Network to learn more about how invasive species affect natural areas in Ohio and beyond state borders. Alternatives to Ohio's Invasive Plants There are many alternative native species that can be planted instead of invasive plants that have been identified as problematic in Ohio’s natural areas. Invasive species, once planted, out-compete native plants for survival.  As the invasive species spread, they destroy what makes different areas of the state special and unique, the native habitat.  (See the range of Ohio's invasive species here.) The invasive plants listed in the links below pose serious threats to native species and the ecological integrity of Ohio’s native biological diversity. Many of these invasive species are commercially available. However, also listed in the links below are recommended alternatives, most of which are native to Ohio or the midwest region and commercially available. The list of alternative native species should not be viewed as comprehensive or complete. Its purpose is to provide some examples of what could be used in a landscape setting in place of the corresponding invasive plant. Successful establishment of these native alternatives will depend on a variety of factors affecting each situation. The list will be updated and revised periodically as more information becomes available. Grasses Cattails Groundcovers Shrubs Wetlands Clovers Honeysuckles Trees Wildflowers Roses Vines

Cattails can be a major threat to a wetland's native species.
© TNC

Silent Invaders:

A major threat to Ohio's biodiversity

Approximately 700 to 800 species of plants in Ohio are not native to the state, having been introduced from other countries. Most of these species never stray far from where they are introduced, yet some become very invasive and displace native plants in woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and other natural areas. Without natural controls, some invasive non-native plants are able to spread quickly and force out native plants. View Ohio's Invasive Plant Distribution Maps Page. 

In Ohio, several non-native plants are invading woodlands and displacing native spring wildflowers. Other non-native plants are impacting our wetlands, grasslands and prairies. Native plant diversity is important for wildlife habitat as many animals depend on a variety of native plants for food and cover.

Glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) is an example of a troublesome intruder at several Conservancy preserves, including Kitty Todd, Herrick Fen, and Flatiron Lake Bog. Control of buckthorns requires persistence because of their prolific seed production, widespread dispersal by birds, and landscape-wide occurrence. Cutting and treating stumps with herbicide is the best method of control.

In order to protect Ohio's natural areas from these threats, The Nature Conservancy is teaming with other organizations and agencies as part of the Ohio Invasive Plants Council to serve as a resource for the public and land managers on issues related to invasive species.

 

How much do you know about Ohio's invasive species?  Test your knowledge with our Invasive Species Quiz!

Learn more about what the Conservancy is doing to address the threat of invasive species throughout the United States and around the world.

Carry our  Invasive Plant List Wallet Card to identify invasive plants throughout the Midwest and other parts of the country. (.pdf, 200 kb)