Stop The Spread! Celebrate Invasive Species Awareness Week

Charlotte Weidner | February 14, 2026

Every year, National Invasive Species Awareness Week, February 24-28th, reminds us of the hidden threats invasive plants pose to our environment.

While some plants may seem beautiful or harmless, they can actually damage ecosystems, threaten native species, and even cost billions of dollars in control efforts.

Understanding why invasive plants are a problem and what we can do to help is the first step in protecting our landscapes for future generations.

Here are some easy, at-home steps you can take to help combat the problem our ecosystem is facing!

Why Are Invasive Plants & Why Are They A Problem?
Key Issues
What Can You Do At Home?
Helping On A National Level
What Nature Hills Nursery Is Doing To Help
Take Action Today!

Why Are Invasive Plants & Why Are They A Problem?

Invasive plants are non-native species that typically spread aggressively, often overwhelming local ecosystems due to there being no natural checks and balances in the area they’ve been brought to. Unlike native plants, which have natural predators and competitors, invasive species grow unchecked, allowing them to take over forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even our own backyards.

Too often this has been because of how easy they are to grow, a plant’s enticing large blooms, and showy foliage - making them all too innocently used in the garden industry as the next big thing for our landscapes. But they quickly become a problem.

Some of the biggest problems caused by invasive plants include:

Harming Native Plants and Wildlife – Invasive plants outcompete native plants for sunlight, nutrients, and water. When native plants disappear, so do the insects and animals that rely on them for food and shelter.
Changing Habitats – Many invasive species alter soil chemistry, increase erosion, or dry out wetlands, permanently damaging the environment.
Costing Billions – Managing invasive species in the U.S. costs over $120 billion per year in removal efforts, agricultural losses, and ecological damage.
Spreading Easily – Many invasive plants spread quickly by seed, roots, or even tiny plant fragments, making them incredibly hard to control.

Some of the worst invasive plants include Kudzu, Japanese Knotweed, Garlic Mustard, Purple Loosestrife, and English Ivy. Many of these were originally introduced as ornamental plants but quickly spread beyond gardens into natural areas.

What Can You Do In Your Backyard?

Supporting your local ecosystem can start as large or as small as you are able!

Choose Native Plants – When planting your garden, select native plants instead of potentially invasive species. Native plants support local pollinators, require less maintenance, and help restore natural ecosystems.
Remove Invasive Species – If you already have invasive plants in your yard, work to remove them. Some plants, like English Ivy and Japanese Honeysuckle, can be pulled by hand, while others, like Kudzu and Bamboo, may require professional help.
Dispose of Plants Properly – Never toss invasive plant material into compost piles or natural areas, as they can regrow. Instead, bag and dispose of them in the trash or burn them (if allowed in your area).
Avoid Spreading Seeds – Be mindful when hiking or gardening! Many invasive plants spread through tiny seeds that stick to shoes, clothes, and pets. Clean your gear before leaving a trail or planting new species.
Volunteer for Local Removal Efforts – Many communities organize invasive plant removal days where volunteers can help clear out invasive species from parks, forests, and wetlands.

Find a large list of native plants for your region by searching for your State on our website!

Helping On A National Level

Protecting our environment from invasive species goes beyond our own backyards. On a larger scale, advocating for stronger policies and spreading awareness can help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful plants.

Supporting laws that regulate the sale and distribution of invasive species is crucial, as many states still allow certain harmful plants to be sold in garden centers. Educating others is just as important—sharing information with friends, neighbors, and community groups can help people recognize and avoid planting invasive species.

Before purchasing new plants, always check local invasive species lists to ensure you’re making an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, reporting invasive species when you see them in your community can make a significant difference in early detection and management efforts.

Many states have invasive species programs where you can submit sightings to help conservationists track and control their spread. By staying informed and taking action, we can all play a part in protecting our natural landscapes from invasive plants!

What Nature Hills Nursery Is Doing To Help

At Nature Hills Nursery, we are committed to responsible gardening and conservation. One of the biggest challenges in controlling invasive species is preventing their introduction and spread, which is why we partner with Plant Sentry™, an advanced system designed to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding invasive species.

Plant Sentry™ works to prevent the sale and shipment of plants that are restricted or classified as invasive in certain regions. This means when you order from Nature Hills, you can trust that you’re receiving safe, non-invasive plants that won’t harm local ecosystems. Our system automatically blocks the shipment of restricted plants to states where they are considered invasive, helping to protect native habitats, farmlands, and gardens from the unintended spread of harmful species.

By choosing to buy from responsible nurseries like Nature Hills, gardeners can help reduce the introduction of invasive species into new environments. Along with our efforts to educate customers about native and non-invasive alternatives, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable landscaping practices that benefit both home gardeners and the environment.

As we celebrate National Invasive Species Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to be mindful of their plant choices, support native species, and help stop the spread of invasives. With Plant Sentry™ and informed gardeners working together, we can all make a difference in protecting our landscapes for future generations.

Take Action Today!

Invasive plants threaten the health of our environment, native wildlife, and even our economy. This National Invasive Species Awareness Week, commit to learning, educating, and taking action to protect our natural spaces.

Whether you’re removing an invasive vine from your yard, supporting native plants, or joining a local cleanup event, every small step makes a difference. Let’s work together to stop the spread and protect the beauty of our landscapes for generations to come!

Want to learn more? Visit the National Park Service and check out your local County Extension Office for invasive species lists, removal tips, and ways to get involved in your community.

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if a plant in my yard is invasive before it becomes a problem?

