Aggressive Growth: Invasive plants often exhibit rapid and aggressive growth patterns, outcompeting native vegetation for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
Altered Ecosystem Structure: Invasive plants can alter the natural structure of ecosystems by displacing native plants, leading to changes in biodiversity and disrupting the balance of species.
Habitat Degradation: The invasive spread of non-native plants can lead to habitat degradation, impacting the quality and functionality of ecosystems that native species rely on for survival.
Reduced Species Diversity: Invasive plants can form dense monocultures, reducing the diversity of plant species within an ecosystem and negatively impacting the availability of food and shelter for native wildlife.
Altered Soil Chemistry: Some invasive plants can change soil chemistry by releasing chemicals that inhibit the growth of native plants or by promoting nutrient imbalances in the soil.
Increased Fire Risk: Certain invasive plants are more flammable than native vegetation, increasing the risk of wildfires that can have devastating effects on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Displacement of Rare Species: Invasive plants can displace rare or endangered native species, exacerbating the decline of already vulnerable populations.
Disruption of Ecological Processes: Invasive plants may disrupt natural ecological processes such as pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, leading to cascading effects throughout ecosystems.