Exotic and Invasive Species
Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Plants!
Invasive plants are species that don’t naturally belong in an area and can harm the environment, economy, or even human health. On the Black Hills National Forest, invasive plants have spread across hundreds of thousands of acres, pushing out native plants and damaging habitats.
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Oxeye daisies may be pretty but are an invasive species.
They can cause problems like:
- Loss of biodiversity
- Habitat degradation
- Poor water quality
- Increased soil erosion
We’re working hard to manage these plants, and you can help!
Priority species we're fighting:
- Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
- Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)
- Oxeye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucantheman)
- St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
- Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)
- Yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)
How You Can Help
- Learn to identify invasive plants – Check out our invasive species guide.
- Clean your gear, vehicles, and pets – Remove seeds and plant parts from boots, clothing, vehicles, and pets.
- Don’t pick or move plants you don’t recognize.
- Avoid camping in infested areas.
- Stay on established roads and trails.
- Report sightings – Use the Wild Spotter app to let us know where you see invasive plants.
Together, we can protect the Black Hills!