Is your pretty garden hiding a danger?

Illinois is gearing up for Invasive Species Awareness Month this May, a critical period spotlighting the ongoing battle against ecological intruders.

Patti Staley, Director of Horticulture and Conservatory Operations at the Park District of Oak Park, delves deep into the topic of invasive species in garden environments and offers insights on effective management strategies.

Staley said that this month provides an opportunity for increased education and action on the dangers of invasive species in the garden.

According to Staley, invasive species are plants or animals from different environments or parts of the world that do not belong where they are locally found. These invasive species are typically not native to the ecosystem they inhabit and can cause harm to the ecosystem.

“It’s important to distinguish between invasive and non-native or exotic species. Many people use the term ‘invasive’ loosely, it’s a strong word that shouldn’t be used lightly,”  Staley said.  “Terminology is crucial for understanding. It’s not just invasive; some plants can be aggressive without causing harm to our ecosystem,”

In Illinois, some common invasive species include garlic mustard, honeysuckle, buckthorn, burning bush, and certain shrubs and trees.

Studies indicate that garlic mustard exhibits allelopathic traits, whereby it emits substances that hinder the growth of competing plant species.

In terms of animals, emerald ash borer, a green buprestid or jewel beetle native to north-eastern Asia and Asian carp are also significant concerns. Asian carp refers to a group of invasive fish species native to Asia, including the silver, bighead, black, and grass carp, which have rapidly proliferated in waterways across North America, posing significant ecological and economic threats.

“Invasive species, as shocking as they may be, are introduced into environments, ecosystems  and even your own backyard by humans, whether done purposefully or inadvertently,” Staley said.

Staley, who used to work in the landscape industry, said  they sometimes  planted invasive plants without the knowledge that they were harmful

“Science is always evolving and changing and our ecosystems are adapting, and what we know now, we didn’t know back then, and what we knew then, we won’t know now,” Staley said. “Paying attention to science and keeping updated on species, and we talk about climate change and how that will impact invasives, it’s not black and white.”

Weather, including climate change, plays a huge role in the spread of invasive species.

“I’ve observed how climate change impacts plants, whether invasive or not, and we saw those effects this spring with the early warm-up,” Staley said.

According to Staley, invasive species can choke out native species, pushing them to the brink of extinction.

“Education is crucial; understanding what plants you have in your garden and replacing invasive species with native or non-aggressive plants is essential,” Staley said.

Staley suggested that once the invasive species has been identified and removed, one should ideally opt to grow a native plant or a plant without aggressive tendencies.

Staley added  that there are some great nonnative perennials that can be planted that can extend the growing season that can be mixed in with native plants. A perennial plant is a plant that lives more than two years.

When asked about the significance of public awareness and education in addressing the spread of invasive species, as well as the role of gardens and conservatories in this effort, Staley emphasized the crucial importance of public awareness and education.

“Organizations like garden locations and conservatories can play a significant role in educating the community about invasive species and what individuals can do to help prevent their spread,” Staley said.

Staley acknowledges the wealth of resources available for combating invasives, citing the remarkable efforts of organizations like the Kane County Forest Preserve. Staley highlights their impactful cleanup initiatives along the Fox River and the multitude of volunteer groups involved.

As for this warm winter: Could warmer temperatures and climate change lead to an increase in invasive species in the garden?

Perhaps.

“With a prolonged growing season, there are increased chances for plants to propagate over an extended timeframe,” Staley said.