Species Council

Plants on the DISC list include species that are non-native to Delaware, have the potential for widespread dispersal and establishment, can outcompete other species in the same area, and have the potential for rapid growth, high seed or propagule productions and establishment in natural areas.  Each species were chosen by a committee of experts in environmental science and botany after an intensive environmental assessment.

DISC Invasive Plant List

Widespread Invasive Plants-  These plants are currentlly invasive, cause serious management concerns or pose a serious threat to the biological divesity of Delaware. (click on the species for more information)

Multiflora rose, Rosa multiflora

Japanese honeysuckle, Lonicera japonica 

Oriental bittersweet, Celasrus orbiculatus

Japanese stilt grass, Microstegium vimineum

Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica

Autumn olive, Elaeagnus umbellata

Norway maple, Acer platanoides

Common reed, Phragmites australis

Hydrilla, Hydrilla verticillata

Morrow's honeysuckle, Lonicera morrowii

Mile-a-minute weed, Polygonum perfoliatum

Yam-leaved clematis, Clematis terniflora

Privet, several species

European sweetflag, Acorus calamus

Wineberry, Rubus phoenicolasius

Restricted Invasive Plants- These plans are equally problematic, however they have a more localized distribution in Delaware.

Japanese barberry, Berberis thunbergii

Periwinkle, Vinca minor

Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata

Winged euonymus, Euonymus alata

Porcelain berry, Ampelopsis brevipedunculata

Bradford pear, Pyrus calleryana

Marsh dewflower, Murdannia keisak

Lesser celandine, Ranunculus ficaria

Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria

Reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea

Amur honeysuckle, Lonicera maackii

Tartarian honeysuckle, Lonicera tatarica

Tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima

Spotted knapweed, Centaruea biebersteinii

Restricted and Potentially Invasive-

Butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii

Photos of Mile-a-minute and Porcelain berry kindly provided by J. Jacobini, Delaware Fish and Wildlife

 Publications Available:

Plants for a Livable Delaware

Controlling Backyard Invaders

Livable Plants for the Home Landscape

 Mistaken Identity:

Invasive Plants and their Native Look-alikes