Invasive Plants

Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause or are likely to harm to the environment, economy, or human health and can have serious impacts on native ecosystems. There are 173 invasive or non-native plant species at Kings Mountain National Military Park, accounting for approximately 16% of all known vascular plant species in the park.

Invasive plant species can:

• Outcompete native species
• Disrupt ecosystems
• Reduce biodiversity
• Limit food sources for native animal species
• Degrade cultural resources
• Interfere with visitor experiences

They can enter the park through a variety of different methods. The most common methods are through seeds being carried by wind, water, animals, or clothing. You can learn more about how invasive species spread here.

Kings Mountain National Military Park works to control the spread of invasives through manual removal, chemical control, and prescribed burns. Managing the invasive species is a complex task that requires a lot of work and careful planning. The best method is by preventing their introduction or spread from happening in the first place. You can learn more about success stories in the fight against invasive species in the national parks here.

 

Japanese Stiltgrass

NPS Photo

Japanese Stiltgrass a.k.a Nepalese Browntop (Microstegium vimineum)

Where to find it: Typically prefers damp, shady conditions, but can tolerate full sun and various soil conditions. It is often found in disturbed areas like floodplains, stream banks, and moist woodlands
Potential Harm: It can reduce the growth and flowering of native species, suppress native plant, alter and suppress insect communities, slow plant succession, and alter nutrient cycling.
Pollination Season: Late Summer to Early Fall
Rarity: Abundant
Fun Fact: Accidentally introduced into the United States in Tennessee around 1919 as a result of being used as a packing material in shipments of porcelain from China.

 

Chinese Privet (left) and European Privet (Right)

Wikimedia (left) and NPS photo (right)

Chinese Privet & European Privet (Ligustrum sinense & Ligustrum vulgare)

Where to find it: Moist, well-drained areas such as wooded riparian areas. Chinese privet prefers more either full sun or part sun, while European Privet is more shade tolerant.
Potential Harm: Outcompetes native plant species and forms dense thickets that block sunlight and other resources. Can reduce the resources available to native wildlife.
Pollination Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Rarity: Uncommon
Fun Fact: Chinese privet is rated as one of the worst invasive plant species in the southeastern United States by the USDA.

 

Japanese Honeysuckle

NPS

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Where to find it: Typically found areas in that have been disturbed, such as roadsides or floodplains, though it is also found in forests when the canopy has been opened by logging or fallen trees.
Potential Harm: It rapidly and outcompetes native plants for sunlight and nutrients. Eventually, it forms a dense thicket which prevents other plant species from germinating in that area, which also prevents the regeneration of trees. Pollination Season: May to July
Rarity: Common
Fun Fact: It is classified as a noxious weed in 46 states.

 

For More Information
Invasive & Non-Native Species (U.S. National Park Service)
How Invasive Species Spread - Invasive & Non-Native Species (U.S. National Park Service)
What You Can Do - Invasive & Non-Native Species (U.S. National Park Service)
Success Stories - Invasive & Non-Native Species (U.S. National Park Service)