Invasive Plants
An invasive species is a nonnative organism that significantly disrupts ecosystems. These species are introduced to new environments, often through human activities, and can cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health. Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines in biodiversity and altering habitat structures.
Characteristics of Invasive Species
- Non-native: They do not naturally occur in the area they invade.
- Harmful Impact: They cause ecological, economic, or health-related issues.
- Rapid Spread: Often proliferate quickly due to lack of natural predators.
Butterflies Need Weeds–Beth Jacoby
Interesting Resources
The Herb Society of America
Native Plant Websites
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a searchable database for native plants.
- Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve this website contains lots of information about native plants. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is a great place to visit.
Other Great Topics
Books
- Darke, Rick, Tallamy, Douglas, The Living Landscape, Timber Press, 2014, ISBN-13: 9781604694086
- Holm, Heather, Pollinators of Native Plants, Pollination Press, 2014, ISBN978-0-9913563-0-0
- Barnes, Thomas G., Gardening for the Birds, University Press of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 1999, ISBN 0-8131-2071-
- Taylor, Patricia A., Easy Care Native Plants, Henry Holt Co. NY 1996. ISBN 0-8050-3861-2.
Wealth Of Information and Learning Opportunities
Visit The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania (GCFP) at www.pagardenclubs.or
g and National Garden Clubs, Inc (NGC) at www.gardenclub.org and for a wealth of information.
Environmental School, Gardening School, Landscape Design School and Flower Show School are available for members only at a reasonable price through NGC.
Garden Club of York offers a maximum of four scholarships of $50.00 to defray costs of members upon completion of an NGC School course.
Need help with your gardening issues?
Contact the York County Master Gardeners Garden Hotline who will “answer questions on a variety of topics including growing vegetables, fruits, ornamentals and turfgrass, plant identification, pruning, and insect and disease problems. Advice encourages the use of integrated pest management and environmentally sound practices.”
The Garden Hotline is currently able to accept emails, telephone calls or plant or insect samples in-person. We welcome public visits, please call in advance. Send a detailed description to YorkMG@psu.edu. You may attach two or three high quality photos to help the Master Gardeners identify the issue. Reach us by phone at (717) 840-7408.
Penn State Cooperative Extension
2401 Pleasant Valley Road, Suite 101, York PA 17402
email: yorkmg@psu.edu