Invasive, noxious, non-native- what’s the difference?
Invasive weeds are plants that dominate an ecosystem and spread rapidly once established, outcompeting native species, changing the composition of the habitat, and reducing overall biodiversity. The term ‘noxious’ refers to a designation by a tribal, local, state, or federal authority of a plant as ‘injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife or property’. The label allows land managers and owners to take action to curb or eradicate the species.
‘Non-native’ plants are plants from outside the given habitat; they can be invasive if they lack natural enemies in their habitat. Nevertheless, not every foreign/introduced species will have selective advantages over native flora and fauna and may fit quite amiably in the habitat. Likewise, some native species can be considered invasive if they act aggressively and unbalance the ecosystem.
See below for a helpful graphic:
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