An Assessment of Invasive Plant Species Monitored by the Northern Research Station Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, 2005 Through 2010

Invasive plant species (IPS) are a worldwide concern due to the high ecological and economic costs associated with their presence. These species can displace native fauna and flora and alter ecosystem processes. Despite their negative impacts, these invaders are frequently used for erosion control and site reclamation due to their ability to rapidly colonize an area. These plants also have various herbal and medicinal values. This document describes the plant characteristics and regional distribution of the 50 invasive plant species monitored from 2005 through 2010 on forested Phase 2 (P2) Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots in the 24 states of the Northern Research Station. Genus level data for nonnative bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) are included from 2005 through 2006. The data are from plots that are monitored in forested areas across all ownership classes (public and private).