Regional partners in the Invasive Species Network (ISN) met in mid-October 2010 to determine the Top 20 invasive plant threats for the Grand Traverse Bay Region. Unfortunately, many of the Top 20 invasive plant species were introduced for landscaping purposes. The species with asterisks might well be living in your own backyard. Seeds produced by invasive species growing at home often spread easily into surrounding ecosystems, where they pose a serious threat.
Explore the species below. Report sightings. Get Involved.
| Common Name | Latin Name |
|---|---|
| russian olive* autumn olive* |
Elaeagnus angustifolia Elaeagnus umbellata |
| baby’s breath* | Gypsophila paniculata |
| dame’s rocket* | Hesperis matronalis |
| japanese knotweed* giant knotweed* |
Fallopia japonica Polygonum sachalinensis |
| common buckthorn* glossy buckthorn* |
Rhamnus cathartica Rhamnus frangula |
| honeysuckle (multiple species)* | Lonicera |
| japanese barberry* | Berberis thunbergii |
| lyme grass* | Leymus arenarius |
| multiflora rose* | Rosa multiflora |
| oriental bittersweet* | Celastrus orbiculatus |
| purple loosestrife* | Lythrum salicaria |
| reed canary grass* | Phalaris arundinacea |
| canada thistle | Cirsium arvense |
| european swamp thistle | Cirsium palustre |
| bull thistle | Cirsium vulgare |
| narrow-leaved cattail | Typha angustifolia |
| phragmites (non-native) | Phragmites australis |
| wild parsnip | Pastinaca sativa |
| leafy spurge | Euphorbia esula |
| garlic mustard | Alliaria petiolata |
*Landscaping Plant
CLICK HERE for a printable version of this list
Contact ISN with further questions.