VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Some plants that are commonly seen in the Wabash Valley are actually invasive species and can cause harm to the native environment.
Tabby Flinn, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for Purdue Extension Vigo County, said invasive plants can outcompete native plants and are not beneficial to native animals and wildlife in the area.
Callery Pears, Japanese honeysuckle, and Asian bush honeysuckle are three types of invasive plants Flinn noted the area is seeing a lot of right now.
Flinn explained another problem with planting invasive species on properties.
“You’re having plants that are not native to the area so you don’t necessarily have insect pests which people think is great but if you like songbirds and wildlife, you want that insect activity in your area. A songbird as small as a chickadee can take up to 8,000 caterpillars to rear four offspring,” Flinn said.
Flinn also mentioned residents can physically remove the plants or can call the local invasive species management group to talk about how to remove them with chemical treatments.
To learn more, call the Purdue Extension Office in Vigo County at 812-462-3371.
