Being from South, we are all familiar with kudzu, the invasive vine that ate the South. However, are you familiar with the other invasive plants?
Invasive species are any species that are non-native and harm the local ecosystem. When these non-native plants and animals establish themselves in our local ecosystems, they outcompete and dislodge species that have evolved specifically to live there.
These plants affect us by degrading our soil, leading to erosion that can lower the quality of our water. They crowd out and can kill important tree species that provide shade, carbon storage, and habitats for native wildlife. They can even increase the risk of wildfire. The Georgia Invasive Species Council publishes a list of invasive plants, invasive wildlife, and invasive invertebrates. Check out https://gainvasivespeciescouncil.org/list/. The plants are listed into four numerical categories with the number one being the most invasive. Invasive plant species are defined as any species, including its seeds, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, which is not native to that ecosystem, and whose introduction does or is likely to cause environmental harm. Category 1 plants include the following plants: tree of heaven; mimosa; alligator weed; common water hyacinth; autumn olive; hydrilla; Chinese privet; Japanese Honeysuckle; kudzu; Chinese Wisteria; and many others. If you have any Category 1 plants your yard can not be certified by the Georgia Native Plant Society. Also, species of concern are defined as those that are found in great numbers in Georgia natural areas but are known to have caused significant damages in other states and pose a significant risk to Georgia.
The Georgia Forestry Commission publishes a dirty dozen list of invasive plants. The latest Dirty Dozen list of the most invasive plant species in Georgia’s forests is now available at https://gatrees.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2021-Dirty-Dozen-List.pdf. Non-native privet tops the list.
The GEORGIA EXOTIC PEST PLANT COUNCIL publishes an Invasive Plant List is to identify and categorize plants that pose threats to natural areas in Georgia. Natural areas are those that are managed to conserve or restore native plant communities. This list does not include species that are problematic only in agricultural or pastoral systems. The list does not have regulatory authority; it is intended to aid in land management decisions and increase public awareness of invasive species. https://www.se-eppc.org/wildlandweeds/pdf/Fall2006-GAExoticsList-pp15-18.pdf
Check out the UGA publication: https://site.extension.uga.edu/dekalb/2025/04/invasive-plant-species-catalog/.
According to Doug Tallamy, author of “Nature’s Best Hope,” humans are blessed with the capacity to learn from situations, assess the consequences, and alter our behavior in the future. We can learn from our mistakes. Unfortunately, when it comes to the environment, we rarely exercise that capacity. We have refused to learn from our mistakes way too many times to count when it comes to invasive plants. We have a long history in this country of destroying habitats and then looking for the magical remedy to clean up the mess we have left behind.
Here are three actions that you are challenged you to complete to help reduce invasive species:
1. Learn to identify the invasive plants in GA
2. Help to remove the invasive plants in your area