Montana is not only home to many people, but also a destination. Though the state only has a population of around one million citizens, many millions visit the Treasure State each year. Some visitors are welcome while others are not! A few hard winters are usually enough to send them packing.
Some unwanted newcomers are in the form of plants. Montana’s fragile ecosystems have become threatened by a variety of noxious and unwanted foliage. There are many invasive bushes, weeds, flowers, and plants.
Back in the 1800’s one common plant was introduced into Big Sky Country; dandelions are native to Europe. There were no dandelions in North America until pioneers brought them along. This invasive plant could easily be farmed and used for food and medicine. It also was a favorite, healthy tea and could be made into wine. The airborne seed dispersal allowed the plant to grow across North America.
As more folks came to Montana, they planted and gardened using familiar nonnative plants from where they came from.
Over 5,000 plant species have been introduced into the United States. Many of these plants came through the shipments of hay and grains. Unintentional ornamental introductions were also common.
The Yellow and Dalmatian Toadflax are bright flowering plants that were introduced into Montana via the Old Faithful Inn and Lake Hotels. They were perfect for color and planting around the buildings, to add a pop of color. These invaders are now labeled as Noxious Weeds.
Russian Olives were introduced in the early 1900’s to create windbreaks and cover for wildlife. This vigorous shrub takes over the habitat along watersheds and chokes out native species. This nonnative was thought to be the future outstanding wild game cover and habitat. Little did they know that the opposite was true.
Hounds tongue is also a Montana nightmare nonnative. This “hitch hiker” plant has sticky seeds that attach to clothing, fur, and whatever they touch. Once they fall off, they take root. Hounds tongue is notorious for taking over native plants and places.
Leafy Spurge came to Big Sky Country in the 1800’s. It was thought to be an attractive ornamental plant. It was colorful and had berries but also was highly competitive with native plants. Grasses have also been spread into Montana. Cheatgrass, ventenata, medusa head are now common throughout Montana. Their airborne or sticky seeds are hearty and spread easily. Many of these nonnatives are here to stay. We can use herbicides and pull weeds as we see them, but they will never be completely eradicated.
All of us are caretakers of our wild places. Be a student about the wild places you love.
Nature Knows Best!
Montana Grant
