The Quiet Threat Taking Over Our Land
One of the things I love most about the Ozarks is the diversity of the landscape. We have beautiful hardwood forests, native grasslands, rolling hills, and countless plant and wildlife species that call this region home.
Unfortunately, not every plant growing here belongs here.
When I walk a property for the first time, one of the first things I look for is invasive species. These plants may seem harmless at first, but over time, they can completely change a landscape. They crowd out native vegetation, reduce wildlife habitat, affect pasture productivity, and make it difficult for the land to function as intended.
The good news is that once you know what to look for, you can begin taking steps to reclaim your property.
Bush Honeysuckle
Bush honeysuckle is one of the most common invasive plants we encounter throughout the Ozarks.
At first glance, many people think it looks attractive. It grows quickly and produces berries that attract birds. The problem is that it spreads aggressively and forms dense thickets that block sunlight from reaching native plants below.
Over time, entire sections of woodland can become dominated by bush honeysuckle. Native wildflowers, young trees, and important habitat plants begin to disappear.
When I see large patches of bush honeysuckle, I know the surrounding ecosystem is already under pressure.
Sericea Lespedeza
If you own pastureland, you’ve probably heard of sericea lespedeza.
This invasive plant is one of the biggest challenges facing landowners and ranchers across the region. It spreads rapidly, produces enormous amounts of seed, and creates thick stands that crowd out desirable forage species.
The biggest issue is that livestock generally avoid eating mature sericea. As it spreads, it reduces the amount of quality forage available and can significantly impact pasture productivity.
I’ve seen properties where this single plant has completely changed how the land functions.
Multiflora Rose
Multiflora rose may have been introduced with good intentions years ago, but today it creates serious problems for many landowners.
It forms dense, thorny thickets that can quickly take over fence lines, pastures, and woodland edges. Once established, it becomes difficult to move through and even harder to remove.
Beyond the obvious challenges, multiflora rose crowds out native vegetation and limits access for both livestock and wildlife.
It’s one of those plants that is much easier to control early than after it becomes widespread.
Bradford Pear
Many people are surprised when I mention Bradford pear as an invasive species.
For years, these trees were planted as ornamentals because of their spring blooms. Unfortunately, they don’t stay where they’re planted. Birds spread the seeds, and the trees begin popping up in fields, pastures, roadsides, and natural areas.
Unlike the neat ornamental trees people picture, wild Bradford pears form dense stands filled with sharp thorns. They compete aggressively with native trees and can quickly alter an open landscape.
Across the Ozarks, we’re seeing more and more properties dealing with this problem.
Autumn Olive
Autumn olive is another plant that was introduced for what seemed like a good reason. It was often used for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Today, it has become a serious concern in many parts of the region.
This shrub grows rapidly, spreads easily, and forms dense colonies that crowd out native plants. While it does produce berries that wildlife eat, the overall impact on native ecosystems is overwhelmingly negative.
When autumn olive takes hold, it often becomes the dominant plant in an area, leaving little room for the species that naturally belong there.
Why Early Action Matters
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that invasive species rarely get better on their own.
A few scattered plants may not seem like a big deal today, but given enough time, they can completely change a property. What starts as a manageable issue can become a costly restoration project down the road.
That’s why early identification and management are so important. The sooner invasive species are addressed, the easier it is to protect the health and productivity of the land.
Protecting What Makes the Ozarks Special
The Ozarks are worth caring for.
Every native grass, wildflower, oak tree, and wildlife habitat plays a role in the health of the landscape. When invasive species take over, we lose more than plants. We lose balance. We lose diversity. We lose some of the natural character that makes this region unique.
That’s why invasive species management is such an important part of what we do at Ozgood Land Restoration. It’s not just about removing unwanted plants. It’s about giving native ecosystems a chance to thrive again and helping landowners protect the beauty and productivity of their land for years to come.