Invasive Plants in Milford

What is an invasive plant?

• An invasive plant is a non-native species that was introduced either intentionally or accidentally into a new ecosystem.
• Some invasive plants are sold in nurseries for their ornamental value while others traveled with people or products.

Why is this harmful?

• Invasive plants have no natural enemies to keep the population from spreading. Local wildlife eat the native plants while leaving the non-native invasive plants to flourish.
• Some such as the commonly found garlic mustard have natural abilities to send out chemicals into the soil that hurt neighboring native plants making them spread out of control.
• Invasive vines such as oriental bittersweet will choke trees and ultimately kill the tree.
• Tick populations thrive under some invasive species such as multiflora rose.

How do I know if there are invasive plants in my yard?

• There are an abundance of resources online that will help you identify invasive plants (see below). There are also plant identification apps that allow you to simply snap a photo of the plant you wish to identify.

What should I do?

• Some nurseries still sell invasive plants, always research before planting, and never buy an invasive plant.
• Invasive plants will cause a major nuisance in your backyard. They will grow out of control if left unmanaged.

How to control?

• Each species requires different types of control. It’s best to research the specific type of invasive plant to find the best way to remove it from your yard.
• In general, there are two types of control, mechanical and chemical.
• Mechanical control includes pulling, digging, cutting, mowing, and covering.
• Chemical control includes the use of herbicides.

Resources:

• Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District Inc.’s Invasive Plants in Your Backyard! A guide to Their Identification and Control
• Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s Invasive Plants Common in Connecticut
• CT Audubon 12 Invasive Plants that Threaten our Environment, Economy, and Human Health
• The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s Field Guide and Plant Management Calendar to Selected Invasive Terrestrial Plants Found in Connecticut
• Connecticut Audubon’s The Scoop on Invasive Plants
• UConn Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group