In order to make the personal environment more beautiful, it is a terrible irony to damage the natural world outside the fence. So far, we understand the damage caused by pesticides and the excess of chemical fertilizers. But there are fewer people who are familiar with the risks raised by many plants we grow in the garden. Like exotic pets that can cause confusion when they are released in the wild, many plant species can damage the natural ecosystem by avoiding the boundaries of the garden.
Invasive species
There are many confusions about the differences between garden plants, weeds, native plants, naturalized plants and invasive species. This term Partially subjective. Garden plants are plants chosen by a person to place in the garden. It may be a horticultural variety grown for certain characteristics, but is often found in nature. The plant can occur naturally in the planted area (indigenous). Or they can be exotic (derived from other ecosystems). Weeds grow in unwanted places, regardless of origin.
But the term “invasive species” do It has a separate objective meaning from the way the gardeners feel about plants. Invasive species are so aggressive when they are introduced into a new environment, causing harm to the function of the ecosystem introduced (often after the garden is completely acquired).
naturalization
Most horticultural varieties and exotic garden plants are adapted to the temperature and rainfall patterns different from the planted places. So they rely on the gardeners to provide the necessary conditions. Plants that can survive without caring can spread in the garden or find niche outside the garden in a new environment. These plants are known to be naturalized. They did not evolve in the environment, but they did not interfere with it much and adapted to it.
But sometimes the new climate is suitable for plants. Predators or restrictions may be missed by maintaining the state confirmed in the unique environment, which may be inappropriate. It replaces native plants, interferes with existing food systems, and creates a vast single culture. These plants are invasive. All invading plants are naturalized. But not all naturalization plants are invasive.
It doesn’t have to be ugly to be dangerous. The lake full of purple loosening and Scotch broom field looks beautiful. But they do not have biodiversity they should host. People are the main vectors that spread invasive species. This may not be intended. but Most invading plants It is intentionally introduced through cultivation. Many characteristics, such as preferred in the garden, make it dangerous to the environment (as it is difficult to kill).
What is the damage?
that Damage occurred The invasive species is much larger than making more works that manufacture the garden. Practical and measurable damage includes the replacement of indigenous plants that wildlife depends on food. The native plant communities can no longer thrive, and change the waterway and change the water literature or soil chemistry. It creates a vast single culture that removes habitats and reduces biodiversity. one Research has been found The invasive species is the second time after the loss of habitats in danger of indigenous plant species, and 57%of endangered species are influenced by invasive competitors.
I know your enemies
Most plants you need to watch out for depending on where you live. All invasive plants you live in elsewhere. And there may be exotic but other locations that act well. Therefore, it is important to learn about species, a topical problem with bioRegion. Start as you get used to your Lord Harmful weed list. your County expansion The office can provide more detailed lists and detailed information on the local effects of invasive species.
Join the resistance
Some main harmful weeds prohibit the sale of listed plants. But there are few executions, and many harmful weeds are simply recommended. It means that you are likely to meet the known invasive species. In the garden store. In fact, many of the worst criminals are still popular garden plants. Because it is pretty, resist the urge to buy something invasive. book Basic alternative to invasive plants It is a good resource for finding native plants. Fill the same role In your garden with a popular invasion.
Aboriginal plants can not only replace harmful exotic, but also say, “Increasing indigenous people Biological diversity is given resistance In aggression. ” It means that the more native plants we have in the region, the less likely the region will be invaded even if we plant non -natural species in the garden.
FUMI YANA’s KUDZU’s functional image, CC by-SA 4.0Through Wikimedia Commons
Editor’s note: This guide was originally published on May 21, 2022 and was updated in March 2025.
