Jericho is home to well-known invasive animal species such as bullfrogs. red-eared sliders and grey squirrels*, but most of the alien invaders in our park are plant species.
These introduced species tend to grow rapidly, spready widely and can grow just about anywhere. And because they didn't evolve in our ecosystems, there are no natural controls to keep them in check.
We think of them as “superweeds”. They affect the park in a number of negative ways:

• They outcompete and displace native plants that wildlife depend on.
• They can alter water flow and lead to erosion and/or less available water.
• Some, like Scotch broom, create an increased fire hazard.
• Some, like giant hogweed, contain substances that are toxic to people and animals.

Below, a rogue's gallery of the major invasive plant species at Jericho.
Coming soon: Click on a picture to learn more ...

Japanese knotweed*		English ivy		purple loosestrife*
Himalayan blackberry		yellow flag		Scotch broom
English holly		policeman's helmet		cherry laurel
giant hogweed		lamium		periwinkle
morning glory		English hawthorn		European bittersweet
Canada thistle		common tansy		daphne

* These species are among the 100 worst in the world, according to the World Conservation Union. To see the entire list and why they were chosen, click here.