Just because it's green doesn't mean it's good. That catch phrase is heard often when speaking to experts about non-native or invasive plants.
That's because, instead of contributing to the area's forests and open spaces, invasive plants are taking over.
"These are not your average plants," said Ellen Nibali, a horticultural consultant with the Maryland Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center. "They are in a whole other league and are aggressive to the point that they will not stop unless you stop them."
Also called an exotic, a non-native species is one that was introduced accidentally or by purpose into an ecosystem in which it did not evolve, according to the Maryland Invasive Species Council. But not all exotic species are a problem - only those that become invasive.
Characteristics of invasive plants include those that spread aggressively, reproduce quickly and can tolerate a wide range of habitats.
"They come over, and there's nothing to stop them," said Nibali. "The diseases and the insects that kept them in balance in their ecosystem are not here."
Without natural checks and balances, the plants squeeze out native species. Every bit of wildlife - from the smallest fungi to birds and mammals - are dependent on native plants. Start losing those, and links in the food chain also start to disappear.
"Once people start to learn what's in their backyards and start identifying plants, it's discouraging because then you realize how impacted the area really is," said Matt Bazar, a biologist and environmental scientist.
A Cecil County resident and member of the Maryland Native Plant Society, Bazar hopes to set up a northeast chapter of the society for Harford and Cecil counties so that he can spread the word that residents should do all they can to create native habitats in their backyards.
He has created a native meadow on his 2.5-acre property. He has set aside a 30-foot-by-30-foot space for the meadow and acknowledges that it is a lot of work initially but will be virtually maintenance-free when the plantings are established. He has also removed many invasive species on his property.
"People might not be concerned about the native plants, but they are usually concerned about the decline in songbirds or turtles or salamanders," said Bazar. "It all goes back to the habitat."
