Invasive Plants of the US

Burdock has crazy velcro like burs ... that stick all over you and your animals. It is a medicinal plant too. But don't start thinking this is a good plant. Its invasive and can take over.

Yellow Toadflax is also known as butter and eggs. I looked at the this plant in the Rocky Mountains, near Breckonridge, CO.

Willows in the genus Salix have the tendency to take over floodplanes and wetland areas. There is debate where or not they were introduced but there is no doubt that they can grow very weedy. In areas like the overflow of the Mississippi, like where we are in this episode, its often the only tree growing and thus forms large monocultures.

Kudzu has been called King of the South. I stop briefly along the side of the road in east Texas to marvel at this VERY problematic invader.

Eurasian watermilfoil is causing huge problems around the world. Watch me go Underwater with this plant.

There are over 30 species of passionflower that have invaded the small islands of Hawaii. Today we look at one of the most problematic species, Passiflora mollissima. While it may have very attractive flowers, the vines entangle trees and choke out native vegetation

Melaleuca is known as the paperbark tree. It is native to Australia. In Florida the tree is a pest and is taking over the Everglades and surrounding areas.

Miconia is a very distructive weed on tropical islands. Its easy to recognize by the purple on the undersides of the leaf

Dalmation Toadflax is contrasted to its cousin Yellow Toadflax. Can you tell the difference? More information on Dalmation Toadflax

Hydrilla verticilata is the scientific name for this noxious invader from afar. No-one knows for sure where hydrilla is native to, yet its believed that it probably originated somewhere in southeast asia. This assumption comes from the fact that its main biocontrol comes from Pakistan.

Noxious weeds ... they're everywhere. After working for the Invasive plants sector of Army corp of Engineers for several years, I've discovered that most people know little about the plants around them, in particular the weeds. My goal in these Podcasts is to enlighten both the scientists and laymen not only to what these weeds can do, but hopefully provide video of plants and plant facts that allow everyone to learn about them in a fun way!