Invasive Plants Threaten Our Natural Areas

Spending time in nature is a great way to relax and recharge. Unfortunately, many of our natural areas are becoming overrun with invasive plant species that disrupt the balance of these ecosystems.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, an invasive plant is:

1. Non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration; and
2. Likely to cause economic, environmental, or human health harm

These plants thrive in new environments because they lack natural predators and diseases. They reproduce quickly, spread aggressively, and can survive in tough conditions. Their ability to self-sow and spread rapidly allows them to outcompete native plants, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity in both plant and animal life.

One major culprit is Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense), a plant introduced to the U.S. in the 1800s for ornamental landscaping. Over the past century, Chinese Privet has escaped cultivation. Its seeds, which are eaten and dispersed by wildlife or carried by water, have helped it invade forests and natural areas.

• Identifying Chinese Privet:
• A multi-stemmed shrub or small tree
• Mostly evergreen with rounded leaves
• Grows between 5-16 feet tall, sometimes taller
• Produces small, white, fragrant flower clusters in spring
• Develops small, berry-like fruits (drupes) that are blue-black or purple when ripe

To help combat the spread of this invasive species, Huntsville Green Team is partnering with TVA to raise awareness and support privet removal efforts. Learn more about how invasive species impact our ecosystems and what you can do to help:

Exotic Beauties Can Have Devastating Results (ACES)

Chinese Privet Distribution Map (EDDMapS)