Native Plants and Invasive Species
KUDZU
Our most pressing invasive plant concern is, of course, kudzu. We are currently working with Conserving Carolina to create a plan for 176 from Tryon to Saluda. Other invasives of great concern are English Ivy, Periwinkle, Wintercreeper, Bradford Pear, Burning Bush, Japanese Barberry, and Multiflora Rose.
Excellent resources for both invasive plant information and suggestions for native plants:
The North Carolina Native Plant Society and The South Carolina Native Plant Society
Preserving the Diversity
The Polk County Appearance Commission seeks to preserve the incredible diversity of our beautiful native flora through encouraging the preservation of existing significant natural lands, new plantings of native plants, and the removal of invasive plants. Invasive plants pose a grave threat to our county due to their ability to out-compete our native plants, thereby destabilizing one of the most diverse, beautiful, and highly valued ecosystems in the world.