What does invasive mean?

by Diana Tatura

 

What qualifies something as naturalized? What implications does the discourse on invasives have on ecological management and social perspectives? How is this concept shaped by western colonial thought? Am I invasive?

 

As I walked with my mother through the coastal prairies and she marveled at the yellows, pins, and purples of the wild radish in full bloom, I held my tongue. Is she missing something or am I?

 

I’ve read that invasive plants often take space and resources from unique and less common natives, creating a homogenous and exploited landscape. Restoration efforts focus on complete invasive removal and return to a more diverse and stable community.

 

As I survey the plant communities in the great meadow, I sit completely enveloped in these plants. Each individual in its process of growth, flowering, death – inherently misplaced.