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Invasive Plants Invasive plants are aggressive, non-native species which can spread quickly and choke out native vegetation. Below is a list of some of the worst invasive species in western New York. For advice on eradication see the “More Information” section. Pale Swallowwort (Cynachum rossicum) Black Swallowwort (Cynanchum louiseae) Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora) Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Tartarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangus) Burning Bush (Euonymus alata) More Information: Invasive Plants Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health <http://www.invasive.org/species/weeds.cfm> New York Invasive Species Information: < http://www.nyis.info/ > More Information: Native Plants and Bird Gardens USDA: <http://plants.usda.gov> Finger Lakes Native Plant Society: <http://flnps.org> Wildflower Center: < http://www.wildflower.org> All About Birds: <http://allaboutbirds.org> The Audubon Society Guide to Attracting Birds 2 nd Ed., Stephen W. Kress Natural Gardening in Small Spaces, Noel Kingsbury The Natural Habitat Garden, Ken Druse Brooklyn Botanic Garden Guides: Bird Gardens; The Wildlife Gardener’s Guide; Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Braddock Bay Bird Observatory http://braddockbaybirdobservatory.wordpress.com/ Adding native trees, shrubs and perennials is a good way to attract a wider variety of bird species to your yard. Even small areas of “bird friendly” garden can provide valuable food and shelter. What is a Native Plant? A native plant is one that occurs in a region ecosystem, or habitat without human interference. At your local nursery, the term “native plant” will usually mean a plant that is native to North America. Plants native to the northeastern U.S. and, more specifically, to western NY are more likely to thrive in our area and be familiar to our native birds. Why Use Native Plants? * Landscaping with natives can provide birds with familiar, year- round sources of food as different fruits and seeds ripen at different times. *Native plants are important host species for native insects. Birds, in turn, depend on these insects for food. * By planting natives, you can be sure you are not contributing to the spread of invasive species. * Plants native to your area are adapted to local conditions. Over time a native plant area that replaces traditionally maintained lawn can save time, money, and produce less pollution due to lower use of mowers, fertilizer and pesticides. * Using native plants provides a connection with the local ecology, fosters a sense of place, and promotes pride in our natural heritage. NATIVE PLANTS FOR BIRDS
