It is the policy of the Maynard Community Gardeners not to plant invasive species in our parks and plantings, and to remove existing invasives whenever feasible. The issue of invasive plants is critical because it is one of the primary causes of loss of diversity in native plant populations around the world. Over 200 native plant species in Massachusetts are threatened or endangered.
Some of the more commonly seen invasive plants include:
- Japanese barberry
- Yellow flag iris
- Burning bush
- Norway maple
- Purple loosestrife (pictured)
- Multiflora rose
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Blunt-leaved privet
To learn more about invasive plants and native alternatives, we encourage you to visit the New England Wildflower Society’s conservation site.