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Due to the threat invasive plants pose to natural areas around Indiana, INPAWS endorses the recommendations of the Invasive Plant Species Assessment Working Group (IPSAWG) and recommends that the INPAWS membership: 1) Not buy, sell, recommend, or plant species designated as invasive by IPSAWG (as posted on www.invasivespecies.in.gov); and 2) Actively work to remove these species from landscapes around Indiana with permission of the landowner.

A First for Indiana - Invasive Species Legislation. Read the key points about this new legislation, written by Ellen Jacquart, INPAWS Invasive Plant Education Chair

Also read "Invasive Horticultural Plants in Indiana - Some Answers", an article by Ellen Jacquart, published in the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association journal .

 

Invasive Plants in Indiana

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Conservation of Indiana Native Plants Page

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Stop invasive plants

Attention - new invasive plant in Indiana! Be on the lookout for an aggressive mustard that has just been found in Indiana for the first time, and is known from one county in Michigan - Cardamine impatiens (Narrow-leaved bitter-cress). Click here for information and photos.

 

About InvasivePlants in Indiana

What are invasive plants?

"Invasive plant" is another name for a plant which grows quickly and aggressively, displacing other plants as it spreads. Usually, invasive plants are not native to North America. Of the roughly 2,300 plant species growing outside cultivation in Indiana, 25 % are non-native. Most non-native plants cause little trouble. However, a few aggressive species are responsible for degrading and destroying thousands of acres of our natural plant communities in Indiana and are costing us hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in control measures. Some of these invasive plants are still being sold by nurseries and planted by well-meaning Hoosiers, not realizing the problems they can cause. The good news is that there are many non-invasive alternatives that can be planted instead. Read on and find out more about the problems and the solutions.

Why do we care?

  • Invasive plants hurt wildlife by eliminating the plants our native animals need for food and cover. 
  • Invasive plants destroy habitat for rare wildflowers and animals; they threaten two-thirds of all endangered species. 
  • Invasive plants cost money. Agencies around Indiana spend hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to eradicate these species and protect our natural areas. Each year the cost grows. 
  • Agricultural losses and control costs due to invasive plants are estimated at $15 billion per year in the U.S. 
 

For more information on invasive and native plants:

 

Resources for Alternatives to Invasive Plants:

IPSAWG brochure

Landscaping with Non-Invasive Plant Species: Making the RIGHT Choice - Download brochure

NEW! Updated and redesigned "Landscaping with Plants Native to Indiana" Brochure - Download in it's original printed format (11"x17"), or Download a text copy (81/2"x11").

For large orders of either brochure,  please pre-order at cost.  Call The Nature Conservancy at 317-951-8818 or email Ellen Jacquart.

INPAWS Spring Plant Sale

Landscape Alternatives for Invasive Plants of the Midwest - Brochure from MIPN (Midwest Invasive Plant Network)