Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Prevention
The most cost effective way to control the spread of invasive plants that cause damage to native ecosystems and economic losses to humans is to prevent the introduction of invasive plants.Two regulatory agencies, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), maintain lists of prohibited exotic plant species for the State of Texas. Species of exotic plants listed as prohibited by the agencies cannot be imported, sold, or possessed by individuals without a permit from the agency. Violations are punishable as a Class C misdemeanor and should be reported to a local TPWD law enforcement office.
Not all of the species included in this web-based field guide are prohibited in the State of Texas, but those that are prohibited are identified as such.
Additional information regarding species listed as prohibited by state and federal agencies can be found at:
- TDA Noxious Plant List
- TPWD List of Prohibited Exotic Species
- Federal Noxious Weed List
- USDA APHIS Border Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit Information
Control
Invasive plants that are already established on public or private lands can be controlled with a number of methods. Control techniques such as physical removal of the plant and mowing can be labor intensive and costly depending upon the extent of the invasion and the size of the land parcel that requires attention.Control techniques such as the use of fire, chemicals, and biological control agents can be dangerous to humans and the environment and may require application by a permitted professional. An expert in the control of invasive plants should be consulted before applying any of these control techniques.
Recommendations for chemical herbicides and herbicide application methods are provided for many invasive plant species included on this website. When applying chemical herbicides to control invasive plants, great care should be exercised to limit exposure of humans and the environment to potentially dangerous chemicals. Protective clothing should be worn by persons applying any herbicide. Herbicides should be applied in a targeted and cautious manner that minimizes the impact on nearby humans, pets, livestock, and native plants and animals.
Must-Know Herbicide Information
Some herbicides are regulated by the State of Texas and require a permit for use. [More Information]- Glyphosate: It is a non-selective herbicide (use with care as it will affect surrounding native plant populations). Use Rodeo for wetland areas and Roundup for terrestrial areas. According to manufacturer's label, humans and domestic animals should not drink or swim in water treated with Diquat or Glyphosate for one day after treatment.
- Imazapyr: Because it can persist in soil for over a year, nearby trees and plants can be affected if not applied properly. In addition, imazapyr is highly mobile in soil, so great care must be taken to avoid groundwater contamination. [More Information]
- 2,4-D: A restricted use herbicide which can only be used by licensed applicators.
Methods of Treatment
- Foliar: Use appropriate dilution of herbicide. Use a broadcast sprayer to apply solution to the leaves of the plant. Note: Few herbicides exist that control for a specific weed or plant. The majority of herbicides mentioned in this field guide will also affect native non-target vegetation. Thus, use caution to minimize the impact to native plants.
- Cut-Stump: Use an undiluted, full strength herbicide, and apply to cut stump using a paint brush. Add a dye to the herbicide so that it is clear where it has been applied. Note: in order for cut-stump applications to be effective, they need to take place no more than five minutes after cutting.
Reporting
To report the sale, transport, or possession of listed prohibited speciesTexas Parks and Wildlife Department Law Enforcement Division
La Marque
Captain Eddie Tanuz
14037 Delany Road
La Marque, Texas 77568
Phone: (409) 933-1947
La Porte
Law Enforcement Communications
117 E A St
La Porte, TX
Phone: (281) 842-8100
North HoustonCaptain Eddie Tanuz
14037 Delany Road
La Marque, Texas 77568
Phone: (409) 933-1947
La Porte
Law Enforcement Communications
117 E A St
La Porte, TX
Phone: (281) 842-8100
Major Ted Tolle
350 N Sam Houston Pkwy E Ste 285
Houston, TX 77060
Phone: (281) 931-6471
South Houston
Captain Albert Lynch
10103 Fondren Rd
Houston, TX 77096
Phone: (713) 779-8977
To report new aquatic, exotic species found in the wild
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Dickinson Marine Laboratory
1502 FM 517 E
Dickinson, Texas 77539
Phone: (281) 534-0100
1502 FM 517 E
Dickinson, Texas 77539
Phone: (281) 534-0100
To report a new terrestrial, invasive plant species or inquire about control techniques
Texas A&M Agriculture Extension Service
Chambers County
Charles H. Wakefield
1222 Main
Anahuac, TX 77514
Phone: (409) 267-8347
http://chambers-tx.tamu.edu/
Harris County
Hurley Miller
3033 Bear Creek Dr
Houston, TX 77084
Phone: (281) 855-5600
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/
Brazoria CountyCharles H. Wakefield
1222 Main
Anahuac, TX 77514
Phone: (409) 267-8347
http://chambers-tx.tamu.edu/
Harris County
Hurley Miller
3033 Bear Creek Dr
Houston, TX 77084
Phone: (281) 855-5600
http://harris-tx.tamu.edu/
Richard E. Tillman
21017 County Rd 171
Angleton, TX 77515
Phone: (979) 864-1558
http://brazoria-tx.tamu.edu/
Galveston County
William M. Johnson
5115 Hwy 3
Dickinson, TX 77539
Phone: (281) 534-3413
http://galveston-tx.tamu.edu/
Liberty County
Ronald K. Holcomb
2103 Cos St
Liberty, TX 77575-4957
Phone: (936) 336-4558
http://liberty-tx.tamu.edu/