Exotic plants are species that do not naturally occur within a given habitat of a biogeographic region. For example, a species that is native to the west coast of the United States would be considered an exotic species in the Midwest if it did not naturally occur in the Midwest. Whereas
most people think that exotic species are those that come from far away, tropical countries, any non-native plant can be considered exotic. When referring to plants, "non-native" and "introduced" are other words that are sometimes used interchangeably with exotic.
When an introduced, exotic plant species establishes itself in a given environment and grows aggressively to the detriment of local, native plant populations, then it is considered an invasive species. Invasive species have adaptations that allow them to respond too favorably to local environmental conditions. Without natural enemies or competition, they spread rapidly, taking over an area. As the native vegetation is out-competed by the invasive species, the habitat quality rapidly declines and the diversity and richness of plant species decreases. This has an adverse effect on wildlife.
Known exotic species should never be used in or near regions where they are considered invasive. In fact, it is best to simply avoid using any species that has been determined to be invasive or is thought to be invasive.
With hundreds of native plant species to choose from at JFNew Nursery, we have the solution for your next landscaping project.
Visit contact 574-586-2412 for more information on invasive plants and a state-by-state list of invasive, exotic plants in the Great Lakes region.
