Invasive Species

The issue of invasive species...

Welcome to the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association's "Invasive Species" web pages. The issue of invasive species can be a controversial one. First, there is the question of what constitutes "invasive." Second, there is much debate on what species are considered "non-native."

Although no one and no group is able to definitively answer these questions, we will attempt to shed some light on the issues as well as give information on species that are widely accepted as invasive.

What is an Invasive Species?

An "invasive species" is defined as a species that is 1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes). Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introductions.

-Source: The National Invasive Species Council

Native Plants...
Interested in learning more about Ohio's Native Plants? The Ohio State University Extension has created an online bulletin. The goal of this bulletin is to provide a comprehensive list of plants for those who wish to include native plants in the landscape. Although there are many lists of native plants available today, most of these sources list plants native to North America or to a specific region of the United States. The plants listed in this bulletin are all native specifically to Ohio, although some may have limited distribution. Click here to access this bulletin.

Invasive Species Profiles...

What invasives should you know about? Click here to access view profiles of species!

What is the ONLA's position on Invasive Species?

In late 2002, the ONLA’s Board of Directors voted to endorse the “Draft Voluntary Codes of Conduct for Nursery Professionals” regarding invasive plants. The ONLA Board encourages all members to become familiar with and abide by the following voluntary codes of conduct:

Ensure that invasive potential is assessed prior to introducing and marketing plant species new to North America. Invasive potential should be assessed by the introducer or qualified experts using emerging risk assessment methods that consider plant characteristics and prior observations or experience with the plant elsewhere in the world. Additional insights may be gained through extensive monitoring on the nursery site prior to further distribution.
Work with regional experts and stakeholders to determine which species in your region are either currently invasive or will become invasive. Identify plants that could be suitable alternatives in your region.
Develop and promote alternative plant material through plant selection and breeding.
Where agreement has been reached among nursery associations, government, academia and ecology and conservation organizations, phase-out existing stocks of those specific invasive species in regions where they are considered to be a threat.
Follow all laws on importation and quarantine of plant materials across political boundaries.
Encourage customers to use, and garden writers to promote, non-invasive plants.

Read more about the ecological and economical impacts of invasives by clicking here.