Most of the plants used in our gardens and landscapes do not harm or invade wild areas, but there are some species that have that potential. These plants, known as invasive species, can create monocultures, crowding out native plant communities (for example, yellow star-thistle), increase the danger of fires (e.g. Mediterranean grasses) and coastal erosion (ice plant, yuck!), and clog waterways (such as Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla), among other negative impacts.

It's important for us to do our part by avoiding the planting of species that may easily escape cultivation into nearby wild areas. In many cases it is possible to achieve a very similar look with native and non-invasive species. Here are a few suggestions for...