Vermont Agency of Agriculture considers eight new invasive plants a threat

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is warning communities about eight new invasive species they have identified across the state. The plant species – kudzu, mile-a-minute, Japanese stiltgrass, porcelain berry, wineberry, waterwheel, water hyacinth and water soldier – pose an ecological and economic threat to Vermont’s natural plants and gardens.

The ability to spread quickly and a lack of natural enemies can allow these pests to spread efficiently, often killing existing natural plants. Pest plants have outpaced native plants grown in the area, and the state wants gardeners and non-gardeners alike to familiarize themselves with what these plants look like.

The state recommends that people in the Champlain Valley keep an eye on plants in their area where invasive species are emerging and report any sightings through iNaturalist or Vermont Invasives.

The invasive designation allows the agency to regulate the sale and transportation of these species. The selection of these eight plant species was made in consultation with Vermont state government partners, including the Vermont Departments of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Conservation, and Fish and Wildlife of the Agency of Natural Resources.

Photos of the pests, more information and how to report sightings can be found here.

Sydney P. Hakes is Burlington’s city reporter. Contact her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: New invasive plants identified by Vermont Agency of Agriculture