As a Georgia Grower…

As a Georgia grower, I have to be mindful of harmful things to people, plants, pets, and the environment. That’s my job.

I see a lot of talk through online communities about invasive plants and insects, and some of it is leading people into making rash decisions about their garden without doing research to see if that Facebook post is accurate or not.

Invasive Plants on Social Media

I see invasive plants discussions come up in garden groups all the time, and I’ve learned that online discussions can sometimes cause more panic than good. Before you rush out with a shovel—or worse, rent a backhoe—because someone in your Facebook group says a plant is “bad,” please take a minute to check the facts.

Not every plant is invasive everywhere. It depends on where you live and, more importantly, what your own state considers invasive.

Here’s a good example. In one group I’m in, someone posted that lantana is bad and should never be planted. That one comment spread like wildfire, and suddenly everyone was ready to rip theirs out. But in Georgia, the Georgia Invasive Species Council (GISC) only lists large leaf lantana as invasive. So before you pull out your Gold Mound or Lemon Drop lantana, know what you’re dealing with—you might be removing a perfectly fine plant.

It’s the same story with Buddleia (Butterfly Bush). Sure, it’s on invasive lists in some West Coast states, but here in Georgia, it’s not considered invasive at all.

A Place to Start – Georgia’s Invasive Species List: What You Need to Know

The Georgia Invasive Species List is managed by the Georgia Invasive Species Council (GISC) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Its purpose is to track and manage non-native plants, animals, and invertebrates that cause environmental, economic, or health problems in our state.

This list includes:

• Aggressive plants like kudzu, Japanese stiltgrass, and Chinese tallowtree that smother native vegetation.

• Aquatic invaders such as alligator weed and the Chinese mystery snail.

• Harmful wildlife like feral hogs and Cuban tree frogs that destroy habitats and prey on native species.

The list guides control and prevention efforts, and tools like EDDMaps and UGA Extension resources help Georgians identify, report, and stop the spread of these species.

Why Invasive Species Are a Problem

Invasive species don’t belong here—and without natural predators, they spread quickly. They can:

• Outcompete native plants and animals for food, space, and sunlight.

• Reduce biodiversity and upset the balance of our ecosystems.

• Damage crops, forests, and fisheries, costing millions to control.

• Alter soil, water, and even fire cycles.

• Spread diseases or parasites that harm people, pets, and wildlife.

Once established, they are very hard and expensive to remove—so prevention is key.

Not Every Aggressive Plant Is on the List

Just because a plant grows fast or is a nuisance doesn’t mean it’s on Georgia’s official list. Here’s why:

• The list focuses on species that meet specific threat and spread criteria.

• Some non-native plants cause little proven harm or haven’t been studied enough.

• Others are so widespread that listing them offers little management value.

• Adding a species requires formal review and approval, so some problematic plants remain unlisted.

What the Categories Mean

The Georgia Invasive Species List ranks plants (based on the older GA-EPPC system, now being updated) by threat level and control priority:

• Category 1 – Severe Threat
  Highly invasive and very damaging. Spreads aggressively and displaces native species.
  Example: kudzu.

• Category 2 – Significant Threat
  Spreads into native habitats and causes harm but is less aggressive than Category 1.
  Example: Japanese honeysuckle.

• Category 3 – Lesser Threat / Widespread
  Invasive but already so common that large-scale control isn’t practical.

• Watch List / Alert Species
  Not yet common in Georgia but a high risk if introduced—targeted for early detection and quick action.

Does This Mean You Should Pull Up Every Non-Native Plant in Your Landscape?

Not necessarily. Many non-native plants behave well in gardens and don’t cause harm in natural areas. The real concern is with species that escape cultivation and spread into wild spaces, where they can disrupt native ecosystems.

Before removing anything, it’s best to learn which plants are truly invasive in your area and focus your efforts on those. A thoughtful, informed approach does more good than a blanket removal.

My Take On Invasive Plants….

When it comes to invasive species, I believe in picking your battles. I don’t believe that we need to go out and remove all non-native plants. Put the most effort into fighting the serious threats that cause the greatest harm, and manage the others so they don’t get out of control.

We may not be able to eliminate every invasive plant or animal, but with a balanced approach, we can protect our native landscapes and keep Georgia’s natural beauty thriving.

Try to garden responsibly.