Scouting for invasive species this fall

Scouting for Invasive Species this Fall

Fall is a great time to scout for invasive plants because they stay green longer than native species.

As the leaves drop, patches of persistent, incongruous green foliage may be noticed in woods or along trails, raising a red flag.

Many invasive trees and shrubs hold onto their leaves later into the fall than native species, giving them a competitive advantage.

This makes them easy to spot and manage, as they take in extra sunlight while other native plants have changed colors or dropped their leaves.

Many invasive trees and shrubs hold onto their leaves later into the fall than our native species.

Author's summary: Invasive species can be spotted in the fall due to their persistent green foliage.

Extension at the University of Minnesota — 2025-10-16