Gladiolus tristis
Kelly O'Neill (Sun, 17 May 2009 21:39:28 PDT)

I'm curious to know what you call
invasive. Typically in ecology, an
invasive plant dominates its growing
area and crowds out most/all other
species. If left alone, it will
successfully replace the original plant
community with itself; examples in my
neighborhood: gorse, scots broom, ivy,
and a couple of beach grasses (Ammophila
species), and quack grass.

I see many people use the word invasive
to mean a plant that successfully sets
seed and spreads around when in fact
this is an example of naturalization,
one step beyond establishment (thriving
in the original spot of introduction).

I wonder what kind of ecology lessons are being taught
sometimes. Non-native plants or animals which naturalize and
spread do not need to kill all other plants or animals in the area
they grow in to be invasive. I agree things like Gorse or Ivy are
especially bad. However, successful invaders can do much
harm and destroy the natural habitat for the critters who's niche
they are well suited to. The web of life is complex and easily
disturbed. Seemingly minor disturbances during the short time
a human lives, can turn into serious problems over long time
periods.
Kelly O'Neill
http://www.bigbubblers.com/ and
and Wet Rock Gardens Flower Farm
2877 N 19th Street - Springfield, Oregon 97477
U-Pick and more at the farm (open 9 to 6, Sun,
Wed and Fri - from March thru Halloween)
kellyo@wetrock.com - http://www.wetrock.com/