Invasives: What You Need to Know

What are invasive plants?


Invasive plants are non-native species that aggressively spread into native or minimally managed landscapes—especially here in Massachusetts—where they disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems. These plants can outcompete native species, degrade habitats, and cause serious environmental and even economic harm.

 

According to the Massachusetts Invasive Plants Advisory Group (MIPAG):

“Invasive species are non-native plants that form self-sustaining populations and become dominant or disruptive in natural or managed ecosystems.”

This definition includes all subspecies, varieties, forms, cultivars, and synonyms of a species - unless proven non-invasive through scientific evaluation.

 

Why It Matters

 

Invasive plants often:

  • Outcompete and displace native species

  • Alter soil chemistry and hydrology

  • Reduce food and habitat availability for pollinators and wildlife

  • Spread rapidly, making restoration efforts costly and difficult

Managing invasive species is essential to protecting biodiversity and preserving the health of our local ecosystems.

 

Resources to Learn More

Invasive Plants in Hopkinton

Invasive plant species are a growing concern in Hopkinton, where several aggressive non-native species have taken hold. The Open Space Preservation Committee has identified widespread infestations of plants such as:

  • Japanese Knotweed

  • Oriental Bittersweet

  • Glossy Buckthorn

  • Japanese Barberry

These species crowd out native plants, disrupt local ecosystems, and are notoriously difficult to control once established.

 

Ed Harrow, Chair of the Open Space Preservation Committee, has been at the forefront of local efforts to combat invasive plants. Under his leadership, the committee has worked to identify, monitor, and remove invasives from public lands in an ongoing effort to preserve the town’s natural spaces.

 

Read more about this important work in the Hopkinton Independent’s 2022 article:
Invasive Knotweed Plants Roots in Hopkinton

 

🐞 Invasive Insects in Massachusetts

The Spotted Lanternfly Has Arrived!

On September 28, 2021, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) confirmed the discovery of a small, breeding population of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in Fitchburg, Worcester County. This marks a significant development in the spread of this highly destructive insect.

 

Originally from Asia, the Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious threat to:

  • Hardwood trees

  • Grapevines

  • Orchard crops

  • Landscape plants

Once established, it can cause severe economic and environmental damage, making early detection and public awareness critical.

 

Learn more here about the spotted lanternfly, how to identify it, and what to do if you see one.

 

Jumping Worm

 

Find helpful information here about the Jumping Worm from the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture

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