Alien and Invasives

Plants can be beautiful in their native environment. Native plants are those that belong here and have adapted to life in our region. However, we can find a number of plants that despite their potential beauty, are quite detrimental to the local ecosystems.

Below are photos of some common offenders in our area. These plants are known as alien (they have been brought to this area and do not belong) and invasive (they have spread too quickly and are overtaking the local area).

Beefsteak

This plant uses the sunlight, space, water, and nutrients from the soil that other plants could use. It is very difficult to get rid of once it has been established.

English Ivy

This ivy can carry organisms that will infect and damage the native plants. It lays on the ground so densely that it chokes out all other plants and eliminates them from the area.

Stinging Nettle

This nettle has jagged leaves and look closely at the stem. The small "hairs" can help to indentify it in the field. When touched, the nettle will cause a slight burning sensation. It will form in dense bunches, not allowing the native plants to grow here.

Gill Over the Ground

This plant forms such dense tangles and covers the ground so well that it prevents other plants from growing. Seeds that begin to grow under the gill-over-the-ground can't penetrate the thick layer to get needed sunlight.

Indian Strawberry

This strawberry has a bad taste to humans and it uses all the resources that native plants need to grow here. It can spread by seeds and runners that allow it to move quickly over its surrounding area.

Japanese Stiltgrass

This plant will grow well in the full sun or in the shade. It spreads very well in Catoctin Mountain Park where the deer will not eat it. This grass will grow in areas where other edible plants could be growing, but it outcompetes and eliminates other plants from surrounding areas.

Wineberry

This jagged plant forms very dense thickets and grows quite quickly. It can actually begin to grow roots from where the branches touch the ground.

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