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 to play your part in recognizing, managing, and controlling invasive species. You will help protect native plants and ecosystems.

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

On This Page

Invasiveness Ranking

Guides & Fact Sheets

Animals, Insects & Diseases

EDDMapS and Apps

Tree Identification

Plant Lists and Databases

Videos

Local ID Services

 

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Rankings for Invasive Species

invasive Lesser Celandine
Though pretty, Lesser Celandine can choke out native 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.

Publications

High-Ranking Invasive Plants

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

PRISM Fact Sheets

High-ranking species commonly found in Fairfax County

Control Booklet

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Invasive Plants Identification and Control Booklet

This guide to common non-native invasive plants that may be lurking in your backyard has a card with ways to identify these common plants, the threat they cause, methods to control them and some native look-alikes.

Download the Booklet

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Guides, Posters and Fact Sheets

Quick Guides and Posters

A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife

Virginia's Least-Wanted Invasive Plants Poster

Fairfax Stewardship -Invasive Forest Plants Brochure

Fact Sheets and Look-alikes

Blue Ridge PRISM Fact Sheets 

Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, Invasive Plants and Better Alternatives

USDA, Mistaken Identity, Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes

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Forest Pests and Diseases

Fairfax County’s Forest Health Branch is tasked by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to monitor for, provide control of (when necessary and possible) and to provide outreach and education about a number of forest insect pests and diseases. Any insects or diseases for which the Forest Health Branch provides services must first be approved by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and placed on the list of insects and diseases that can be controlled with funds collected by local service or tax districts. Visit Forest Pests - Insects and Diseases to learn more

Fish and Wildlife

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Invasive Species is the primary source for invasive Wildlife and Fish. Their many fact sheets provide information on what they look like, why they are a problem and what you can do to help. Find specific species to watch for at Invasive Species Resources.

EDDMaps and Apps

EDDMapS

Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) is a web-based mapping system for documenting invasive plants, insects, diseases and wildlife. Using common or scientific names, you can click on each species to view information, image and references.

EDDMapS Species Information

Mobile Apps

There are apps for your phone that help you identify PLANTS, INSECTS and WILDLIFE. The apps listed below are free, but may require creating an account.

iNaturalist: You will be able to take photos of plants and insects and get suggestions on what species they may be.

Seek by iNaturalist Use the power of image recognition technology to identify the plants and animals all around you.

Bugwood Apps EDDMapS app unites existing invasive species and pest citizen science reporting and identification tools under one app.

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Tree Identification

Not sure what kind of tree that is? These tools will help you find the species of tree which will help you determine if it is invasive. Consider some of the most common tree species encountered in Fairfax County when using these tools.

Visit Tree Identification
Plant Lists and Databases

Plant Lists and Databases

Virginia Invasive Plant Species List - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas - bugwoodcloud.org

New Invaders of the Southeast - U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Plant Database - United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA, NRCS)

Digital Atlas of Virginia The Flora of Virginia Project - Virginia Botanical Associates (need approval)

Videos

Plant Identification Video Series

Announcing New Invasive Plant Identification Video Series - Penn State Extension

The new videos provide a closer and more interactive look at identification features for these invasive plants. In an effort to control invasive plants, confident and correct identification is a necessary first step. These videos show more photos and emphasize specific features, reinforcing the major identification characteristics of some of the most common invasive plants landowners may encounter.

View Video Series Announcement
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Local Identification Services

Virginia Cooperative Extension Volunteers from Fairfax County Master Gardeners and Green Spring Master Gardeners staff the year-round horticulture Help Desk to answer gardening questions and help solve gardening problems.

Fairfax County Master Gardeners hold Plant Clinics in various locations throughout Fairfax County from May through September. They help the public with gardening questions, plant and insect identification, and soil tests.

Fairfax County Master Gardeners also operate an award-winning Diagnostic Lab where residents submit sample(s) of PESTS, DISEASES, or unhealthy materials to the lab for identification and treatment recommendations. PLANT samples are also submitted for simple identification. At this time you can submit your sample by emailing photos or bringing your sample to one of the Plant Clinics.

More About Invasive Species

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