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Port
Parks
Alliance
  • Home
  • Volunteerism
  • Donate
  • Our Parks
  • Invasive Plants
  • Bartlet Mall Restoration
  • Events
  • Contact
  • References & Resources
  • Gallery

Invasive Plants

What are invasive plants?

Invasive plant species are a non-native species that have spread into minimally managed plant systems in Massachusetts. These plants cause economic or environmental harm by developing self-sustaining populations that dominate and/or disrupt native plant systems. (Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group). The term "invasive" is used for the most aggressive non-native species; these species grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major disturbances.

Most invasive plants were introduced to Massachusetts for use in landscaping and gardening. Because they have been relocated from their native habitats, there are no natural mechanisms to control their populations, which allows them to reproduce rapidly. When allowed to take over native habitats, invasive plants eventually change how the ecosystem functions.


Here in Newburyport, our parks have been impacted by at least six invasive plant species, and likely more. These species are reproducing rapidly in portions of our parks, and it is difficult for City staff and volunteers to eradicate them. 

The Port Parks Alliance drew upon various sources to collect information about each invasive plant species. These include Mass Audubon, Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Native Plant Trust.

Funding source

Funding for this program is provided by the City of Newburyport Resiliency Committee through a grant from the Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Program.  

Invasive Plant Species in our parks

Asiatic Bittersweet

Asiatic Bittersweet

Asiatic Bittersweet

More info here

Black Swallowwort

Asiatic Bittersweet

Asiatic Bittersweet

More info here

Burning Bush

Asiatic Bittersweet

Japanese Barberry

More info here

Japanese Barberry

Japanese Barberry

More info here

Japanese Knotweed

More info here

Norway Maple

More info here

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