Pest Plants
Pest plants are plants that have been introduced and have been found to be invasive. These plants are so successful because they produce large numbers of seeds, thrive in disturbed areas, can have aggressive growth habits, emit toxic chemicals to prevent competition or have no natural predators to keep populations in check. Invasive plants cost Tennessee taxpayers 2.6 million per year.
Tennessee Department of Agriculture regulates the transport and sale of 13 plant species of 9 different genus. These plants include: Purple Loosestrife, Tropical Soda Apple, Chinese Privet, European Privet, Cogongrass, Amur Honeysuckle, Bush Honeysuckle, Bell’s Honeysuckle, Multiflora Rose, Autumn Olive, Thorny Olive, Giant Salvinia and Tropical Spiderwort. A link to this regulation is available on the Tennessee Secretary of State website. Ellington Agricultural Center is working to remove these plants from around the property as an example of land stewardship. Invasive plants can out complete native species and disrupt native habitat
The Federal Noxious Weed List has 112 aquatic, parasitic or terrestrial plants.
- Many invasive plants have been introduced accidentally or through the nursery trade, and the Tennessee Invasive Plant Council provides an extensive list of invasive plants to watch for.
- The Tennessee Department of Agriculture receives more complaints about invasive bamboo than any other plant, as some species spread aggressively through underground runners that can damage foundations, driveways, and even swimming pools. For guidance on managing bamboo, visit the Clemson Home & Garden Information Center’s resource.
- Tree of Heaven is a significant threat because it spreads aggressively in disturbed areas and also serves as a host for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. To learn more, visit the U.S. Invasive Species Information Center’s page on Tree of Heaven or the Penn State Extension Tree of Heaven resource.
- Many states have regulations regarding invasive plants, and you can find links to each state’s noxious weed lists on the National Plant Board’s Rules and Regulations page.