Grasslands offer vast space for critters and pollinators to thrive. Threats brought on by environmental degradation, however, are putting these ecosystems at risk, especially when faced with invasive plants.<\/p>\n
One conservationist was enjoying grassland scenery full of native plants \u2014 such as rosepinks, little bluestems, and slender mountain mint \u2014 before telling viewers of a looming danger.<\/p>\n
“So what’s the biggest threat to this place?” conservationist Kyle Lybarger<\/a> (@nativeplanttok) asks in a TikTok video. “Well, invasive species. Things like this Bradford pear and this privet.”<\/p>\n Kyle also points out that just down the road, within the grasslands, one can find a giant patch of cogongrass, which is listed as one of the top 10 most invasive plants<\/a> in the world.<\/p>\n He then shares discouraging news about what all those invasive plants have in common: all are still being sold at garden centers.<\/p>\n “Specifically, Home Depot,” Kyle clarified.<\/p>\n Watch now: Giant snails invading New York City?<\/a><\/p>\n According to National Strategy for Invasive Plant Management data shared by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts<\/a>, over 100 million acres of the United States are affected by invasive plants.<\/p>\n Garden centers continue to sell them because they are easy to restock, in demand, and there is a lack of clear regulation on what plants are banned, per the Smithsonian<\/a>.<\/p>\n Invasive plants are known to outcompete native plants, altering the way ecosystems operate and threatening or endangering populations of animals, flora, and even humans.<\/p>\n Choosing native plants, however, can save gardeners money<\/a> because they require little water or care. Meanwhile, they help to keep native animal populations stable, as all keystone species are naturally satisfied.<\/p>\n When large retail stores like Home Depot sell invasive plants, it perpetuates their spread, putting ecosystems in peril.<\/p>\n Kyle suggested one way to help. In addition to becoming educated<\/a> on what plants are native versus invasive to your area, he recommends signing a petition to stop the sale of invasive plants.<\/p>\n Commenters were not only keen to start the petition, but also angered at the actions of Home Depot.<\/p>\n “Such a shame,” wrote one.<\/p>\n [This] should be illegal everywhere,” wrote another.<\/p>\n Join our free newsletter<\/a> for good news<\/strong> and useful tips<\/strong>, and don’t miss this cool list<\/a> of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.<\/p>\n