Selected Non-native Plants of Rights-of-Ways (ROWs) in the Southeastern United States and Associated Impacts

Abstract

This chapter discusses the characteristics and management of three genera of beneficial non-native plants and four species of invasive non-native plants. Over thirty species of non-native, herbaceous and semi-woody plants may be present on road, pipeline, and utility rights-of-way (ROWs) in the southeastern United States. The ecological and economic impacts of these species vary depending on vegetation competition and colonization trends, wildlife food and cover value, and livestock forage value. Some plants, such as annual lespedezas and clovers, are non-native species that are naturalized in southeastern habitats. These plants have value for livestock and wildlife forage, soil stabilization, and soil-quality enhancement with limited negative impacts to natural communities. Some species, such as sericea lespedeza and tall fescue, were originally planted for soil stabilization, but these species have limited value for most species of wildlife and can limit native plant diversity. Of greatest concern are the highly invasive introduced plants, such as cogongrass and kudzu. Originally introduced through intentional planting in some areas, these species are now established in dense colonies on thousands of hectares of ROWs. After establishment, these species limit native biological diversity, degrade wildlife habitat quality, and reduce property values. Colonization studies indicate that cogongrass spread is enhanced by management that creates bare soil and transfers vegetative propagules to new sites. Because of the life strategies of many non-native invasive species, newly constructed and maintained ROWs can serve as corridors for dispersal of these species. Early detection and integrated pest management are important in the cost-effective control of invasive perennial plants.