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​1. Tree-of-heaven is a deciduous tree up to 80 feet tall with compound leaves that resemble native sumac and walnut species. Although once used as an ornamental, the flowers, leaves, and wood all give off an offensive odor likened to rotting peanuts. Do you know where it was from and how it got here? 
It was deliberately introduced as an ornamental species from China. 
2.  Tree-of-heaven is harmful in many ways.  Do you know what harm it causes?
Tree-of-heaven produces numerous wind-born seeds that allow it to invade naturally disturbed sites in natural areas.  It is a fast-growing tree that can damage pipes and other structures in the urban landscape and out-compete native plant species in natural areas. It produces a chemical inhibiting the growth of other plants, giving it a competitive advantage.
​3.  Japanese Stilt Grass is an annual grass that grows vigorously in low-light habitats. It is from Asia and it was first introduced into the U.S. in Tennessee around 1919 and likely escaped as a result of its use as a packing material for porcelain. It is now found throughout Virginia where it invades a diverse range of habitats, from lawns to forested wetlands.  What's the harm?
Japanese stilt grass can carpet the ground layer and suppress other plants, including the seedlings of tree species, making it of concern to foresters. It appears that Japanese stilt grass alters soil pH, raising the acidity of soils and reducing the ability of other plants to grow where it is established. It produces numerous seed that are easily transported by animals and humans. Japanese stilt grass can establish well in a shaded forest under story, which can out-compete native flora, suppress tree seedlings, and inhibit forest regeneration.
4.  English Ivy was introduced as early as 1727 by European colonists.  It is invasive, but it is still widely sold, marketed as an ornamental plant in the United States.  Why would people want to buy it?
It is widely planted for its evergreen foliage and dependability as a year-round “carefree” groundcover.  It flourishes under shady to full sun conditions in soils that are moderately fertile and moist, so it is a desirable plant in landscapes. 
5.  Why is English Ivy an ecological threat in natural areas and parks?
English ivy is an aggressive invader that threatens all vegetation levels of forested and open areas, growing along the ground as well as into the forest canopy. Vines climbing up tree trunks spread out and envelop branches and twigs, blocking sunlight from reaching the host tree’s foliage, thereby impeding photosynthesis.  An infested tree will exhibit decline for several to many years before it dies. The added weight of vines also makes trees susceptible to blowing over during storms. ​
6.  Porcelain Berry is a green vine that resembles native grape vines that are often seen in the forest.  When the plant has berries, there is a good way to tell the difference between Porcelain Berry and native grape vines.  What is that?
The flowering top (inflorescence) and the berries on native grape vines droop downward, just like the grapes you are used to seeing in vineyards.  The inflorescence and berries on Porcelain Berry are held upwards, even when the vine is dripping downward. Another difference is that the fruit of the Porcelain Berry has different shades of blue within the same cluster and is quite pretty. This may be the reason many people plant it.
7.  There are three basic ways to control invasive plant species:  mechanical, chemical, and biological.  What are some examples of each of these methods?
  • Mechanical:  Physically removing plants through pulling or digging up, suffocating with plastic sheeting, cutting or mowing
  • Chemical:   Using herbicides to kill the plants and inhibit regrowth
  • Biological:  Using plant diseases or insect predators that typically target the invasive species
8.  According to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, there are some things all of us can do to prevent the spread and establishment of invasive plant species.  Can you give some examples?
  • Clean your boat. If you have used your boat in waters known to have invasive species like hydrilla or zebra mussel, clean it thoroughly before moving it to other water bodies. Invasive species are often hidden hitchhikers and are spread through lack of awareness.
  • Clean your boots. If you have hiked in habitat with invasive species like garlic mustard, Japanese stiltgrass or wavyleaf grass, clean your boots of any seeds before leaving the site. While you're at it, check your dog for seeds, too. Humans and their animal allies frequently move invasive species seed to new locations and accidentally increase their range.
  • Use native plants in gardens and landscapes. Planting natives will also enhance your backyard wildlife species like birds and butterflies. 
9.  What are native plants?
Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved.
10.  What are the benefits to using native plants in your landscape?
Audubon.org lists 6 benefits of native plants:
  • Low maintenance:  Native plants grow naturally and do not require pruning, cutting, etc.
  • Beauty:   Many native plants offer beautiful showy flowers, produce abundant colorful fruits and seeds, and brilliant seasonal changes in colors from the pale, thin greens of early spring, to the vibrant yellows and reds of autumn.
  • Healthy Places for People:  Native plants do not require artificial fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides and herbicides.
  • Helping the Climate:  Landscaping with native plants can combat climate change. In addition to the reduced noise and carbon pollution from lawn mower exhaust, many native plants, especially long-living trees like oaks and maples, are effective at storing the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
  • Conserving Water: Because native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions, they require far less water, saving time, money, and perhaps the most valuable natural resource, water.
  • Wildlife:  In addition to providing vital habitat for birds, many other species of wildlife benefits as well. The colorful array of butterflies and moths are all dependent on very specific native plant species. Native plants provide nectar for pollinators including hummingbirds, native bees, butterflies, moths, and bats. They provide protective shelter 
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