What are Invasive Plants?

Characteristics of Invasive Plants

1)   Grow rapidly in a variety of site conditions.

2)   High reproductive rate.

3)   Spread by vegetative fragments and seeds.

4)   Lack of natural controls on growth and reproduction.

5)   Competitive advantage over native species:

       - Leaf out earlier in spring.

       - Hold leaves longer in fall. 

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6)   Invasive plants provide no benefit to wildlife.

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Invasive plants are not native to Connecticut and cause environmental harm. The establishment and spread of invasive plants decreases biological diversity and ultimately impacts the value of natural areas, including wetlands, woodlands, and meadows.

The CT Invasive Plant List is a list of plant species that have been determined by floristic analysis to be invasive or potentially invasive in the State of Connecticut.