2018 TN-IPC Invasive Plant List
TN-IPC’s 2018 revised plant list may be found at this link. TN-IPC is currently printing our new list and will be restructuring this page to reflect the list changes in the next few weeks. Please bear with us while we make these adjustments. Thank you!
December 2009 (old list)
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.
Threat Level Definitions
| Established Threat | Many species in this category are archetypal invasive weeds known by every land manager, but all are widely established across Tennessee. All taxa assigned to this category have been reported from more than 10 counties. These taxa cannot be eradicated on a landscape scale using methods currently available, but officially designating the plants as invasive may serve to educate the general public and give land managers support to eradicate the species where appropriate (i.e. high quality natural areas, in tandem with rare species management, part of public engagement/citizen science projects, etc.). In addition, designating the species as a threat may push industry and state/federal agencies toward less invasive alternatives in landscaping and revegetation, thereby helping to avoid the next serious exotic plant escape. |
| Emerging Threat | Species in this category have been previously reported from less than 10 counties in Tennessee, but are known to invade and disrupt natural plant communities in adjacent states. Theoretically, the early detection/rapid response model could be used to eliminate infestations or reduce the spread of these species in Tennessee. In addition, the act of listing these plants, many of which are relatively obscure in Tennessee, will help the land managers and the general public to recognize these species in the field. |
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 |
Threat Level |
Both Emerging Established |