What's Wrong With This Picture?

Garlic Mustard (left) moving in on the native, Jack-in-the-pulpit (right)

Native plants evolved over millions of years to fill unique ecological niches. What we know as weeds today (non-native, ecologically damaging plants) did not exist in the wilderness then.

These plants developed in and are native to other countries. Like our native plants, they are kept in check in their native environment by insects or diseases and by competition with other species.  In order to survive in their native ecosystems, many plants develop characteristics that make them especially hardy.

Early European settlers in North America inadvertently brought weed seeds with them, perhaps in the hay they brought for their animals or in the dirt they used as ballast for their ships, or even in their clothes or bedding. Some activities, such as clearing the land, opened up niches that created places for weeds to grow. Settlers also purposely brought plants from their "home country" to reseed areas, make dye for clothing, and use as ornamental plants.

Without their natural enemies, some non-native plants become invasive, reducing the diversity and quantity of native plants. Weeds are continuing to spread rapidly in many areas across the country. Weeds spread to an estimated 4,00 acres (over 6 square miles) each day on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Forest Service. But weeds know no boundaries. They are also spreading on private lands. In fact, no one really knows how fast or how far they are spreading.

Purple Loosestrife in field, courtesy UW-Extension

To many, invasive weeds are simply beautiful wildflowers. Some of them, such as purple loosetrife or wisteria, are favored by gardeners for their beauty and hardiness. But when allowed to escape into wildlands, they cause serious ecological and economic damage to many areas.

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