• Home
  • About
  • Calendar
  • Plant Database
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Board of Trustees Login

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

Become a Member Donate
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Trails and Maps
  • Programs and Events
  • Learn
  • Get Involved
You are here: Home / Blog / What do we mean when we say "invasive species?"

November 10, 2016 by Kelly Vowels

What do we mean when we say "invasive species?"

Bush Honeysuckle, one of the most prevalent invasive species at Bernheim
Bush Honeysuckle, one of the most prevalent invasive species at Bernheim

Next week, while the Natural Areas are closed for wildlife management, the Bernheim staff will be in the arboretum removing many invasive species from the woodlots. Invasive species are not native to our area and are harmful to the ecosystem. They can form thick monocultures (areas that grow a single species) and can push out other beautiful native plants and animals.

Not every exotic species is invasive, and we are learning everyday about new species that have become invasive. Here at Bernheim, we have been identifying invasive species in our collection and removing them  to protect our natural forests.  Many of you have probably noticed the removal of the pear trees, golden rain tree, and the burning bush, but these are only the beginning.

One of the worst invasive species in our woodlots is Bush Honeysuckle. It was planted here in the 1950s as a shrub and spread quickly from there. Bernheim removed it from the collection decades ago, but we are still paying the price. That is why we are now very careful in what is planted at Bernheim. We are consistently working to remove other potentially invasive species from our collection, so that the health of our natural areas is protected.

Filed Under: Blog, Research Tagged With: bush honeysuckle, Invasive Species

  • Let There Be Light, George Grey Bernard

Thank you to our Corporate Partners!


Thank you to our Corporate Partners!

  • Luckett & Farley
  • WMB
  • GE Appliances
  • Patagonia
  • Westrock
  • Beam Suntory
  • Delta Dental KY
  • Brown Forman
  • Quest Outdoors

Sign up for our newsletter

  • Sign up and receive special information about our programs and events.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FOLLOW US

Copyright © 2019 Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest    |   Bernheim is an Arbnet level 4 certified garden
Privacy Policy | Policies and Guidelines | Research | Press Room  | Site Map