Invasive plants are everywhere - from your backyard to the Maine wilderness.
There are many plants not native to Maine but co-exist with our native plants. Other plants, considered invasive, are not from Maine and can cause harm to the economy, environment, and human health.
Terrestrial Invasives
Identify it.
There are over 100 plants being monitored and discouraged from spreading in Maine. Common invasive plants include Japanese Knotweed, Japanese Barberry, Asiatic Bittersweet, Shrubby Honeysuckles, Multiflora Rose, and Burning Bush.
Contact us or UMaine Cooperative Extension if you need help identifying an invasive plant on your property.
Manage it.
Each invasive plant has its own method for management and removal to reduce the likelihood of it spreading. Invasive plants often have multiple ways of spreading - by seed, root, stem, leaf, and other plant fragments.
Invasive plants like to move into disturbed areas and outcompete native plants trying to establish.
Monitor it.
Invasive plants often have plant parts or seeds still remaining in a managed area. Monitor managed areas for new growth or expansion to prevent the invasive plant from re-establishing.
Aquatic Invasives
Stop the Spread.
Invasive plants reduce water quality, impact areas for fishing and boating, and reduce property values. They easily spread from lake to pond to stream on boats and recreational equipment.
Prevent invasives from spreading by checking your boat and equipment before entering and after leaving a water body.
Clean it. Drain it. Dry it.