Bernadette Brown Sunday, August 18, 2024 Just mention the plant Kudzu and thoughts of vines choking out vegetation across the southern United States come to mind. Kudzu is a well-known invasive that fits the definition of being a non-native plant which, when introduced, flourishes and is harmful to the environment. To realize the impact of invasive plants, understanding the importance of ecosystems as well as recognizing invasive plants that are problematic in our local environment is essential.
An ecosystem is comprised of interacting species of plants, living organisms, insects, birds and animals within an environment defined by its amount of sunlight, radiation, temperature, water, chemicals, gases, wind and soil. Native plants are species that have evolved and occur naturally in an environment, and are the ecological foundation for all the other living things in that ecosystem. Plants are the base of the food chain; they provide the habitat for life forms below and above the ground.
Plants recycle soil nutrients and the underground organisms which support all life on earth. The insects that thrive on native plants and the pollen and nectar these plants produce sustain butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, bats and other pollinators. Humans depend on these pollinators for the crops we eat.
In addition, native plants produce nuts, seeds and fruits essential for wildlife survival. Animals depend on plants for shelter, a place to build homes and reproduce. For example, Native Oak .