Many of the invasives in our area are intentional introductions brought in for landscaping or other uses. These species escape from cultivation and may become dominant, causing immense damage to natural biotic communities. As a result, they can contribute to limiting the distribution and abundance of native plants and the animals (both vertebrates and invertebrates) that are dependent on those communities.

The Emerald Chapter has developed a document, the Invasive Exotic Ornamentals List, where the plants have been ranked in three categories — High Impact, Moderate Impact, and Suspected to Occur in Lane County — based on the collective assessment of professionals in botany, native nursery/horticulture, public natural area management, and related fields with those having familiarity of the vegetation of Lane County.