Conservation

You probably know that plants are essential to the balance and stability of nature that supports life on earth. Plants are the ultimate source of the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat. They provide the raw materials for shelter, clothing, medicines, fuels, and countless other products that human beings depend on.

But did you know that more than one out of every eight species of the world’s flora has been identified as threatened? In the United States, about three out of every ten plant species is threatened. Scientists predict that as more information and knowledge about plant populations around the world is gathered, this number will increase dramatically.

Recognizing the importance of contributing to local, national, and worldwide plant conservation efforts, the U.S. Botanic Garden participates in collaborative partnerships and programs to conserve threatened plants, share information about the threatened flora of the world, and teach others how they can play an active role in plant conservation.

Keep your garden invasives-free

Your garden is a place for beauty and enjoyment, and you can make a difference in protecting natural areas and wildlife habitat by choosing the right plants.Many non-invasive plants are available as alternatives for your use. Potomac Invasives wallet card (pdf, 74.75 KB).

Terrestrial Invasive Plants

You can do your part to help protect the lands you love and beyond by participating and learning more about some common invasive plants in our latest invasives brochure (pdf, 923.90 KB).