What are INvasive Species?
Native Plants
Native plants are those species that evolved naturally in a region without human intervention.
Non-Native Plants
Non-natives are plants that have been introduced, on purpose or by accident, to the region but are native to another location.
Invasive plants
Invasive plants are non-native plants that escape cultivation and cause environmental or economic harm or harm human health.
Why should we control Invasive plants?
Invasive plants disrupt the natural balance of the native ecosystem. By out-competing native plants, invasive plants can decrease the diversity of native plants. Managing invasive plants promotes native plants which in turn provide crucial habitat for pollinators and local wildlife by housing and feeding them. Native plants are adapted to the climate and therefore require fewer resources than invasives.
Learn more
Check out the Fourth Edition of Controlling Invasive Plants from the NC Botanical Garden to learn more about what invasive plants are, why we should control them, and different treatment methods.
How can you get involved?
Volunteer with us!
KDB frequently hosts invasive plant removal workdays and we’re always looking for volunteers! Check out KDB’s upcoming events for invasive plant removal workshops and volunteer workdays.
Learn more!
Check out other resources available from our partners and other organizations:
Buy and plant native species!
Local Native Plant Nurseries:
How well can you identify invasive plants?
Hover over the images below to test your NC invasive plant knowledge.
All of the plants below are invasive and considered a “severe threat.” You can explore the North Carolina Native Plant Society’s list with threat rankings here.