Thickets of invasive plant species lurk in the landscapes and habitats of Shepherdstown. Dare I say, we’ll all have at least one surfacing this spring, hoping to seize the territory and cover the land. Invasive plants cause economic and ecological harm, posing a threat to our forests, grasslands, wetlands and waterways.

Let’s take a closer look at three such villains noted with a high invasive threat level. Gardeners need to be informed about invasive exotics and aware of best management practices for these plants. It should be noted that some native plants can also be invasive, such as the boxelder maple, which is very common on river floodplains.

The paradise tree (Ailanthus altissima) is commonly known as the tree of heaven. Its native range is northern China, but it was introduced in the late 1700s as a fast growing ornamental with the emergence of pleasure gardening and colonial plant exchanges in the U.S. This invasive plant releases phytotoxic substances that suppress the growth of other plants. With its rapid growth, prolific seed production and aggressive suckering habit, it soon forms colonies.

Another plant that needs to be quickly suppressed is the Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum). This annual, also known as packing grass, was used as material for securing imports in the early 1900s. Pull it up wherever you find this aggressive invasive taking hold in your yard. In large growth areas, control by frequent mowing before this plant sets seed.

Autumn olives (Elaeagnus umbellata) were first imported from Asia in the 1830s as mine reclamation plants, to control erosion on disturbed hillsides. A mature plant can produce a fruit crop containing up to 200,000 seeds. With its aggressive growth habit, the autumnberry forms dense shady areas that prevent growth of nearby native plants requiring sunnier conditions.

There are many troublesome invasives, some worse than others. Wineberries, multiflora rose, Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, Oriental bittersweet and kudzu all fit into this category, just to name a few. Yet let’s not forget the often well-intended purpose for bringing many of these plants to North American. Without an understanding of the behavior in the new environment, plants were transplanted for root stock, packaging material, erosion control, pasture, living fence, edible and even medicinal purposes. And some were imported for purely traditional ornamental purposes, from ancestral countries.

But now is the time to stop these invasives in their tracks. Seek advice from local extension services, consult authoritative online publications and discuss plants that you are eyeing to purchase with your local nurseries, to ensure you are doing your part to protect our ecosystem.

Kristi Hendricks is a graduate of Shepherd College and West Virginia University and a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at belowthejames@yahoo.com.