Is It Native, Non-Native or Invasive

Is It Native, Non-Native, or Invasive

Native plants are species that naturally occur in a particular region or ecosystem without human intervention. They have evolved over thousands or even millions of years to adapt to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. These plants play a vital role in maintaining the health of their native ecosystems because they support local wildlife, such as pollinators and herbivores, and contribute to the biodiversity of the area.

Non-native plants, also known as exotic or alien plants, are species that have been introduced to an area outside of their natural range, either intentionally or accidentally, by humans. While some non-native plants might coexist with the local environment, others can become Invasive species and outcompete native species, disrupting local ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, and even altering the soil or climate.

Key Differences:

1. Origin:
   • Native: Naturally found in the region or ecosystem.
   • Non-native: Introduced from other regions or countries, often by humans.
   • Invasive: Introduced by transportation, intentional or by accident.
2. Ecosystem Role:
   • Native: Support local wildlife, pollinators, and contribute to ecosystem stability.
   • Non-native: Can sometimes support wildlife but may not have the same ecological role as native plants.
   • Invasive: Causing disruptions by competing with native species for resources, altering habitats, spreading diseases, and potentially leading to the decline or extinction of native plants and animals, thus reducing biodiversity in the affected ecosystem. 
3. Invasiveness:
   • Native: Generally, not invasive and coexist well with local species.
   • Non-native: Some non-native plants can become invasive, spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants.
   • Invasive: Have a direct impact on the ecosystem and financial impact on crops and habitats.
4. Adaptation:
   • Native: Well-adapted to local conditions (climate, soil, pests, etc.).
   • Non-native: May struggle to adapt, but some thrive in new environments, especially if they lack natural predators.
   • Invasive: Disrupting local adaptations and reducing phenotypic variation. 
5. Impact on Biodiversity:
   • Native: Helps maintain a balanced and diverse ecosystem.
   • Non-native: Can reduce biodiversity by outcompeting or displacing native species.
   • Invasive: Disrupting the balance of native species, impacting habitats of native species, causing decline in biodiversity.

In summary, while native plants are integral to the health of ecosystems, non-native plants can be beneficial in certain situations (like for ornamental purposes or erosion control), but some pose significant risks to native habitats if they become invasive.

In New England, the difference between native and non-native plants comes down to their origin and ecological role:

Native Plants*

• Origin: Native plants are species that naturally grow in East Coast or have evolved in the region over thousands of years.
• Ecological Role: These plants are well-suited to the local climate, soil, and environmental conditions. They provide essential habitats and food for local wildlife, including pollinators, birds, and insects. Native plants also tend to require less maintenance since they are adapted to local conditions.
• Maintenance: Native plants tend to require less care, while non-native plants may need more maintenance depending on the species.

NEW ENGLAND NATIVE PLANTS

New England is home to a rich diversity of native plants, with species adapted to a variety of environments, from coastal dunes to mountain forests. Here’s a list of notable native plants from the region:

1. Eastern Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

• A striking perennial with red and yellow flowers, commonly found in woodlands and along streams.
• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

2. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)

• A late-blooming perennial with vibrant purple or blue flowers.
• It thrives in meadows and along roadsides, attracting pollinators.

3. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• Known for its bright yellow petals and dark brown center, it’s a hardy wildflower that blooms in the summer and fall.
• Common in fields and prairies.

4. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

• One of the tallest trees in New England, with long, soft needles and tall, straight trunks.
• A key species in New England’s forests.

5. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

• A versatile deciduous tree that grows in various habitats, from wetlands to upland forests.
• Known for its vibrant red foliage in the fall.

6. Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)

• A delicate fern that thrives in shaded, moist woodlands.
• Its fronds can grow up to 3 feet tall.

7. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

• A shrub with glossy evergreen leaves and showy clusters of pink or white flowers.
• It grows well in acidic soils and is often found in forests and rocky hillsides.

8. American Chestnut (Castanea dentata) (historically significant)

• Once common throughout New England, this tree was devastated by chestnut blight in the early 20th century.
• Efforts are underway to restore it through breeding resistant varieties.

9. Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

• A fragrant perennial that produces purple, tubular flowers.
• Commonly found in meadows, and its leaves are used in herbal teas.

10. Common Milkweed (Asclepias Syriaca)

• A tall perennial plant with large, fragrant pink flowers that attract monarch butterflies.
• Found in open fields and along roadsides.

11. Wild Bergamot (Monarda didyma)

• Another native mint family member, it has bright red flowers and grows in a variety of habitats.
• Attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

12. Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)

• A small to medium-sized tree with striking fall color, ranging from yellow to red.
• Common in wetlands and well-drained forests.

13. Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

• A hardy shrub with aromatic foliage and waxy, gray-blue berries.
• Often found in coastal and sandy areas.

14. Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina)

• A low, fragrant shrub with fern-like leaves, often found in dry, sandy soils.
• Known for its pleasant, sweet smell.

Other Natives include.

• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
• Florida Dogwood (Cornus)
• Chokeberry (Aronia)
• Swamp Azalea (Rhododendron viscosum)
• Some Oaks (Quercus spp.)
• Blueberry (Vaccinium)
• Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
• Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

These plants are not only beautiful but also crucial for maintaining local ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and contributing to soil health and biodiversity in New England.

Non-Native Plants*

• Origin: Non-native plants (introduced plants) are species that did not evolve in North America but have been brought from other regions, either intentionally (for landscaping or agricultural purposes) or accidentally (through trade, travel, or other human activity).
• Ecological Role: Non-native plants may not provide the same ecological benefits as native species. Some can become invasive, meaning they spread rapidly and outcompete native species for resources. This disrupts local ecosystems, harming biodiversity. Not all non-native plants are invasive, though; some coexist with native species without causing harm.
• Examples: Common non-native plants in New England include:

• Spicebush (Lindera)
• Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
• Hosta (Hosta spp.)
• Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
• Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
• Bulbs
• Peony (Peonia spp.)
• Roses (Rosa spp.)

Invasive Plants*

• Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron pubescens) NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
• Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
• Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
• Black Locust (Robinia pseudocacia)
• English Ivy (Hedera helix)

*This is a small representation of Native, Non-Native and invasive plants.