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Results of Invasive Plant Species Evaluations

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More Invasive Plant Information

Framingham, Massachusetts [May 2005] – The New England Wild Flower Society announces the publication of the expanded list of plant species declared to be invasive in Massachusetts, as a result of the collaborative work of the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group.

The issue of invasive plants is critical because, second only to loss of habitat, it is the primary cause of the reduction of diversity in native plant populations worldwide. As of today, more than 28% of the world's native plant species are threatened or endangered, including over 200 species in Massachusetts , alone. [For more information on threatened and endangered plants, visit the NEWFS Conservation web site.]

This annotated list is significant because invasive plant species in the Commonwealth have been evaluated using objective measures and clear criteria, based on actual status of invasive plants on the landscape and their effect on minimally managed natural areas. Moreover, this list represents the consensus of a number of diverse interest groups, including the nursery industry, conservation groups, state agencies, and academics, working together to determine which plants are invasive on the Massachusetts landscape. The list has also led to the creation of a strategic plan for dealing with invasive species in Massachusetts. [In press - posting soon.]

The expanded Massachusetts list evaluates 85 plant species (conducted in two phases over 6 years) and includes an annotated list of Invasive, Likely Invasive, and Potentially Invasive species. Information about the evaluation process, definitions and criteria, and group member composition, are contained within this document, as are species that were evaluated, but for which sufficient information or evidence is currently lacking.

For more information, contact Bill Brumback, bbrumback@newfs.org.

• Massachusetts Evaluation for Invasiveness Plant List. CLICK HERE to download the complete list of plants in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. [SEE BELOW for more information on how to open documents in Adobe Acrobat.]

• "Alternatives to Invasive Species" - A list of native plant alternatives to invasive or potentially invasive non-native plants in the landscape. CLICK HERE to download the entire list in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
  Originally published as part of Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines: A Guide to Using, Growing, and Propagating North American Woody Plants by NEWFS Nursery Manager William Cullina. [SEE BELOW for more information on how to open documents in Adobe Acrobat.]