What are the effects of competition with exotic species and noxious weeds [Back to top] The following is from the web site of the Colorado Weed Management Association What Are They ?
– Why We Should Care Non-native and Unchallenged What distinguishes noxious weeds from other plants is that they are not native to the United States. They grow unchecked by natural predators and enemies such as insects or diseases. In their native environment these forces prevent the weeds from taking over. Aggressive Environmental Disrupters A common characteristic of all noxious weeds is their aggressive, competitive behavior. Typically, they steal precious moisture, nutrients, and sunlight from surrounding plants. Some wetland weeds even rob waterfowl and mammals of their food sources, nesting areas, and access to water which they need for protection from predators. Noxious weeds establish themselves in soil disturbed by construction, travel, recreation, etc. Then wildlife, livestock, machinery, recreational vehicles, people, wind, and water transport seeds from existing noxious weed infestations to new sites. Of the 1,300 native species of plants in Colorado, 130 or 10% have been d
