Native, Cultivated, and Invasive Plants

This requirement sends you into your own neighborhood to observe and categorize the plants around you. You will need three lists: native plants, cultivated plants, and invasive species.

Understanding the Categories

Native plants are species that have grown in your region for thousands of years without human introduction. They evolved alongside local wildlife and are well-adapted to your climate and soil. Examples vary by region — oaks, maples, goldenrod, and bluestem grass are native to much of eastern North America.

Cultivated plants are species that humans grow intentionally — in gardens, farms, parks, and landscaping. Many cultivated plants are not native to your area. Roses, tulips, tomatoes, and ornamental grasses are common cultivated plants.

Invasive non-native plants are species introduced from other regions that spread aggressively and harm native ecosystems. They outcompete native plants for resources, reduce biodiversity, and can alter habitats.

Building Your Lists

Finding 10 Native Plants

• Walk through a local park, nature preserve, or undeveloped area.
• Look for trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses that appear to grow naturally rather than in planned beds.
• Use a regional field guide or a plant identification app to confirm species and native status.
• Your state’s native plant society website is an excellent resource.

Finding 10 Cultivated Plants

• Survey your own yard, a neighbor’s garden, a community park, or a local farm.
• Include ornamental flowers, vegetable garden plants, lawn grasses, and landscaping trees or shrubs.
• Grocery store herbs grown in your area count too.

Finding 5 Invasive Plants

Common invasive species found across much of the United States include:

Check your state’s invasive species list for the five most relevant to your area.

How Invasive Plants Cause Harm

• Competition — Invasives often grow faster and more aggressively than native species, stealing water, light, and nutrients.
• Habitat loss — Dense invasive stands replace diverse native plant communities, reducing food and shelter for wildlife.
• Altered soil chemistry — Some invasives change soil nutrients or pH, making the area inhospitable to native species even after the invasive is removed.
• Economic damage — Invasive plants cost the U.S. billions of dollars annually in agricultural losses and control efforts.

Controlling Invasive Plants Responsibly

The requirement specifically asks about control methods that do not harm humans, wildlife, or the environment:

• Manual removal — Pulling, digging, or cutting invasive plants by hand. Most effective for small infestations. Remove the entire root system when possible.
• Mowing and cutting — Repeated mowing or cutting weakens invasives over time by depleting their energy reserves.
• Mulching and smothering — Covering infested areas with thick mulch, cardboard, or landscape fabric blocks light and prevents regrowth.
• Biological control — Introducing natural predators or diseases specific to the invasive species. This must be done carefully and is usually managed by government agencies.
• Targeted herbicide use — When necessary, spot-applying herbicide directly to invasive plants (rather than broadcasting it) minimizes impact on surrounding life.
• Prescribed fire — Controlled burns can suppress invasives and promote native fire-adapted species. This is used by land managers in prairies and some forests.
• Planting natives — After removing invasives, replanting with native species fills the gap and prevents reinvasion.

You have surveyed the plant life around your home. Next, you will explore how plant science connects to careers and hobbies.