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The term “invasive species” brings forth a variety of connotations and disagreement about its meaning. We will utilize Executive Order 1312 establishing the National Invasive Species Council as our source. An invasive species is:
- “Non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration
- Whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.
- Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes).
- Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introductions.”
Traits of Invasive Species
Whether a plant or animal, these species present the following characteristics:
- Endanger the survival of native plants and animals
- Quickly reproduce, and grow
- Rapidly establish themselves over a large area
- Prosper over many years
They are typically able to succeed due to environmental conditions that are similar or more favorable than their native range. In addition, their success is due to the absence of natural predators, competitors, and diseases that would naturally temper their advancement.
Facts and Figures
Even though not all non-native species are invasive – all invasives are non-native. Below are some eye-opening facts about the impact of invasives on our environment and economy:
- Almost half of our federally endangered native species are significantly threatened by invasive species.
- The cost of managing and controlling invasive species in the US is nearly $140 billion annually. For plants alone, the cost is estimated at $13 billion per year.
- The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department bans the importing and possession of about 600 species.
- Texas has 37 noxious weeds, or nonindigenous invasive plants, per the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Damage from Invasive Plants
Our focus is invasive plants, specifically those that cause the most damage in North Central Texas. All of these plants are unfortunately readily available for purchase locally.
Invasive plants inflict damage on our ecosystem by easily self-propagating outside of their initial location and quickly spreading to decrease the biodiversity of the surrounding area. Plus, invasives threaten the survival of native plants, which are pushed out by their incursion. Native animals that depend on our native plants for nourishment and protection are also severely impacted by the loss of native plants.
The Dirty Dozen Invasive Plants
Below is a listing of the invasive plants, the dirty dozen, which can be purchased locally, and cause the most severe issues for our native ecosystems. We have also included alternative plants that are native to North Texas, readily available, provide your landscape with the same or better benefits than the invasive, and without harming our local natural habitats.
[table “” not found /]Invasive plants impact all Texans through their degradation of local ecosystems, the escalating cost to manage and control, and harming our enjoyment of the state’s vast natural resources. Lastly, by choosing native alternatives to these “dirty dozen” invasive plants, you can play a big part in stopping the spread of invasive plants here in North Texas.
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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: timcast