Controlling invasive plants

Some common garden plants have become invasive pests in wild habitats. In Oregon, these invasive plants include some favorites such as English ivy and Himalayan blackberry.

Invasive species: What gardeners need to know

Many of the invasive plant species introduced to the United States originated as garden plants. Learn what you need to know to prevent future invasions.

Linda R. McMahan, Joy Jones, Robert Emanuel | Dec 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Solve Pest Problems: Invasive Insects and Plants

A collection of resources for identifying and understanding invasives. Invasives are non-native species that spread aggressively and alter the environment. Non-native species that harm Pacific Northwest habitats include invasive insect, worm, and plant species.

LeAnn Locher | Sep 2024 | Online resource

Invasive weeds can hitchhike into your yard — here’s how to fight back

Keeping weeds at bay can be frustrating, but it can be done.

Kym Pokorny | Mar 13, 2025 | News story

Ivy removal in a home landscape

Learn the strategies to tackle English ivy and see how you can remove it from trees and fences.

Linda R. McMahan, Linda Brewer | Feb 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Tackling invasive Himalayan blackberry takes persistence and planning

OSU Extension horticulturist shares strategies for long-term control.

Kym Pokorny | Aug 29, 2024 | News story

Noxious Weed Control

Oregon Department of Agriculture's website. Information on noxious weed control.

Jul 2018 | Online resource

Oregon Invasive Species Council

Our mission is to protect Oregon's natural resources and economy by planning and leading a coordinated and comprehensive campaign to prevent the introduction of invasive species and eradicate, contain or manage existing invasive species in Oregon.

Jul 2018 | Online resource

Invasive Plants in Portland Poster

The city is working to control invasive plants and Portland residents can help by identifying and managing them in their own yards.

Jan 2016 | Online resource

Published Jul 2018, Reviewed 2026

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Invasive species

Was this page helpful?

Related Content from OSU Extension

Stopping the spread of jumping worms calls for vigilance

The jumping worm, an invasive species new to Oregon, harms the soil by reducing it to granules, making it more porous and less able to retain water. Here's how to identify jumping worms and help stop their spread.

Gail Langellotto, Samuel Chan, LeAnn Locher | Mar 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Experts warn against releasing non-native fish for mosquito control

"Do-it-yourself” solutions aren’t effective for mosquito control, and they aren’t good for the environment.

Chris Branam | Jul 26, 2022 | News story

The best defense against algae blooms is prevention

Algae blooms are common in farm ponds in the summer when nutrient-rich water meets sunshine and warm temperatures. The first line of defense against algae blooms is prevention. Here's how to halt them before they start.

Melissa Fery | Apr 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Strategies for managing marine disease

This paper illustrates challenges and opportunities to marine disease management, assesses applications for marine disease outbreak prevention, response and recovery. It recommends multiple actions for future marine wildlife disease emergencies.

Caroline K. Glidden, et al | Jul 2023 | OSU Sea Grant Publication Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Management of grasshoppers and Mormon crickets on rangeland and pastures

Learn how Eastern Oregon ranchers can protect forage from pest outbreaks. Discover when populations exceed thresholds, how treatments are coordinated across large areas and which chemical tools provide cost-effective relief while minimizing environmental impact.

Will Price, Scott Duggan, Sergio Arispe | Jun 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

OSU helps Oregon strengthen invasive species defense

New funding and policy action boost prevention and rapid response.

Samuel Chan | Mar 2026 | Impact story

Volunteers collect Oregon ash seeds to fight EAB

Trained volunteers and youths gather seeds statewide to preserve Oregon ash before emerald ash borer spreads.

Dan Stark | Mar 2026 | Impact story

Ivy removal in a home landscape

Learn the strategies to tackle English ivy and see how you can remove it from trees and fences.

Linda R. McMahan, Linda Brewer | Feb 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Japanese Beetles in Oregon

Japanese beetle is a destructive insect moving its way west across the U.S. — including to sites in Oregon. Take part in early detection to prevent its spread. Learn to identify and scout for Japanese ...

Heather Stoven, Jessica Rendon, Gail Langellotto, Silvia I. Rondon | Jun 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Statewide team works to slow emerald ash borer spread

OSU Extension and state partners launched a rapid, coordinated response to invasive pest.

Henry Carnell | Sep 27, 2024 | News story

Are traps available to monitor and check for emerald ash borers?

Can I use traps to capture and minimize the damage done by emerald ash borers if my ash trees become infected?

David C. Shaw | Jul 2022 | Featured question

What do I do if I suspect an emerald ash borer infestation?

We have at least one ash tree that is showing top dieback. What should we do to try to confirm whether or not we have the beetle?

David C. Shaw | Jul 2022 | Featured question

Invasive jumping worms disrupt Oregon soils and ecosystems

Jumping worms stay in the debris on top and eat two to three times the amount of leaf litter as the other worms.

Kym Pokorny, Chris Branam | Jul 24, 2025 | News story

Invasive grasses threaten sagebrush steppe, but partnerships offer hope

OSU Extension organized a virtual workshop that created a forum for rangeland stakeholders to coordinate strategies.

Kym Pokorny | Jul 4, 2022 | News story

Invasive stink bug populations surge across Oregon fields and homes

It’s unclear why the population of brown marmorated stink bug exploded this year.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 9, 2022 | News story

Grazing research cuts wildfire fuels and feed costs in Malheur County

OSU Extension project targets invasive grasses on public rangelands.

Henry Carnell | Oct 29, 2024 | News story

Emerald ash borer in Oregon: what to do now — and what to plant next

Don’t remove healthy ash preemptively, learn the symptoms and start planning resilient replacements.

Kym Pokorny | Sep 23, 2025 | News story

Unconfirmed spotted lanternfly sighting prompts reminder for vigilance

Until a physical specimen is collected and confirmed, spotted lanternfly is not considered present in Oregon.

Kym Pokorny, Chris Branam | May 22, 2025 | News story

Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

Ask us a question