Native ecosystems in Stow and surrounding towns are increasingly affected by the spread of non-native plant species. Local forests and wetlands are experiencing shifts in plant composition that can alter habitat quality and ecosystem function. What do these changes mean for the long-term health and resilience of our natural spaces?
Invasives Management
What are Invasive Species?
Invasive species are organisms that have been introduced—intentionally or unintentionally—to an area outside their natural range and that cause ecological, environmental, or economic harm. Many invasive plants and animals arrive through human activities such as global trade, landscaping, or transportation. While some non-native plants may appear attractive or harmless in gardens, they can spread beyond cultivated areas and disrupt nearby natural ecosystems.
​
Photo of oriental bittersweet, a common invasive plant in Massachusetts, by Nancy Loewenstein, Auburn University, Bugwood.org
Why Is Managing Invasive Species Important?
Invasive species can significantly alter ecosystems because they often grow or reproduce more aggressively than native species. This can lead to increased competition for sunlight, water, space, and nutrients, putting pressure on native plants and animals. Over time, these imbalances can reduce biodiversity and change soil composition, water flow, and habitat structure. In some cases, unmanaged invasive species can transform entire landscapes, making it harder for native ecosystems to recover.
​
Purple Loosestrife, a common invasive, growing on a riverbank
Image Credits: OLKO1975 VIA SHUTTERSTOCK
Typical Invasive Plants in Massachusetts
Phragmites
Many homeowners in Stow and surrounding towns may have wetlands in the area—or even in their own backyards. Found in the intermediate soil between wetlands and dry land, what may look like a simple reed is actually a violent invasive. These invasives can choke native wetland plants and push them out of the habitat. Once they get a grasp, phragmites continue to grow and can spread with underground roots as far as the eye can see.
Oriental Bittersweet
Fast growing vines that can strangle trees and other vegetation, this invasive is found all around Massachusetts. Once it is pulled, bittersweet can be identified by its bright orange root system—but grows back if any part of the root is left in the soil. Easily transported seeds cause it to spread quickly.
Japanese Knotweed
With stems reminiscent of bamboo, Japanese knotweed is a nasty woody invasive. Its tough root system makes it important to remove manually while only a few are present before it grows tall and spreads rapidly.
Burning Bush
Also known as winged euonymus, burning bush is a shrubby plant that is easily recognizable for the “wings” on its stems. It is known for turning bright red in the fall, hence the name burning bush. These shrubs quickly take over native plant growth, and, like bittersweet, their seeds spread easily.
Garlic Mustard
Low to the ground, garlic mustard is a non-native species with seeds that are blown by the wind, causing it to spread all over the forest floor. It saps nutrients from the soil that are needed by native plants and produces chemicals harmful to forest fungi. Garlic mustard can be removed by pulling plants by the root before flowers set seed.
Management Strategies
Invasive plants and animals are difficult to manage, but it is important for individual homeowners to make the effort.
Some options for homeowners are:
-
Manual removal (ex. pulling of plants)—doesn’t always erradicate whole population so species can reemerge.
-
Smothering technique—plants are covered in wood chips or even cardboard to prevent regrowth after pulling or cutting.
-
Careful application of pesticides or herbicides
-
can target invasives most effectively.
It is important to treat invasives as early as possible. When left unmanaged they get out of hand and cause real harm to humans and the environment.
Credit for the invasive management page content goes to Kailey Samarjian of Stow, a senior at Stonehill College studying Environmental Studies and English.
Sources
“Garlic Mustard: Invasive, Destructive, Edible.” The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/garlic-mustard
Mass Audubon. “Common Reed (Phragmites).” Mass Audubon, www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/invasive-plants-in-massachusetts/common-reed-phragmites.
Massachusetts Invasive Plants Advisory Group, massnrc.org/mipag/invasive.htm.
Somers, Paul. The Invasive Plant Problem.