Invasive Plant Species in Minnesota

Learn more about the harmful non-native plants that pose serious risks to Minnesota's ecosystems.

Invasive species are non-native organisms that disrupt ecosystems, harm native wildlife, damage natural resources, and pose risks to human, animal, or plant health. In Minnesota, a well-known example is the zebra mussel, which invades our lakes and causes significant ecological harm. Below are several common terrestrial and aquatic invasive plant species you may encounter when exploring Minnesota’s natural places.

Buckthorn

Buckthorn is one of the most common invasive plants in Minnesota State Parks. Look in the understory and you'll likely find it growing in dense thickets in forests, yards, roadsides, and parks. Native to Europe, the plant was first introduced to the United States as a popular hedging material, but quickly became a nuisance. Buckthorn crowds out native shrubs and out-competes them for nutrients, light, and moisture. They degrade wildlife habitats and threaten the future of forests, wetlands, and prairies. Because this plant has no "natural controls", such as insects or disease, there is not a natural protection to slow its growth. Efforts are underway to remove this invasive plant but the process is challenging because it requires consistent follow-up to prevent regrowth after the initial control measures. Photo by Jo Zimny Photos.
Learn more from MNDNR

Garlic Mustard

Highly prevalent in southeast Minnesota, Garlic Mustard continues to invade our state's woodlands - spreading to the northern half of the state. By forming dense mats, this highly invasive plant species out-competes native plants for resources and sunlight. Typically growing in woodlands, forests, and along roadsides, it can thrive under a wide range of soil types and light conditions. It's aggressive growth can impede natural forest regeneration, threatening forest health and biodiversity. Because they spread by seeds, it's important to remove Garlic Mustard plants before they flower in the spring to prevent further distribution. Photo by Sannse.
Learn more from Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Wild Parsnip

Growing in disturbed areas such as roadsides, forest edges, and abandoned fields, you may encounter Wild Parsnip along Minnesota trails. This plant begins its invasion slowly, but once the population rises, it spreads rapidly and displaces native wildlife and plant habitats. Wild Parsnip is also poisonous, harming livestock if ingested and causing chemical burns if skin contacts it under sunlight. Removal of Wild Parsnip can be done using a cutting blade, but it is necessary to wear protective clothing like long pants, sleeves, and gloves to avoid contact with the poisonous juices of the plant. Photo by Courtney Celley/USFWS.
Learn more from MNDNR

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Native to Europe and Asia, Eurasian Watermilfoil most likely entered the United States via contaminated watercraft or aquatic equipment, and was first discovered in Minnesota's Lake Minnetonka in 1987. A rooted, submerged invasive plant, it forms dense mats on the surface of rivers and lakes, inhibiting water recreation activities. Its spread is extremely harmful to Minnesota ecosystems - overtaking habitats for native plants, lowering diversity, and providing an unfit habitat for native animals. To prevent spreading Eurasian Watermilfoil, be sure to remove all aquatic plants from watercrafts. Photo by Donald Hoburn.
Learn more from MNDNR

Curlyleaf Pondweed

A highly invasive aquatic plant native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia, Curlyleaf Pondweed is now found in 70 out of Minnesota's 87 counties and over 750 of our water bodies. It hinders the growth of our native plant species, impedes on our water recreation activities by forming thick mats on the surface, and damages the native vegetation that provide food and shelter for aquatic wildlife. Widespread in popular Minnesota lakes, it continues its infestation through the transportation of watercrafts and aquatic equipment. Photo by efarilis.
Learn more from MAISRC

 

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