Kate Plourd - 617-626-1136
Lisa Capone - 617-626-1119
Catherine Williams - 617-626-1809

DEVAL L. PATRICK

Governor

TIMOTHY P. MURRAY

Lieutenant Governor

Ian A. Bowles

Secretary

“Many invasive plants serve as beautiful holiday decor, but these plants are a serious threat to the integrity of native biodiversity in the Commonwealth,” said DAR Commissioner Scott Soares. “Consumers should be conscious of which species are problematic.”

"Many of our wild lands and conservation areas are threatened by non-native plant and animal species, and these exotic species can outcompete native plants and displace native wildlife," said Mary Griffin, Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game. "It is very important that we avoid using non-native plants to help conserve the Commonwealth’s natural heritage."

The two most common invasive plants used in holiday wreaths and garlands are Oriental Bittersweet and Multiflora Rose. While both plants are attractive, they can cause severe environmental damage by invading open fields, forests, wetlands, meadows and backyards, and crowding out native plants. Oriental Bittersweet is known to kill mature trees through strangling, and multiflora rose can form impenetrable thickets that keep out native plant species. Both species are difficult to control because even when the plants are cut, remaining segments in the ground will re-sprout. The placement of wreaths and garlands outdoors or disposing of them in compost piles can lead to new infestations when the fruits on these decorations are broadcast onto the soil. Birds and other animals also eat the fruit from wreaths and garlands and deposit seeds elsewhere.

Under Massachusetts law, it is illegal to import or sell Oriental Bittersweet or Multiflora Rose in any form (plants or cuttings) in the state.

Click here to see a photo of Oriental Bittersweet. 

To control the spread of invasive species, Massachusetts developed a Prohibited Plant List, which bans the importation and sale of more than 140 plants identified as either noxious or invasive in the Commonwealth. The complete list, which was established in 2006, can be found on the Department of Agricultural Resources web site at:

http://www.mass.gov/agr/farmproducts/prohibitedplantlist.htm 

The list of plants was developed in collaboration with the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG). MIPAG members represent research institutions, non-profit organizations, green industry businesses and associations, and state and federal agencies. The list is a product of scientific analysis, and represents the scientific consensus of groups and individuals with a broad range of perspectives on the subject of invasive plants.

The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, a division of MassWildlife, has produced A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts. The book, which costs $5, includes photos and detailed descriptions for more than 60 invasive plants.  To purchase a copy visit: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/publications/nhesp_pubs.htm.

The DAR’s mission is to ensure the long-term viability of local agriculture in Massachusetts. Through its four divisions – Agricultural Development, Animal Health, Crop and Pest Services, and Technical Assistance – the DAR strives to support, regulate, and enhance the Commonwealth’s agricultural community, working to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.