Why It Matters: The Importance of Controlling Invasive Plants in Puget Sound
Noxious and invasive plants pose a significant threat to the native ecosystems of the Puget Sound region. These non-native species can out-compete and displace native plants, reducing the area's diversity and abundance of plant life. They can also alter the ecosystem's structure, affecting soil stability and altering hydrology, which can negatively impact wildlife and aquatic species.
The rapid spread of noxious and invasive plants is often due to a lack of natural predators in the new environment. Combined with their ability to reproduce quickly, this can result in a rapid and widespread invasion. This can result in the loss of critical habitat for native species and have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem. Invasive species can also disrupt the balance of the food chain, affecting the survival of native wildlife, such as birds and insects that rely on native plants for food and shelter.
It is vital to control the spread of noxious and invasive plants in the Puget Sound region to protect the integrity of the native ecosystem and maintain the health and diversity of plant and animal life. This requires a coordinated effort between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the community. By working together, it is possible to prevent the spread of invasive species and preserve the unique and valuable ecosystems of the Puget Sound region for future generations.
The following is a list of seven of the most problematic invasive plant species in the Puget Sound region.
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) - Native to Japan and China, Japanese knotweed was brought to the Puget Sound Region as an ornamental plant. This highly aggressive species can quickly out-compete native plants for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. Its deep roots can also damage infrastructure and grow through concrete and asphalt.
English ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy (Hedera helix) is native to Europe and Western Asia. It was brought to the Puget Sound Region as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and ability to climb walls. English ivy can rapidly spread and smother native vegetation, altering the structure and composition of forest understories. Its vines can also weaken and kill trees by shading out the leaves and restricting their growth.
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) - Himalayan blackberry is native to the Himalayan Mountains in Asia. It was brought to the Puget Sound Region as a cultivated crop for its fruit. Himalayan blackberry is highly invasive and can form dense thickets that exclude native vegetation and wildlife. The plant also can resprout from the root crown and stem fragments, making it difficult to control and remove.
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) is native to Europe and Western Asia. It was brought to the Puget Sound Region as an ornamental plant for erosion control. Scotch broom is a fast-growing species that can rapidly colonize and dominate disturbed sites, out-competing native vegetation. The plant also produces many seeds that can persist in the soil for many years.
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) - Giant hogweed is native to the Caucasus region of Asia. It was brought to the Puget Sound Region as an ornamental plant for its large size and attractive flowers. Giant hogweed is highly invasive and can grow up to 14 feet tall, shading out native vegetation and altering the structure of habitats. Its sap is also toxic and can cause severe skin irritation and blisters when exposed to sunlight.
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) - Yellow flag iris is native to Europe and Asia. It was brought to the Puget Sound Region as an ornamental plant for its showy flowers and ability to grow in wetlands. Yellow flag iris can rapidly spread and out-compete native vegetation in wetlands, streams, and rivers. Its dense growth can also alter the hydrology of aquatic habitats, affecting the health and survival of native species.
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - Purple loosestrife is native to Europe and Asia. It was brought to the Puget Sound Region as an ornamental plant for its showy spikes of purple flowers. Purple loosestrife is highly invasive and can rapidly spread and dominate wetlands and other moist habitats. Its dense growth can alter the structure and composition of habitats, reducing biodiversity and impacting wildlife.
Limit the Spread of Invasive Species
The control and removal of invasive plant species is a community effort that requires the participation of everyone. Each individual can play a role in limiting the spread of these plants and helping to protect the native flora and fauna of the Puget Sound Region. Here are a few ways that individuals can help:
Learn about the invasive plant species in the area and how to identify them.
Avoid planting invasive species in your yard and opt for native plants instead.
Remove invasive plants from your property and dispose of them properly to prevent their spread.
Participate in volunteer opportunities with local organizations focusing on controlling and removing invasive plants.
Support local conservation and land management organizations by donating time or money.
Avoid spreading plant material from invasive species by washing your clothing, gear, and vehicles after visiting infested areas.
By working together, the community can significantly impact controlling and removing these invasive plant species and protecting the native habitats of the Puget Sound Region.
Help Out!
Here are a few organizations that are working to combat invasive plants in the Puget Sound region and ways that you can help:
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board - This state agency works to prevent and control the spread of noxious weeds, including invasive plant species. Website: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov.
King County Noxious Weed Control Program - This county program works to prevent and control the spread of noxious weeds, including invasive plant species. Website: https://https://kingcounty.gov/services/environment/animals-and-plants/noxious-weeds/weed-control-board.aspx
Puget Sound Partnership - This regional organization is working to restore and protect the Puget Sound ecosystem, including efforts to control invasive plants. Website: https://www.pugetsoundpartnership.org
Capitol Land Trust - Capitol Land Trust's mission is to strategically conserve vital natural areas and working lands in the south Puget Sound and Chehalis basin watersheds, for their ecological and community benefits. Website: https://capitollandtrust.org
You can contact these organizations for more information on how to get involved and support their efforts to combat invasive plant species in the Puget Sound region.