Around 40% of invasive plant species in the United States today arrived via plant sales for gardening, landscaping, and medicinal purposes. A secondary source of invasive species is the accidental dispersion as seeds brought into the United States unintentionally. A recent Research Communication published in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment found that 61% of plants identified as invasive species are currently being sold throughout the United States. The finding is significant because it draws attention to the problem of state and federal regulations against the importation and distribution of many invasive plant species being ineffective in protecting our natural environment and ecosystems.

References:

Lehan NE, Murphy JR, Thorburn LP, and Bradley BA. 2013. Accidental introductions are an important source of invasive plants in the continental United States. Am J Bot 100: 1287–93.

Front Ecol Environ 2021; 19( 10): 550– 556, doi:10.1002/fee.2392