Invasive Plants

When invasive plant species spread, they often create monocultures, areas without biodiversity dominated by a single species. Monocultures of species such as English ivy and yellow starthistle are poor habitat for wildlife, and they can decimate rangeland used for domestic animals like cattle. Invasive plant species also reduce water quality because their roots do not trap and filter water as well as diverse native plants.

Invasive plants and animals travel by air, land, and sea. Some of the most damaging species in the United States, such as zebra mussels, are carried by ships, but many others are spread on people's shoes, clothes, and luggage. Some are brought here as garden plants, food, or household pets, but they can outcompete natives and spread at an incredible rate when they make their way to the wild. Each arrival is a new threat to the healthy, diverse tapestry of life that makes Oregon unique. 

You Can Help

Remove and Report

Volunteer

Learn and Share

Explore More Resources

• Cooperative Weed Management Areas, or CWMAs, are a partnership between landowners, government agencies and local organizations working to manage and prevent the spread of invasive plants.
• King County, Washington has a great invasive species prevention program and much of the information is relevant here in Oregon as well!
• Let’s Pull Together is an organization that organizes annual invasive removal volunteer projects in Central and Southern Oregon.
• National Network of Invasive Plant Centers: Invasive plants are not a problem unique to Oregon. In fact, some species that are native to Oregon are considered invasive in other parts of the world!
• The No Ivy League started in Portland’s Forest Park, has good resources on how to remove invasive English ivy.
• Oregon Association of Conservation Districts Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, including the East Multnomah and West Multnomah districts in the Portland area, are on the front lines of the fight against invasive plants and have many great resources.
• The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed Program has good information on invasive plants including profiles of the most common invaders.
• Oregon Invasive Species Council: Read up on Oregon's 100 most dangerous invasives and get the latest information on invasive plants and animals. You can also report an invasive species sighting by filling out the online report form or calling 1-866-INVADER
• Watch OPB’s award winning documentary, The Silent Invasion.
• The Statesman Journal, Salem’s newspaper, put together some great resources on all kinds of invasive species, including this page on invasive plants.
• USDA Forest Service: Invasive Plants and Animals
• Western Invasive Network (WIN) focuses on promoting communication and cooperation in invasive species eradication and removal and provides resources and tools to identify and manage invasive plants. They also have good information about the Early Detection Rapid Response program.