Mississippi’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy lists the following habitats as the most important to the conservation of species in the state: Tombigbee Drainage, Northeast Hills (Tennessee River Drainage), Ephemeral Ponds, Pascagoula Drainage, Estuarine Marshes, Barrier Island Wetlands, Lower Coastal Plain (Pearl Drainage), Estuarine Bays (Lakes and Tidal Streams), Small Stream Swamp Forest and Dry Longleaf Pine Forest.  Of these, invasive species are a high threat to seven habitats and a moderate threat to three habitats.

According to the Mississippi State Extension Service, Mississippi’s ten worst invasive weeds are: Kudzu, Tropical Soda Apple, Purple Loosestrife, Water Hyacinth, Alligator Weed, Chinese Tallow Tree, Japanese Honeysuckle, Chinese Privet, Cogongrass and Johnson Grass.

You Can Help Stop the Invasion!

Refrain from planting Mississippi's "ten worst weeds." Appealing as some may be, these plants are all notorious for invading outlying areas.

Use nursery-raised native plants. Ask your local nursery staff for suggestions, or check out native gardening books from your local library or bookstore.

Remove these plants from your property. If needed, contact your county Extension agent for recommended methods of chemical control. Use herbicides carefully. Many herbicides are not selective and will kill all surrounding vegetation or may harm aquatic systems.

Help control exotic plants on nearby public lands. This can be an educational and productive activity for scouts, 4-H Clubs, and other service groups. Check with your local forest, refuge, or park for exotic plant removal projects.

More information on invasive weeds is available at these and other internet web sited:

http://msucares.com

http://www.tnc.org

http://www.blm.gov/weeds

http://www.se-eppc.org

http://plants.usda.gov/plants/

http://www.tncweeds.ucdavis.edu