Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:

Recognizing Invasive Species

Identifying invasive plants, animals, or insects can be tricky, but tools and resources are available to help.

There are several ways to learn about and identify invasive plants, animals, and diseases:

Online tools - Use apps, databases, or fact sheets for guidance.
Videos - Watch educational videos to better understand identification methods.
Local experts - Contact master gardeners or attend plant clinics for help.

Use these resources and play your part to recognize, manage, and control invasive species. You will help protect native plants and ecosystems.

Photo: Garlic Mustard is a high-ranking invasive plant that displaces native wildflowers.

Rankings for Invasive Species

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) ranks invasive species based on the threat they pose to ecosystems. High-ranked species often

Disrupt natural processes (e.g., water flow, soil chemistry).
Spread easily into new areas.
Negatively impact rare or vulnerable plants and animals.
Require significant time and resources to control.

See the DCR Invasive Plant List.

Photo: Though pretty, Lesser Celandine can choke out native species

Publications

Highly Invasive Plants

Find tips to identify and control high-ranking species.
Early Detection and Rapid Response lists emerging invasive species in Fairfax County and where they have been found.

PRISM Fact Sheets

High-ranking species commonly found in Fairfax County

Invasive Plants Identification and Control Booklet

Cards give ways to identify these common plants, the threat they cause, methods to control them and some native look-alikes.

Forest Pests and Diseases

Fairfax County monitors and manages forest insect pests and diseases with approval from the state agricultural department. Explore the Forest Pests - Insects and Diseases webpage for more information

Invasive Wildlife and Fish

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources provides detailed fact sheets on invasive wildlife and fish. The fact sheets show what they look like, the problems they cause, and how to help.

Local Expert Services

Get help with your plant and gardening questions and with plant and insect identification from local experts. Fairfax County Master Gardeners provide help through Diagnostic Labs year-round. They hold Plant Clinics at various locations throughout the county from May through September. The horticulture Help Desk is staffed by the Fairfax County Master Gardeners and the Green Spring Master Gardeners year-round.

Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:

Recognizing Invasive Species

On This Page

Rankings for Invasive Species

Highly Invasive Plants

PRISM Fact Sheets

Invasive Plants Identification and Control Booklet

Field Guides and Fact Sheets

Forest Pests and Diseases

Invasive Wildlife and Fish

Online Tools

Tree Identification Tools

Plant Lists and Databases

Educational Video Series

Local Expert Services

Species

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