Invasive Plants as a Maine Problem

According to Maine State Horticulturist, Gary Fish, invasive species pose a threat to natural habitats, or minimally managed habitats, becasue of how quickly they can spread and grow. The spread of the plants is often unintentional, occurring by birds, animals, or the wind, which can pick up the plant's seeds and spread them to other places. They grow so quickly they completely overtake the forested areas so that you actually can't even get the forest to regenerate. Several plants on the list are still in demand according to Fish, including the Norway maple, burning bush, and privet. Fish stressed that there are many alternative plants available (listed on their website) that can be used to replace the list of prohibited species. The State rules only bar the prohibited species from being distributed or sold and do not require the removal of the species if already planted. While the rules went into effect on Jan 14, the prohibition of sales will not begin until Jan 1, 2018.