Oregon State University has published a new guide aimed at helping gardeners prevent the introduction of invasive plants. “Invasive Species: What Gardeners Need to Know” is a free, downloadable PDF.

“Biologists estimate that between 30 and 80 percent of invasive plant species introduced to the United States originated as garden plants,” said Linda McMahan, one of the authors. “In Oregon alone, 21 designated noxious weeds cost approximately $125 million a year in production losses, fire damage and control.”

The brochure outlines the three main phases of plant invasion, which are introduction, escape and invasion. It discusses what makes a plant invasive in a given locality. It’s hoped that informed retail customers will become allies in the industry’s fight against invasives. “Responsible consumers can become informed prior to making a purchase,” McMahan said.

An authoritative list of plants deemed invasive in Oregon can be found here.