Here are 15 invasive plant species commonly found in East Tennessee:
1. Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum)
2. Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)
3. Autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
5. Bradford/Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana)
6. Nandina (Nandina domestica)
7. Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
8. Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
9. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
10. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
11. Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
12. Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
13. Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
15. Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)
Some steps you can take to control these invasive plants include removing them by hand, frequent mowing/pruning, using thick mulch to block sunlight, and spot treating with herbicide. Replant areas with native species as alternatives. Prevention and early detection are key to stopping invasive plants from spreading. I hope this list helps identify problematic plants to avoid or remove from your East Tennessee landscape.