Non Native Plants

Non Native Plants. . , Whenever people, through building, agriculture forestry, or other means, disturb land there are certain plants that take advantage of the disturbed soil. These plants are known as "invasives." Often they can take over an area and crowd out other native plants. There are two native invasive species in this area: Poison Ivy, with its three shiny leaves and Phramites, the very tall (12 foot) grass with the feathery seed heads. Although both are natural inhabitants of the area, they may need to be controlled if other native species are to thrive. People also introduce non-native species they like into new habitats. The Mimosa trees in this area are an introduced species originally brought to the area during the colonial era. The Loblolly Pines around you are the most important tree to the forestry industry on the Eastern Shore. They have been extensively planted throughout the Bay area during the past hundred years. However, when first settled, the Eastern Shore was covered in thick growths of huge, ancient, slow-growing oak trees. The oak trees were depleted via extensive ship construction during the 19th century.