What are Invasive Plant Species?
Invasive plants are non-native plants that have been introduced to areas outside of their native range – intentionally or otherwise – and cause significant harm to forests, native wildlife, and the economy. When introduced into new environments, these species spread aggressively, outcompeting native vegetation and are costly to manage and/or remove. Henrico County is no stranger to invasives, but luckily there are tools and methods available to identify and control these plant species.
Which Invasives are Common to Henrico County?
During tree inventory and canopy assessment work days, volunteers collected data on invasive plant species present around the County. Some of the most prevalent species are:
- Autumn Olive
- Bamboo
- Bradford/Callery Pear
- Bush clover (Lespedeza)
- Chinese Privet
- English Ivy
- Greenbrier
- Japanese barberry
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Japanese stiltgrass
- Mulberry weed
- Nandina
- Oriental bittersweet
- Persian silk (Mimosa)
- Porcelain-berry
- Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus)
- Winter Creeper (Euonymus)
- Wisteria
How to Manage Invasive Species
To prevent the introduction of invasive species, education is the first step. Before selecting a plant or tree for your yard or garden, research to ensure it is a Virginia native species and suited to your ecosystem. The best time to treat and remove invasives depends on the plant. Utilize the resources below to learn more about invasive plants and options for control and/or removal.
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Invasive Plant Species List
Virginia Department of Forestry’s Invasive Plants in Virginia Website
Virginia Invasive Species Website (features Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan)
Blue Ridge PRISM’s Invasive Plant Fact Sheets & Control Methods
Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS): EDDMaps: Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System | USDA Climate Hubs