ODNR Division of Forestry Invasive Plants
Invasive Plants in Ohio Forests

Invasive plants are a serious threat to the health of Ohio forests. Approximately 60 species of invasive plants have been identified in the state of Ohio and many of these have invaded our public and private forests. The aggressive nature of invasive plants is what makes them so harmful. Their fast growth rates and their ability to monopolize growing space, light, and below ground resources has a negative impact on native plants.  Herbaceous plants, shrubs, saplings, and canopy trees are all subject to suppression by invasive plants and this causes many negative consequences, such as:
  • Reduced growth rates of overstory trees and alteration of forest composition as seedlings and saplings of native trees are shaded out by invaders. Both of these have a negative impact on timber production.
  • Reduced quality and quantity of wildlife habitat as the plant species that native fauna rely on for food, shelter, and nesting sites are excluded from forest stands.
  • Reduced opportunities for recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, mushroom collecting, bird watching, camping, and nature study.
  • Negative impacts to federally listed threatened and endangered species.
  • Alteration of food chains and nutrient cycles.
  • Reduced aesthetic quality of native stands.

Ailanthus stems marked for removal