Chicago Botanic Garden

Plant Science — Conservation

Invasive Plants

PHOTO: bush honeysuckle

Bush honeysuckle 		PHOTO: garlic mustard

  Garlic mustard 		PHOTO: buckthorn

Buckthorn

Invasive plants and animals threaten the nation’s environment and economy. In fact, the threat they pose to native plants, animals and ecosystems is second only to habitat destruction. Nearly half the threatened or endangered species are at risk due to competition with invasive species, and combatting invasive species is costing the United States nearly $125 billion each year.

In natural areas of the Chicago region, invasive plants are choking out other plants and destroying habitats. Some of the worst invasives in Illinois are purple loosestrife, Japanese and bush honeysuckles, garlic mustard and buckthorns. "Serious invaders of natural areas are compromising the ability to preserve biodiversity," says the Garden’s Director of Conservation Science, Dr. Kayri Havens.

Find out more:

• What Is an Invasive Plant?
• Invasive Plants in the Chicago Region
• Chicago Botanic Garden Invasive Plants Policy
• What Can You Do?