There are numerous native plants in New York that have adapted to the region's climate, soils, and ecosystems. Here are a few examples of native plants commonly found in New York:

• Northern Blueflag (Iris versicolor): Narrow sword-shaped leaves stay attractive all season. Spring bloomer with several blue-violet flowers per stem. 

• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata): Clumping milkweed, popular for rain and butterfly gardens. Easy to grow with adequate moisture. Smaller and less assertive than common milkweed. Valuable monarch resource. [Available at our garden center]

• Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum): Bell-like white flowers. Clusters of delicious blue berries. Fall color is a range of reds. Striking in winter with colorful young branches and peeling multicolored bark on older stems. Tolerates flooding, needs acidic soil. [Available at our garden center: 2-3 ft]

• Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Red flowers followed by red seeds in spring. Red-stemmed leaves with whitish undersides in summer. Red and yellow leaves in fall. Well-known as a swamp tree, but also grows well on upland sites. Most versatile native maple for landscapes. Many cultivars. Flood tolerant. [Available at our garden center: 8-9 ft]

• River Birch (Betula nigra): Young trees have spectacular, multi-colored, peeling bark in warm shades of tan, brown, pink and cream. Popular birch for landscape use because of heat tolerance and disease resistance. Flood tolerant. [Available at our garden center: 7-8 ft]

These are just a few examples of the diverse array of native plants found in New York. Incorporating native plants into gardens and landscapes can help support local ecosystems, provide habitat for wildlife, and promote the preservation of regional biodiversity. When selecting native plants, it is important to consider factors such as soil type, light conditions, and water availability to ensure their successful establishment and growth.

Invasive plants are non-native species that aggressively spread and outcompete native plants, causing harm to ecosystems and biodiversityor harm to human health. In New York, several invasive plant species pose a threat to native flora and habitats. Here are some examples:

• Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica): A large, fast-growing perennial with bamboo-like stems and heart-shaped leaves. It forms dense thickets, outcompetes native plants, and can cause damage to infrastructure.

• Common Reed (Phragmites australis): A tall, perennial grass that forms dense stands in wetland areas, displacing native plants and reducing habitat quality for wildlife. 

• Mile-a-Minute Weed (Persicaria perfoliata): A fast-growing vine with barbed stems and triangular leaves. It can smother and outcompete native vegetation in forest edges, fields, and disturbed areas.

• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata): A biennial herb with white flowers and distinct garlic-like scent. It invades forest understories, displacing native wildflowers and disrupting ecosystem processes.

• Eurasian Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum): An aquatic plant with feathery leaves that forms dense mats, impeding water flow, and crowding out native aquatic plants.

• Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea): This plant spreads aggressively by rhizomes and will form large stands preventing native plants to grow. 

Efforts are underway in New York to manage and control these invasive plant species, but it is important for individuals and landowners to be aware of these invasives and take steps to prevent their spread. If you encounter any of these invasive plants, it is recommended to report their presence to local authorities or organizations dedicated to invasive species management for proper identification and control methods.

According to NYCRR Part 575, Prohibited and Regulated Invasive Species, September 10, 2014, there are 69 prohibited and 6 regulated species. 

Prohibited invasive species cannot be knowingly possessed with the intent to sell, import, purchase, transport or introduce. In addition, no person shall sell, import, purchase, transport, introduce or propagate prohibited invasive species. 

Regulated invasive species, on the other hand, are species which cannot be knowingly introduced into a free-living state ( if it is introduced to public lands or lands connected to public lands, natural areas, and public waters or waters connected to public waters.), or introduced by a means that one should have known would lead to such an introduction, although such species shall be legal to possess, sell, buy, propagate and transport.

While most plants in New York are harmless or beneficial, there are a few that can be harmful to humans, pets, or the environment due to their toxic properties or aggressive nature. The plants below can cause rashes or skin irritation. Familiarize yourself with how to identify these harmful plants and keep an eye out for them when enjoying the outdoors. Here are some examples of harmful plants in New York:

• Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans): A vine or shrub with three shiny leaflets that contain a toxic oil called urushiol. Contact with this plant can cause a skin rash and allergic reaction in many people.

• Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): A tall plant with large leaves and white flowers that can cause severe skin burns and blisters when its sap comes into contact with the skin and is exposed to sunlight.

• Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa): A plant with yellow flowers that contains a sap that can cause skin burns and blisters when exposed to sunlight. It is similar to giant hogweed but smaller in size.

It is important to be cautious and knowledgeable about these harmful plants to avoid any potential health risks. If you come into contact with any of these plants or suspect exposure, it is recommended to seek medical advice or consult with poison control centers for appropriate guidance. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of the potential presence of harmful plants when hiking, gardening, or spending time outdoors.