Early spring is an ideal time to control nonnative invasive plants that may have spread in your yard. When choosing new plants, consider whether a nonnative species could become invasive and what impact it may have on local biodiversity. Many nonnative plants have native alternatives that are better suited to Maryland landscapes. Information on native plant alternatives is available from the USDA: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/Native_Plant_Materials/Native_Gardening/alternatives.shtml

Homeowners should be aware of several common invasive plants. Harmful vines such as English Ivy, Chinese and Japanese Wisteria, Porcelain Berry, Oriental Bittersweet, and Kudzu can climb tree trunks and smother tree canopies. The Tree and Landscape Board and the City of College Park offer a how-to video on English Ivy removal: English Ivy Removal - College Park Tree & Landscape Board #englishivy

Lesser Celandine, introduced from Europe as an ornamental plant, is a low-growing, tuberous species that blooms in March. It forms dense mats that crowd out native plants and is difficult to remove by hand. Large infestations may require herbicide treatment. More information is available from the Maryland Extension Service: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/lesser-celandine/

Garlic Mustard, brought to North America by European settlers as a food plant, blooms in late March and April. It aggressively outcompetes native woodland plants in the Mid-Atlantic. Information about this invasive species can be found at: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants/garlic-mustard

The Callery Pear (Bradford Pear) was originally developed to be noninvasive but has become highly invasive due to cross-pollination, often crowding out native trees. A detailed article on its history and problems is available in the May 2024 Tree and Landscape Board publication: https://city-of-college-park.foleon.com/municipal-scene/municipalscene-may2024/removing-bradford-pear-trees

Tree of Heaven, introduced from China in the 1700s for ornamental use, commonly appears in disturbed areas such as roadsides and utility corridors. It is also the primary host of the Spotted Lanternfly. While a naturally occurring fungus can impact this tree, it remains a significant invasive threat.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture regulates plants that may not be sold or acquired in the state due to their ability to spread by seed, roots, or other means. The current list of regulated plants is available at: https://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Pages/maryland_invasive_plants_prevention_and_control.aspx

Additional guidance on invasive plants to avoid in Maryland can be found here: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/invasive-plants-avoid-buying-your-yard-and-garden-maryland/

Learning to identify and manage invasive plants on your property helps protect native species and supports local biodiversity.