Invasive plants will soon be labeled in Virginia

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a bill to require many invasive plant species to be labeled in stores. The legislation, HB 1941 from Del. Holly Seibold House Bill 1941 and SB 1166 from Sen. Saddam Salim, D-Fairfax enjoyed bipartisan support in the General Assembly. The law will go into effect in 2027.

Why it matters

Many plants were brought to Virginia from other parts of the world. Some were accidentally brought over while others were brought as ornamental or decorative plants. Many of these non native plants are also extremely invasive. 

Invasive plant species harm our environment. 

1. Native plants have coevolved with local wildlife and provide high value food and habitats. These native plants thrive in the soil, sunlight, and precipitation patterns of Virginia. On the other hand, invasive species do not support healthy habitats for other plants and wildlife. In fact, non native plants often confuse pollinators while not providing the food they need to thrive.
2. Invasive species do not have natural predators so they spread rapidly and outcompete native species. 
3. While native species have deep root systems that help hold landscapes together and minimize flooding and runoff, invasive species have shallow root systems and often require more water, more frequently. 
4. Native species are also less susceptible to pests and diseases and therefore require less toxic chemicals to maintain. 

All of this contributes to a decline in native plants and ultimately native pollinators in Virginia.

The list of plants included in the legislation does not include every invasive species found in Virginia. It does include 39 of the worst offenders and species that can be commonly found in stores like english ivy, Bradford pear trees and periwinkle. Oftentimes, gardeners purchase these plants without knowing the damage they cause to the environment as a whole or the extent of their impact on their property and neighborhood. 

When a neighbor plants an invasive species, it often finds a way to spread into nearby yards, parks and natural areas causing an unintended community problem. Even if an invasive plant seems to be in control in a yard, it can spread by seed or runner roots and slowly the plant continues to pop up all around. 

The problem is most people simply do not know if the plant they are buying is harmful or not. Many assume if something was harmful, it would not be offered at the store. Labeling invasive species and displaying educational signs will give well intentioned gardeners the information they need to make an informed decision. 

Virginia’s work to combat invasive species

Virginia has already taken steps to combat invasive species and reestablish native habitats. In 2023, Virginia passed a bill to require state agencies to prioritize native plants on state land including our state parks, public universities and along our roadways. Commercial gardeners also have to give notice to landowners if they intend to plant an invasive species. The Department of Forestry also does a lot of work to incentivize and subsidize Virginians to replace invasive species with native trees through their Throwing Shade VA Program.

These policies not only support pollinators and wildlife but they save Virginia a lot of money. It is estimated that invasive species cost Virginia about $1 billion dollars a year. 

Protecting pollinators with native gardens

Awareness around the importance of native plants is growing and luckily Virginia has no shortage of incredible native plant species. It can be tricky to find these plants in big box retailers but the Virginia Nursery and Landscaping Association maintains a list of nurseries that sell native plants. The Digital Atlas of the Flora of Virginia maintains a list and map of plants native by region in Virginia. 

Ready to start using more native plants in your gardening? Check out our native garden beginners guide!