Invasive Plant Species

An invasive plant species is a plant that is not native to a particular ecosystem and has the potential to spread widely at the expense of native species. A single species can severely impact biodiversity and alter the ecosystem’s function. 

Wisconsin has a number of invasive plants. The most commonly recognized are Common or Glossy Buckthorn, Garlic Mustard, Oriental Bittersweet, or Reed Canary Grass. Some of these invasive plant species were brought in as garden ornamentals, others for human or animal consumption. However, the dense and resilient growing traits of these invasive plants make it difficult for other plants to grow. Meaning tree seedlings and understory native species are unable to regenerate.