Invasive species can have a dramatic impact on the environment, economy, and human health. Invasive plants can outcompete native plants because they have little to no natural predators to moderate their spread, often release poisons that inhibit growth of native plants, have vigorous reproduction strategies, and can disperse easily. Invasive plants can reduce biodiversity, degrade fish and wildlife habitats, alter water quality, disrupt natural erosion processes, distort soil chemistry, and can reduce recreational activities.
Reporting and early detection of these species can help minimize their spread and possibly eradicate species before they become new infestations. To help treat, control, and keep our garden city clean of invasive plants, please report and be aware of spreading any of the following invasive plants: Invasiveness rank prioritizes non-native plant species in Alaska on a scale of 0-100 based on four subcategories of invasiveness: ecological impacts, biological characteristics and dispersal ability, distribution, and feasibility of control.
Other ways to help prevent the spread of invasive species:
Reed Canarygrass Characteristics
Habitat: margins of lakes, streams, and wetlands Impact: overcrowding; steals water resourcesOrnamental Jewelweed* Invasiveness Rank: 82 Characteristics
Habitat: ornamental beds Impact: river bank erosion; out-competition
White Sweetclover Invasiveness Rank: 81 Characteristics
Habitat: streams, fields, vacant lots, airports Impact: overcrowd and hurt riparian habitats
Orange Hawkweed* Invasiveness Rank: 79 Characteristics
Habitat: disturbed sites, alpine areas Impact: forms dense monocultures
Canada Thistle Invasiveness Rank: 76 Characteristics
Habitat: overgrazed pastures, roadsides Impact: overcrowding, crop yield losses
Bird Vetch* Invasiveness Rank: 73 Characteristics
Habitat: roadsides, trails, hay fields Impact: steals sunlight, space, and moisture
Yellow Toadflax Invasiveness Rank: 69 Characteristics
Habitat: roadsides, railroads, ditches, fields Impact: overcrowding, poisonous to cattle
Oxeye Daisy Invasiveness Rank: 61 Characteristics
Habitat: meadows, pastures, ornamental beds Impact: soil erosion, overcrowding
Common Tansy Invasiveness Rank: 60 Characteristics
Habitat: roadsides, streams, waste places Impact: overcrowding, native displacement
Narrowleaf Hawksbeard Invasiveness Rank: 56 Characteristics
Habitat: roadsides, fencing, railroads Impact: overcrowding, forms monocultures
*Uncommon species that have been found recently within the area, please report immediately. If found, take a clear photograph of the species, a description of where it was found, and the coordinates of where it was found, if possible. Report findings to the Natural Resources Department at (907) 983-9240.
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Last updated: August 5, 2024