Indiana's "Most Unwanted" Invasive Plant Pest List

Welcome

The "Most Unwanted" Invasive Plant Pest List is compiled yearly by the Indiana Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) State Survey Committee (SSC). The list identifies exotic species, invasive species, pests regulated by state or federal laws, and distribution of pests that may or may not be present in the state of Indiana yet have the potential to threaten the state's plant resources, whether cultivated or natural plant communities or other natural resources. The list, which is updated yearly, is used to determine how resources for surveys and outreach and educational programs are best spent to protect Indiana.

The term 'exotic species' is a geographical attribute, meaning that the species in question is not native to Indiana; it may or may not be invasive.

The term 'invasive species' is a biological attribute, meaning that the species under consideration can establish itself and out-compete other species, usually severely disrupting the stability of the affected ecosystem. It may or may not be exotic.