INVASIVE PLANTS - Technical Learning College

California is home to 4,200 native plant species, and is recognized internationally as a
"biodiversity hotspot." Approximately 1,800 non-native plants also grow in the wild in the state. A
small number of these, approximately 200, are the ones that this Inventory considers invasive
and this course will focus upon. The course author Melissa Durbin hopes to improve an
understanding of these impacts and to help those working to protect California's treasured
biodiversity.
The Invasive PIant Inventory categorizes plants as High, Moderate, or Limited, reflecting the level
of each species' negative ecological impact in California. Other factors, such as difficulty of
management or will identified in this course or in your assignment. It is important to note that
even Limited species are invasive and should be of concern to land managers. Although the
impact of each plant varies regionally, its rating represents cumulative impacts statewide.
Therefore, a plant whose statewide impacts are categorized as Limited may have more severe
impacts in a particular region. Conversely, a plant categorized as having a High cumulative
impact across California may have very little impact in some regions.
The Inventory categorizes "invasive non-native plants that threaten wildlands" according to the
definitions below. Plants were evaluated only if they invade California wildlands with native
habitat values. The Inventory does not include plants found solely in areas of human-caused
disturbance such as roadsides and cultivated agricultural fields.
Wildlands are public and private lands that support native ecosystems, including
some working landscapes such as grazed rangeland and active timberland.
Non-native plants are species introduced to California after European contact
and as a direct or indirect result of human activity.
Invasive non-native plants that threaten wildlands are plants that 1) are not native
to, yet can spread into, wildland ecosystems, and that also 2) displace native
species, hybridize with native species, alter biological communities, or alter
ecosystem processes.
This course is designed for personnel:
That need Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator continuing education for categories such as:
- Aquatic
- Right-of-Way
- General Standards (CORE)
- Aerial
- Ornamental and Turf
Who are employed in plant management and need continuing education credit.
That are responsible for terrestrial/aquatic weed control in right-of- ways, around lakes,
golf course, along rivers, parks, and in residential developments.
That operate and calibrate herbicide and pesticide application equipment.
That are employed by a public agency or private company which is responsible for
vegetation management along right-of-ways and in natural areas.
Who use biological control techniques to suppress plant or weed growth.
Caution!
This handbook is not intended as a complete guide to herbicide use. Before using any chemical,
you must read the label on the container. Before a chemical can be recommended for a specific
use, it must be thoroughly tested. Information is supplied here with the understanding that no
discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Technical Learning College is implied. Due to
constantly changing laws and regulations, the authors can assume no liability for the
recommendations. Any use of a pesticide contrary to instructions on the printed label is not legal
or recommended.
Invasive Plants 11/13/2011 10
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