Crafting a Wild Backyard: Beware of Troublesome Plants

Your visit to the nursery might be fueled by the noble intention of transforming your landscape into a wildlife haven. However, the greenery you bring home doesn’t always play nice with your ecological aspirations. When it comes to selecting plants for your backyard wildlife sanctuary, native species are usually the MVPs. The catch? Many commercial nurseries fall short on stocking native plants. So, how do you navigate this thorny path and avoid purchasing problematic plants? Let’s start by clarifying what’s native, non-native, and invasive.

• Native: Species naturally found in a region (like Maryland).
• Non-Native: Species that aren’t part of a region’s natural roster.
• Invasive: Non-native species causing environmental, economic, or health-related chaos.

Invasive species, the mischief-makers of the plant world, can infiltrate ecosystems intentionally or unintentionally, wreaking havoc. They come in various forms, including animals, plants, fungi, and even microscopic troublemakers. The U.S. invests billions annually to combat these invaders. Just to put it in perspective, around $45 million a year is allocated to battling the invasive Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) on federal lands. That’s some serious green!

One small way you can join the fight against invasive plants is by steering clear of them in your yard. Below is a list of plants often sold at nurseries that you should avoid. Keep in mind, though, that not all non-native plants are troublemakers; some can contribute to your backyard’s wildlife wonder. 

As of 2011, Maryland enacted the Invasive Plants Prevention and Control Law, classifying invasive plants into two tiers. Tier 1 plants are a no-go, illegal to propagate or deal with in Maryland, while Tier 2 plants can be sold, but with proper signage highlighting their invasiveness. Each plant’s classification stems from a comprehensive weed risk assessment analysis. 

Stay informed, and together, we can keep our backyards wild and wonderful! 🌱🦋🌼

Helpful Links:

Maryland Invasive Plants Prevention and Control

Plant Information

CREDIT:  Maryland.gov