Report on the Management of Aggressive Native Flora in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: The Role of Native Plants in Sustainable Development

The cultivation and management of native plant species are integral to supporting local ecosystems and achieving global sustainability targets. While invasive alien species are widely recognized for their detrimental impact, certain native plants can also exhibit aggressive growth patterns. This report examines the ecological role of aggressive native flora, differentiating them from invasive species and analyzing their management in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Differentiating Aggressive Native and Invasive Alien Species

A critical distinction must be made between aggressive native plants and invasive alien species to inform sustainable land management practices.

• Invasive Alien Species: These are non-native organisms introduced to an ecosystem where they spread rapidly, causing environmental and economic harm. Their proliferation directly threatens local biodiversity and ecosystem stability, counteracting the objectives of SDG 15, Target 15.8, which calls for measures to prevent the introduction and reduce the impact of invasive alien species.
• Aggressive Native Species: These are indigenous plants that can spread vigorously within their natural range, potentially dominating weaker species. While they require management to maintain garden diversity, they are, by definition, not invasive and provide significant ecosystem benefits, contributing positively to local biodiversity and resilience.

Contributions to SDG 15: Life on Land

Aggressive native plants, when managed correctly, play a vital role in protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

• Protecting Biodiversity (Target 15.5): Many aggressive natives are crucial for local wildlife. They provide essential food and habitat that support pollinators, birds, and other fauna. For example, milkweed (Asclepias) is vital for monarch butterflies, and the berries of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) are a food source for birds.
• Combating Ecosystem Degradation: Vigorous native ground covers can be strategically used to outcompete and suppress invasive species. The ability of native ragwort (Packera aurea) to choke out invasive Japanese stiltgrass is a clear example of leveraging natural processes to restore ecological balance.
• Maintaining Ecosystem Balance: The core principle of sustainable gardening is diversity. While aggressive natives are beneficial, their unchecked spread can lead to a monoculture, reducing overall biodiversity. Therefore, active management is essential to ensure a balanced and resilient plant community, aligning with the overarching goals of SDG 15.

Management Strategies for Sustainable Coexistence

Effective stewardship of aggressive native plants ensures their benefits are maximized while maintaining ecological balance. This aligns with the principles of sustainable land use inherent in the SDGs.

1. Strategic Planting: Adherence to the principle of “the right plant for the right place” is paramount. Siting aggressive species in conditions that naturally limit their growth (e.g., less favorable soil or sunlight) can help control their spread.
2. Maintaining Full Ground Cover: Nature abhors a vacuum; bare soil is quickly colonized. To prevent the establishment of undesirable weeds, any cleared areas should be promptly replanted with desired species, promoting a dense and intentional plant community.
3. Active Containment: Regular intervention through methods such as pulling, cutting, or digging is necessary to keep aggressive species within designated boundaries. This practice ensures they contribute to the ecosystem without overwhelming other plants.

Examples of Ecologically Significant Aggressive Native Species

Numerous native species offer substantial ecological value but require management due to their vigorous growth habits.

• Ground Covers:
  • Wild violet (Viola sororia)
  • Golden ragwort (Packera aurea)
  • Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
• Pollinator-Supporting Perennials:
  • Milkweed (Asclepias)
  • Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
  • Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum)
  • Goldenrod (Solidago)
• Vines and Trees:
  • Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) – Supports hummingbirds.
  • Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) – Provides berries for birds.
  • Sassafras and Sumac trees – Can rapidly colonize open areas like meadows.

Conclusion: Achieving Sustainability Through Balanced Stewardship

The inclusion of native plants is fundamental to creating sustainable landscapes that support biodiversity and ecological health. Aggressive native species are valuable assets in this pursuit, offering robust support for pollinators and wildlife and helping to combat invasive species. However, their management is a critical component of responsible stewardship. By implementing strategic control measures, land managers can harness the benefits of these vigorous plants while preserving the diversity and balance essential for achieving the targets of SDG 15: Life on Land and fostering resilient ecosystems for the future.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article directly addresses SDG 15, which aims to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.” The entire text is focused on managing local ecosystems (gardens, meadows), the importance of native plants for biodiversity and wildlife, and the threats posed by both invasive and aggressive native species. It discusses the need for “diversity and balance” and highlights how invasive species “throw the balanced ecosystem out of whack,” which is a core concern of SDG 15.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

   • The article supports this target by emphasizing the importance of maintaining biodiversity in local landscapes. It states, “Diversity and balance are important” and warns against letting aggressive plants “overrun everything in your garden.” The discussion on how invasive species cause “detriment of other native species” and the need to protect native plant communities from being smothered directly relates to halting biodiversity loss and reducing the degradation of local habitats.

2. Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems and control or eradicate the priority species.

   • This target is explicitly addressed when the article defines invasive plants as those “introduced from other regions that quickly spread and take over landscapes.” It provides a clear example of controlling an invasive species: “If my native ragwort (Packera aurea) chokes out the invasive Japanese silt grass, I count that as a win.” This demonstrates a measure to reduce the impact of an invasive alien species on a local land ecosystem.

3. Target 15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning, development processes, poverty reduction strategies and accounts.

   • The article promotes the integration of biodiversity values into local planning, specifically in the context of gardening and land management. The advice to follow the adage “the right plant for the right place” and to give “careful consideration” before planting aggressive natives is a form of local-level planning that incorporates ecosystem values. The author also notes that native plants are “crucial for environmental sustainability, health, biodiversity and wildlife,” reinforcing the need to consider these values in landscape decisions.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator for Target 15.5: Maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

   • The article implies that progress can be measured by observing the “diversity and balance” within an ecosystem like a garden. A practical indicator would be the ratio of different native species to aggressive or invasive species. The text mentions the need to corral aggressive natives so they don’t “overrun everything,” suggesting that a successful outcome is a diverse plant community rather than a monoculture of one aggressive species.

2. Indicator for Target 15.8: Reduction in the coverage and impact of invasive alien species.

   • The article provides a direct, observable indicator for this target. The author states that when a native plant “chokes out the invasive Japanese silt grass,” it is counted as a “win.” This suggests that progress can be measured by the successful removal or suppression of invasive species. An indicator would be the reduction in the area covered by invasive plants like Japanese silt grass.

3. Indicator for Target 15.9: Adoption of sustainable land management practices at the local level.

   • The article implies that progress can be measured by the adoption of specific gardening techniques that promote biodiversity. These practices include actively managing aggressive native plants through “pulling, cutting or digging,” choosing the “right plant for the right place,” and ensuring that bare ground is quickly planted with desirable species to prevent weeds. The adoption of these practices by gardeners and landowners serves as an indicator of integrating biodiversity values into local land management.

Summary of Findings

Source: timesonline.com