Illinois Native Plant Society

An invasive species can be defined as a plant that comes into an area and pushes out the native plants so much so that it ends up taking over the entire area. The plants listed on the Illinois Native Plant Society List are plants that have been seen taking over other states natural areas are known to cause problems. Land managers are also familiar with these invasive plants and keep an eye out for them so that they are not destructive in natural areas. Through talks with the Department of Natural Resources and using the Vegetation Management Guideline by the Illinois Natural History Survey this list was compiled. Although invasive species cause a great problem when they attack natural areas that they are not native to, some invasives are planted for certain purposes in areas such as for animal feed and to help with erosion, it is important that these plants are monitored so that they do not get out of control.

Connie Carroll
President of the Illinois Native Plant Society
Forest Glen Chapter
Phone Conversation 3-20-06