The issue of invasive plants is critical because, second only to loss of habitat, it is the primary cause of the reduction of diversity in native plant populations worldwide. As of today, more than 28% of the world's native plant species are threatened or endangered, including over 200 species in Massachusetts, alone.

This annotated list is significant because invasive plant species in the Commonwealth have been evaluated using objective measures and clear criteria, based on actual status of invasive plants on the landscape and their effect on minimally managed natural areas. Moreover, this list represents the consensus of a number of diverse interest groups, including the nursery industry, conservation groups, state agencies, and academics, working together to determine which plants are invasive on the Massachusetts landscape. The list has also led to the creation of a strategic plan for dealing with invasive species in Massachusetts.

This list evaluates 85 plant species (conducted in two phases over six years) and is a result of the collaborative work of the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group. It includes an annotated list of Invasive, Likely Invasive, and Potentially Invasive species. Information about the evaluation process, definitions and criteria, and group member composition, are contained within this document, as are species that were evaluated, but for which sufficient information or evidence is currently lacking.

The Evaluation of Non-Native Plant Species for Invasiveness in Massachusetts (with annotated list).

Document is in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format, 130 KB, 25 pages.

Document is in Adobe Acrobat (pdf) format, 98.7 KB, 5 pages.

As a counterpoint, we are providing a list of native plant alternatives to invasive or potentially invasive non-native plants in the landscape. This document was originally published as part of Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines: A Guide to Using, Growing, and Propagating North American Woody Plants by NEWFS Nursery Manager William Cullina.