Invasive Plants and the Threats They Pose

While it can seem as though climate change mainly affects indigenous species' ability to thrive in their changing environments by altering the conditions that they have adapted to survive in, another equally large threat is posed by the onset of invasive plant species in response to warming conditions. 

Asiatic Bittersweet - Swearingen

What are some of the most threatening plant species?

• Asiatic Bittersweet

• Japanese Stiltgrass

• Kudzu

These species are able to grow and spread so rapidly that, in some cases, wildlife managers have little to no time to take preventive measures to stop their arrival. When invasive plant species arrive, they affect the ability of native plants to successfully grow and regenerate. The kudzu, which is known as "the vine that ate the south," (Butcher 2) can grow so rapidly that it is able to choke out entire native species. What happens to the native animal species when invasive plant species arrive and begin to choke out the native plant species in an area?

Japanese Stiltgrass - Bargeron

• "Introducing additional stressors to an already fragile ecosystem can have a devastating impact on native plants and animals. Once an invasive plant species becomes ingrained, it crowds out other native species that the region's animals have come to depend on." (Butcher 2)

• Thinning out of native plants that native animals rely on for food leads to increased food competition between animals.

• Native animals not only rely on native plants for food, but for shelter as well. When invasive plants like the Asiatic bittersweet and kudzu become ingrained and choke out larger, fuller plant species, many animals lose necessary cover and find themselves threatened by predatory animals that they used to be able to hide from. 

Kudzu - Swearingen

Studies conducted concerning invasive plant species have resulted in some concerning news. According to climate models based on current warming trends, "In one hundred years... kudzu and other invasive plants may have a stranglehold on the beloved New England forests." (Butcher 2) While conditions in the Northeast remain too cold for the time being for such plants to thrive, the threat will remain imminent so long as climate change continues at its already rapid pace.