The Cool Down
Expert issues warning on rapid spread of harmful plant in eye-opening video: 'I…
An outdoor enthusiast shared a video to clearly demonstrate why invasive plants are so harmful.
88
2k
120
16k
The Hidden Cost of "Perfect" Plants: Why Invasive Species Threaten Our Ecosystems
Ecological Divide: The Silent Threat of Invasive Plants and the Value of Native Species A recent video by Lindsay Thomas Jr., Chief Communications Officer for the National Deer Association and a journalist, sheds light on a critical environmental issue: the stark contrast between invasive and native plant species and their respective roles in local ecosystems. The video, uploaded on August 3, 2025, from the US, features a detailed comparison of Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium) and a native pokeweed plant. Thomas Jr. begins by showcasing a dense patch of Japanese stiltgrass, noting its "perfect" and "flawless" appearance. However, he quickly points out a significant ecological void: "Nothing is using it. Nothing is eating it. Not a caterpillar, not a deer." He further explains the absence of flowers for pollinators and berries for birds, concluding, "Nothing uses this... It doesn't participate in the ecology." In stark contrast, the video then focuses on a native pokeweed plant growing amidst the stiltgrass. Its leaves are visibly eaten, a testament to its ecological contribution. Thomas Jr. highlights, "Caterpillars are tearing it up. Deer have been browsing it. It produces flowers for pollinators and berries that birds eat. It participates in the ecology because it's native." The journalist emphasizes the detrimental impact of non-native invasive species like stiltgrass, stating, "It takes up space and it doesn't give back. It doesn't participate in the ecology." He concludes by urging the control of invasive plants to restore habitats for native species, which are vital for supporting biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecological systems. The video serves as a compelling visual argument for prioritizing native flora in environmental conservation efforts.
