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Introduction and Spread of Non-Native Species

By Dane Dostert on 3/23/2009 | Keyword(s): invasives; non-native species; Potentilla recta; Sulfur cinquefoil; anchusa officinalis; Crupina vulgaris (common crupina)

Potentilla recta

The introduction and spread of non-native species is a global conservation challenge. In the Pacific Northwest, grasslands have been shown to be especially vulnerable to this threat. While the upland prairie habitats of the Zumwalt Prairie are still mostly dominated by native plant species, invasives have gained a foothold in some areas and pose a threat to many species and habitats of conservation importance. Non-native plants have been introduced to the Zumwalt Prairie through crop agriculture, livestock, vehicles, and other means.  While some species, for example sulfur (also "sulphur") cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), are mostly confined to old fields, others, such as common crupina, appear able to invade even undisturbed bunchgrass prairie. Invasive species may harm biodiversity through direct competition with natives or by changing key ecosystem processes (e.g., soil erosion rates or fire frequencies).

More Information:    

  • Apilot project to improve the ecological condition of old fields on the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve (2010)

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