Grand River Partners Inc.

                                                                                                             preserving the  grand - leaving a legacy

invasive species

There are a number of invasive species that have found their way into

the Grand River Watershed. 

About one-quarter of the plants growing in Ohio originated from other parts of the continent or world.  These species, often called non-native, exotic or alien, were not known to occur in Ohio prior to European settlement in the mid 1700’s.

Some of Ohio’s invasive plants arrived here by accident, while others were introduced for agricultural use, erosion control, horticulture, forage crops, medicinal use, and food for wildlife.  Some plants, such as purple loosestrife and teasel, may have been introduced by early settlers to remind themselves of “home”. 

Invasive plants are usually characterized by fast growth rates, high fruit production, rapid vegetative spread and efficient seed dispersal and germination.  Since these plants are not native to Ohio, they lack the natural predators and diseases that would naturally control them in their native habitats.

Not all non-native plants are invasive in natural areas, which include any area managed for natural habitats.  Of the more than 700 non-native plants in Ohio, fewer than 100 are known to truly “invade” their natural settings.

Invasive plants, whether they are native or non-native, have the ability to take over native plant communities, forming monocultures and displacing native species.  In the Grand River Watershed, there are 56 invasive, non-native plant species.  Of these 56 species, 13 are being targeted for eradication. 

Below are photos of the invasive species found in the Grand River Watershed

targeted for eradication.