December 2009 (2nd Edition)
The purpose of this list is to identify introduced plant species that are invasive or may become invasive and cause damage to native plant communities. Introduced species are plants not native to a region of the state and are referred to as exotics. The intent of this list is to:
- rank exotics based on their invasive characteristics;
- foster early detection of invasive exotics enabling resource managers to implement a rapid response action to prevent establishment and spread;
- educate the general public and resource managers in an effort to eliminate the use of invasive exotics in landscaping, restoration, and enhancement projects.
This list has no regulatory authority but provides useful information to help guide agencies and private landowners in making responsible decisions about plant use and management decisions. The Council acknowledges that most introduced species are harmless. However, it also realizes that many species do naturalize and have the potential to spread and become ecological disasters.
Nomenclature and authorship are taken from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
Protocols and Criteria for Listing
TN-IPC drafted a protocol for list development to evaluate plant species recommended for listing based on field observations by botanists, land managers, and others working with the state’s natural resources. Each plant was put through standardized ranking criteriato determine its inclusion and rank.
Rank Definitions
| Severe Threat | Possess invasive characteristics; spread easily in native plant communities and displace native vegetation |
| Significant Threat | Posses invasive characteristics; not presently considered to spread as easily into native plant communities as Severe Threat |
| Lesser Threat | Spread in or near disturbed areas; not presently considered a threat to native plant communities |
| Alert | Possess invasive characteristics; known to be invasive in similar habitats as those found in Tennessee |
Individual Plant Data
Download the Invasive Plant Excel-CSV FileClick the plant within the table to access its full description, images, life history, similar species, and various management recommendations.
Sorting Criteria
Category |
All Aquatic Forb/Herb Grass Shrub Tree Vine |
Ranking: |
All Alert Lesser Threat Significant Threat Severe Threat |