Row 2, L to R: Periwinkle, Nandina, English Ivy, Burning Bush
With increased interest in native plants of the Mid-Atlantic has come a growing awareness of the invasive plants that can threaten natives’ survival in natural areas within our region. The alien species, some of which were introduced to the United States as much as 200 years ago, cause environmental harm through their prolific spread by suppressing native vegetation, reducing biodiversity, and destroying habitat for wildlife.
As of March 2019, 116 invasive species have been documented in the City of Alexandria. On Arlington County’s most recent list, 77 plants are categorized as invasive, with another 32 designated as posing a threat.
- Non-Native Invasive Plants of Arlington County, Virginia
- Non-Native Invasive Plants of the City of Alexandria, Virginia
The following posts, written by Extension Master Gardener Elaine Mills, describe introduced non-native plants found primarily in parks and natural areas, as opposed to ones commonly sold in nurseries and big box stores. They were written as part of a comprehensive series on invasive plants in 2020.
