Week 2 Invasive Species - #NameThatInvasive
Originally brought to North America in the early 1800’s for use as an ornamental plant and bee keeping, this aggressive invader has since spread dramatically and can be found across much of Canada and the United States. This plant is a very hardy perennial and has the ability to rapidly reduce the biodiversity of a wetland. Dense stands of this European species crowd out native plants and reduce food, shelter and nesting sites for wildlife, birds, turtles and frogs. It is estimated that 190,000 ha of pastures, wetlands, marshes, and riparian meadows are affected in North America each year.
It’s important to know how to identify this invasive species as the detection of new infestations can help prevent the spread. You can help by calling the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.invadingspecies.com or www.eddmaps.org/ontario to report a sighting!