Identifying invasive plants early is key to preventing them from taking over your landscape. Look for plants that spread aggressively through runners, self-seeding prolifically, or re-sprouting after removal, and cross-reference any unfamiliar plants with your state's invasive species list, which is maintained by most state departments of agriculture or local cooperative extension offices. Common offenders like English Ivy, Japanese Knotweed, and Garlic Mustard often look harmless or even attractive in early stages. If you suspect a plant may be invasive, contact your local extension office for a positive ID and removal guidance before it has a chance to establish and spread.

Why do some ornamental plants sold at nurseries become invasive once planted in the landscape?

Some ornamental plants become invasive because they were selected for the very traits that make them problematic: vigorous growth, prolific seed production, and adaptability to a wide range of conditions. Once outside the controlled garden setting, these plants encounter no natural predators, diseases, or competitors to keep them in check, unlike in their native regions where the ecosystem naturally regulates their spread. Classic examples like English Ivy, Purple Loosestrife, and Japanese Knotweed were all originally sold as desirable landscape plants before their invasive potential was fully understood. Before purchasing any new plant, check your state's invasive species list and look for native alternatives that provide the same aesthetic appeal without the ecological risk.

How do I stop an invasive plant from spreading by seed before it gets out of control?

The most effective way to prevent invasive plants from spreading by seed is to deadhead or remove flower heads before they mature and drop, which typically means acting in late spring through summer depending on the species. For plants like Garlic Mustard or Purple Loosestrife, cutting back before seed pods develop can stop thousands of seeds from dispersing in a single season. Bag and dispose of all plant material in the trash rather than composting it, since seeds and fragments can survive and spread even in compost piles. Make a habit of scouting your yard weekly during the growing season so you can catch new growth early, when it is far easier to manage.

Should I dig up, cut down, or use herbicide to remove an invasive plant from my garden?

The best removal method depends on the specific invasive plant and how established it is. Small infestations of shallow-rooted invaders like Garlic Mustard can often be hand-pulled before they set seed, ideally in early spring. Deep-rooted or fast-spreading species like Japanese Knotweed or English Ivy typically require a combination of repeated cutting and targeted herbicide applications to fully eliminate regrowth. Always bag and dispose of removed plant material in the trash rather than composting it, and consult your local cooperative extension office for species-specific removal guidance in your region.

How do I get rid of invasive plants without making the problem worse?

Removing invasive plants requires a careful, strategic approach to avoid spreading them further. Always remove plants before they set seed, bag all plant material securely rather than composting it, and dispose of it through your local waste management system. For species that spread through root fragments, like Japanese Knotweed, even small pieces left in the soil can regrow, so thorough removal over multiple seasons is often necessary. Contact your local cooperative extension office for region-specific removal guidance and to identify native plant replacements that will help reclaim the space and prevent reinvasion.

How do I safely dispose of invasive plant material without accidentally spreading it further?

Proper disposal of invasive plant material is critical, since many species can regrow from tiny fragments, seeds, or root pieces left behind. Never compost invasive plants, as most home compost piles do not reach the sustained temperatures needed to kill seeds and roots. Instead, bag all removed material securely in heavy-duty plastic bags and dispose of it in your municipal trash, or contact your local extension office about approved disposal or burn sites in your area. When working with particularly aggressive spreaders like Japanese Knotweed or Garlic Mustard, treat cut stems and root fragments as carefully as you would the living plant, and always clean your tools and boots before leaving the site.

What are the best non-invasive alternatives to common invasive ornamental plants?

Many popular ornamental plants like English Ivy, Purple Loosestrife, and Japanese Barberry have excellent native alternatives that provide the same visual appeal without the ecological risk. Native groundcovers like Wild Ginger or Pennsylvania Sedge replace spreading ivies, while native Cardinal Flower and Blue Flag Iris offer the same bold color as Purple Loosestrife in wet areas. For shrub borders, native Winterberry Holly or Viburnum species fill the same landscape role as invasive exotics across a wide range of hardiness zones. Browse Nature Hills' curated selection of native plants at naturehills.com to find regionally appropriate alternatives suited to your specific growing zone.

How do I keep invasive plants from coming back after I remove them?

Removing invasive plants is only half the battle, since many species like Japanese Knotweed and English Ivy can regrow from tiny root fragments left in the soil. After removal, immediately fill the area with aggressive native plants suited to your region, which will compete for resources and help prevent reinfestation. Monitor the area closely for at least two to three growing seasons, pulling any new sprouts as soon as they emerge before they can establish a root system. Contact your local cooperative extension office for region-specific guidance on the most effective removal and replanting strategies for the invasive species in your area.

How can I find out which plants are considered invasive in my region?

The best starting point is your state's department of agriculture or local cooperative extension service, both of which maintain updated lists of invasive species specific to your region. The USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center (NISC) also offers a searchable database by state. When shopping for plants, always check regional invasive plant councils such as the Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council or the Midwest Invasive Plant Network for your area. Before adding any new plant to your landscape, cross-reference it against these local resources to make sure your choice supports rather than harms your regional ecosystem.

How can home gardeners help stop the spread of invasive plants during Invasive Species Awareness Week?

Home gardeners can make a real difference by starting in their own backyards during National Invasive Species Awareness Week, observed February 24-28 each year. Begin by identifying and removing known invasive plants like English Ivy, Japanese Knotweed, Purple Loosestrife, or Garlic Mustard from your property before they spread further into natural areas. Replace removed invasives with native plant alternatives that support local insects, birds, and wildlife without threatening surrounding ecosystems. Visit naturehills.com to explore regionally appropriate native plant options and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced landscape.