Invasive species can vary widely by region and ecosystem, but some common examples include:
- Kudzu (Pueraria montana) - A fast-growing vine found primarily in the southeastern United States.
- Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) - A pervasive plant known for its rapid growth and ability to damage buildings and infrastructure.
- Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) - A shrub that invades woodlands and outcompetes native plants in North America.
- Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - A wetland plant that can quickly dominate and reduce biodiversity.
- Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) - An aquatic invasive species that clogs waterways and disrupts local ecosystems.
- Asian Carp (various species like Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) - Fish that threaten native fish populations in North American waters.
- European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - A birds species that competes with native birds for nesting sites and food.
These species are considered invasive because they can outcompete native species for resources, disrupt ecosystems, and sometimes cause economic harm.