Avoiding Invasive Landscape Plants
…And Alternative Choices for the Hays County Texas Area
What is an “Invasive” Plant?
The term “invasive” refers to any species that is non-native to an eco-system and which is likely to cause environmental harm. Invasive plants are often introduced to an eco-system as the result of landscaping choices but can also be introduced with nursery stock or seed that has been produced elsewhere.
Invasive plants cause damage to native eco-systems when they out-produce or restrict native plants resulting in reduced food, shelter or other resources needed by native wildlife. Native plants and animals evolved together and are part of a system that is balanced and sustainable.
Unintentional Impact
Even if your intent is to keep non-native plants restricted to your yard or garden, it’s not possible to completely control reproduction. Seeds can be blown by the wind, washed away by rain, and more commonly, spread by birds who consume the seeds which then pass through their digestive tract and remain viable.
The best option is to avoid non-native plants completely. If you have invasive plants in your landscape, consider removing them and replacing them with native plants. The ecosystem will thank you!
Undesirable Invasives
There are a number of invasive plants that are considered undesirable and were never brought into the area because they were beautiful or decorative. Some examples:
Bastard Cabbage
Malta Star Thistle
Kudzu
Native Inland Sea Oats - Chasmanthium latifolium
Photo by Joseph A. Marcus (LBJWFC)
Other Native Landscaping Options
When shopping for landscape plants, look for these natives:
Mountain Laurel
Indian Grass
Sideoats Grama
Autumn Sage
Yellow Bells
Cardinal Flower
Turk’s Cap
Big Muhly grass
Mexican Feathergrass
Native Salvia Species
Coral Berry
Texas Redbud
Agarita
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) on native Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)
Photo by Linda Keese - with permission
For more information:
TEXASINVASIVES.ORG - https://www.texasinvasives.org/
Texas Parks And Wildlife - https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/keep-texas-wild/alien-invaders/how-you-can-help
Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center – native plant database - https://www.wildflower.org/plants-main
