Native Plant Alternatives to Replace Invasives in Your Garden

Presenter: Alex Dencker, Smithsonian Gardens

Many commonly used garden plants imported to North America have escaped into once pristine natural areas. After becoming a monoculture these species drive out the native species, thereby degrading the ecosystem and lowering species diversity. Horticulturist Alex Dencker discusses some problematic plants, highlights the damage they’ve done and continue to do to our natural areas, and offers native plant alternatives to replace the invasives you may be surprised to learn you have in your garden.