Non-native Invasive Plants

Non-native invasive plants occur throughout the Hoosier National Forest. Most of the invasive plants documented on the Forest typically occur in openings or prefer open habitats.  Many  exist primarily along roadsides or old fields, but also have the ability to grow and move into the nearby forest.

Species that are adapted to both open and closed canopy conditions, as well as others having preferences for closed conditions, are the most difficult plants to control and the greatest concern on the Forest. The Hoosier National Forest botany program uses a variety of methods to manage invasive plants, but the best defense is an informed public. 

 

 Most UNWANTED  in Southern Indiana

 

How Non-Native Plants Establish Themselves

Invasive plants move into natural communities along disturbance corridors such as roads and trails.

Methods invasive plants spread across the Hoosier National Forest include:

• Unintentional movement by people on their clothes or vehicles. 
• Birds disperse seeds when they eat the plants' fruit or seeds. 
• Wind, animals, or water current carries seeds through the forest. 
• Earlier planting by landowners prior to Forest Service acquisition. 

When you are out enjoying the Hoosier National Forest, following these tips to prevent the spread of invasive plants can play a big part in protecting the Forest for future generations.  

 

Want to Get Involved?

Cooperative Management

The Hoosier National Forest is a proud partner of the Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management (SICIM), an organization to unite area land managers towards  effective ways to limit the growing economic and environmental damage caused by Invasive Species. 

Reporting

Additionally, the public is encouraged to report invasive species they find on the Forest using the Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. This web-based mapping system documents invasive species distribution. You can use the app to take photos and report them directly from your mobile device. 

Volunteering

Interested in volunteering with Hoosier National Forest projects?

Contact Evie Phelps to find out about upcoming events and ways to assist land management on the Hoosier. 

 

Additional Resources 

Resources Developed by the Hoosier National Forest

• American and Oriental Bittersweet Identification

Alternatives to Common Invasive Landscaping Plants

• Nandina Alternatives
• Burning Bush Alternatives
• Callery Pear Alternatives
• Groundcover Alternatives
• Japanese Barberry Alternatives
• Chinese Silvergrass Alternatives

Links for Reference

• Invasive Plant Atlas
• Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System

Partner Organizations

• Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management

Forest Studies

Hedge, Cloyce. 2002. Inventory and Control Recommendations for Invasive Plant Species on Selected Areas of the Hoosier National Forest. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves.  Unpublished report. [On file with:  Forest Supervisor, Hoosier National Forest, 811 Constitution Ave., Bedford, IN 47421]. 12 p.

Hedge, Cloyce and Mike Homoya. 2000. Surveys for Invasive Plant Species on Selected Areas of the Hoosier National Forest (with recommended control measures). Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves.  Unpublished report. [On file with:  Forest Supervisor, Hoosier National Forest, 811 Constitution Ave., Bedford, IN 47421]. 20 p., plus appendixes.