Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) along a river in Turkey (photo by Sema Leblebici).

Invasive Plant Species of North America

Beth Middleton, USGS National Wetlands Research Center, 700 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506
Cengiz Ture, Anadolu University, Fen Fakultesi, Biyuloji Bolumu, Eskisehir, Turkey 26470
Nuket Akanil Bingol, Dumlupinar University, Kutahya, Turkey

Many invasive species of North America originate in Eurasia, and vice versa. Purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, for example, grows along streams and rivers in Turkey, where it is a native species. However, where introduced in North America, it has come to dominate the species composition, particularly in northern wetlands. In native habitats in Turkey, Lythrum salicaria does not dominate the wetlands in this way. Study of the factors that constrain species in their native environments can be of benefit in controlling these species in places where they have been introduced. Below is a link to a list of species that have been introduced to North America and that occur in Turkey. Study of species in their native habitats would be of value in their control

Roots of Lythrum salicaria in Turkey (photo by Sema Leblebici).

Status of invasive species in North America native to Turkey and other parts of Eurasia.

Photographs of invasive species introduced to North America from Turkey and other parts of Eurasia.