Invasive Species

Invasive species are “a species that is non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Non-native species are those that did not occur in Michigan’s ecological communities prior to widespread European settlement.

Sources for information about Michigan invasive species:

Go Beyond Beauty

Kent Conservation District Invasive Species Strike Team

Michigan.gov Invasive Species

Michigan Invasive Species Coalition

Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN)

West Michigan Conservation Network (WMCN)


Downloadable PDFs:

Kent Conservation District
Invasive Bittersweet brochure pdf


Michigan State University A Field Identification Guide to Invasive Plants in Michigan’s Natural Communities PDF


West Michigan Conservation Network Invasive Species door hangers


How Invasive and Exotic Shrubs Affect Breeding Birds 2012-article-from-Birding-magazine.pdf


Meet the invasive plant that’s killing off Michigan’s spring wildflowers April 9, 2024 Kelli House, Bridge Michigan

  • Lesser celandine Ficaria verna, is spreading rapidly in lower Michigan, prompting an effort to combat the invasive plant 
  • Despite its threats, the plant is legal to buy and sell in Michigan
  • A small group of advocates is pushing for regulations, while urging gardeners to be alert
  • Lesser celandine should not be confused with Greater Celandine (also and exotic invasive) and Michigan native Celandine Poppy, Stylophorum diphyllum

Learn about Garlic Mustard and 10 more invasive species in West Michigan by reviewing this comprehensive brochure issued by the West Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA): https://wmconservation.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/invasive-species-brochure-1.pdf