Long Island's Most Invasive Plant Species
What is an invasive plant?
Invasive plants are species that take over habitats and push out native plants. These plants aren’t from Long Island — they were brought here from other parts of the world and now grow without natural predators or diseases to keep them in check. As they spread, they reduce the number of native plants that birds rely on for food, shelter, and nesting, making it harder for many bird species to survive.
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If you spot invasive plants growing around your home, it’s best to remove them before they take over your yard or spread further. Knowing how to recognize these plants and avoiding them in your garden helps prevent them from escaping into nearby natural areas. Once they spread, they can disrupt local ecosystems and cause harm to native species.
Tips for Identifying Invasive Plants
iNaturalist's Seek
The iNaturalist’s app “Seek” uses AI to accurately identify plants with images. Just scan the plant and the app will tell you exactly what it is!
Habitat Clues
Typically, leaves appear earlier and stay green later than nearby natives. Flowers and fruits may also persist when others have faded.
Seasonal Clues
Typically, leaves appear earlier and stay green later than nearby natives. Flowers and fruits may also persist when others have faded.
Behavioral Clues
Invasives spread rapidly, forming dense thickets or mats, outcompeting or shading out native plants.
How do invasive plants impact birds?
Fewer native insects = less food for birds.
Invasive plants don’t support native insects like caterpillars, leaving birds with less to eat.
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Poor nesting and shelter.
Dense invasive shrubs can make nests more visible to predators and offer poor shelter.
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Changes in fruit quality and timing.
Many invasive berries are less nutritious and ripen at the wrong time for migrating birds.
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Loss of native plant diversity.
When invasives take over, they reduce the native plants birds need for food, nesting, and shelter.
Common Invasive Plants
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