The Pennsylvania Governor’s Invasive Species Council has identified about 300 invasive plants, insects, fungi, pathogens, and animals as having the greatest current or potential negative impacts for Pennsylvania.
This list is provided to inform development of regulation, policy, and education to protect our agricultural and natural resources. If you have any questions about the species listed, please contact Kris Abell, Council Coordinator, at krabell@pa.gov.
More than 140 invasive plant species pose significant risk of negative impacts for Pennsylvania. Each species has an overall priority score from 1 to 10, based on a 2021 survey of council members. Risk of invasiveness, threat to state lands and natural areas, and importance to the landscape and nursery industry are also scored. Whether the species is on the Pennsylvania Controlled Plan and Noxious Weed List is indicated. You’ll find other useful information as well in this searchable and sortable comprehensive list.
- Pennsylvania Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed List – These plants, including many invasive species, are regulated by state law by a vote of the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
- Council Recommendations for Additions to the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed List (PDF) – The council has recommended these species to the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee for consideration for state regulation.
Insects - PDF
There are 28 insects of greatest concern for Pennsylvania. Spongy moth, Japanese beetle, Hemlock woolly adelgid, and brown marmorated stinkbug are established and having substantial negative impacts. Spotted lanternfly, box tree moth, and other species aren’t yet completely established but are in the state and spreading quickly to new areas. Asian longhorned beetle, northern giant hornet, and other insects haven’t yet arrived in Pennsylvania but pose considerable threat.
Aquatic Animals - PDF
Almost 60 invasive aquatic animals are identified as of greatest concern for Pennsylvania, from highly impactful emerging species, like zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and northern snakehead, to not-yet-present but potential major concerns, including silver carp and bighead carp. These must be prevented from being introduced.
Mollusks and Other Land Invertebrates - PDF
Asian jumping worm and broadhead planarians are emerging threats to forests and natural areas and were recently found in some parts of Pennsylvania. Some snail and slug species aren’t yet found in Pennsylvania but have the potential to greatly impact field and greenhouse agriculture.
Birds and Mammals - PDF
Five bird and mammal species are of concern, including feral swine, which have limited distribution to date in Pennsylvania but considerable potential for negative impacts, and the rodent nutria, which hasn’t been detected yet but is potentially a significant problem.
Plant and Animal Pathogens – Non-Fungal - PDF
There are 25 non-fungal pathogens of greatest concern that impact plants and animals in Pennsylvania.
Plant and Animal Pathogens – Fungal - PDF
There are 21 introduced fungi of greatest concern that are pathogens of plants and animals, that threaten native fungal biodiversity, or are poisonous to humans. This list includes saprotrophic and mycorrhizal mushrooms as well as pathogenic microscopic fungi.