What are Invasive Alien Plant Species and Why are They a Problem?
This is an advisory list published by the Department of Conservation & Recreation (VDCR) to inform land managers of potential risks associated with certain plant species known to exhibit invasive behavior in some situations. It should be noted the list is not regulatory in nature, and thus does not prohibit the use of the listed plant species. Alien plants also known as exotic, non-native, or nonindigenous plants, are species intentionally or accidentally introduced by human activity into a region in which they did not evolve. Many alien species are well known and economically important in agriculture and horticulture, such as wheat, soybeans, and tulips. Alien species, whether plant or animal, often do not become established outside of cultivation and, if they do, they usually have few impacts on natural communities. Invasive alien plants, however, escape cultivation and become agricultural pests, infest lawns as weeds, displace native plant species, reduce wildlife habitat, and alter
