Invasive Plants in Arkansas

Do you have invasive plants on your property?  Some invasive plants have even been brought to Arkansas accidentally.  An estimated 1/10th of 1 percent of imported plants become invasive pests and cause a myriad of problems. Invasive plants cost $35 billion in damages & treatment each year! 

Silktrees or Mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) are invasive small legume trees reaching 30-50 feet tall. They reproduce by abundant seeds and root sprouts and were introduced from Asia in 1745. 

Some invasive plants reduce the productivity of our crop fields, some harm our livestock, and others degrade the wildlands that make Arkansas an enjoyable place for residents and visitors.

Some invasive plants in Arkansas include:

• Mimosa
• Bamboo
• English Ivy
• Running monkey grass
• Large leaf vinca
• Wisteria (Chinese)
• Chinese privet (visit our invasive plant removal demonstration page)
• Japanese honeysuckle
• Tall fescue
• Bradford pear
• Non-native Lespedeza
• Chinese tallow tree
• Cogongrass

These plants have been invasive in some landscape situations and should be used with caution:

Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a shade-tolerant, tall shrub or tree growing to about 30 feet tall. They were introduced in the 1900s from China and Europe. They spread quickly and replace native underbrush in Arkansas forests.

• Nandina (heavenly bamboo)
• Garlic chives
• Devil's walking stick
• Artemesia
• Trumpet creeper
• Obedient Plant
• Sweet autumn clematis
• Mexican hydrangea
• Queen Ann's Lace
• Wintercreeper Euonymus
• Chameleon Plant
• Cypress Vine

Download this Invasive Pests - Plants Poster for more information.

The links below lead to information about more invasive plants.

Cogongrass

Cogongrass often has been described as one of the world's worst weeds.  Once established, cogongrass dominates a site and is very difficult to eradicate.

Image:  Wilson Faircloth, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Learn more about cogongrass

Chinese Tallow

Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera (L.) Small) is a short-lived, fast growing native of eastern Asia that has become naturalized through the southeastern U.S. from North Carolina to eastern Texas.

Image: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Learn more about Chinese tallow

Additional Invasive Pests

Invasive Animals

Check out our resources detailing the most damaging invasive animals in Arkansas. 

Image: Image courtesy Clint Turnage, USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services

Invasive Diseases

There are many invasive plant diseases in Arkansas. Use our resources to find out how to combat them.

 Image: Ned Tisserat, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Invasive Insects

Invasive insects can be destructive in Arkansas. Find out how to identify and treat for them. 

Image: Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org