Pat Calvert, Director of Clean Water and Land Conservation at Virginia Conservation Network, is quoted supporting a new law to control the spread of invasive species in the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily. The final bill that passed the General Assembly will require any place that sells an invasive plant species to display a sign nearby that warns consumers and encourages them to ask about alternatives.

The management of these plants is problematic and costly for individuals, localities, parks and farmers. The plants can damage an ecosystem or agriculture. The Southeast Asian tree of heaven is a primary food source for the spotted lanternfly, which has expanded its territory. The flies damage crops.

Calvert has dealt with pesky English ivy on his property, which, like other invasive plants, spreads quickly through seeding and roots.

This also creates a responsibility for retailers to be transparent in what they are selling.

Common Water Hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) is listed as invasive in Virginia and is still being offered for sale in the state. Bryan Park, Richmond, VA. Photo by Anna Shelby (CC) BY-NC