“An invasive plant is a plant that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration, and whose introduction is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health” says Plant Right, a California non-profit working with California’s nursery industry to keep invasive plants out of our landscapes and to promote the sale of exclusively non-invasive alternatives.
What’s the problem? Invasive plants harm California’s environment and economy in many ways. They can overtake crops or rangeland; harm wildlife by eliminating plants they need for food and shelter; clog waterways used for commerce or recreation; and increase fire hazards and flood risk.
The priority invasive garden plants that Plant Right is focusing on include green fountain grass, Mexican feather grass, pampas grass, highway ice plant, periwinkle, yellow flag iris, and water hyacinth. Check out some well-behaved alternatives to these priority invasive plants. And click here for the full list of Invasive Plant Checklist for California Landscaping.
Remember, don’t plant a pest!