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Why Is the Ice Plant Bad?
Why Is the Ice Plant Bad?. The ice plant was originally introduced to the United States from South Africa as a stabilizing ground cover. It is also used as an ornamental around homes. However, the plant has spread to other areas and is now considered invasive.
The ice plant was originally introduced to the United States from South Africa as a stabilizing ground cover. It is also used as an ornamental around homes. However, the plant has spread to other areas and is now considered invasive.
Propagation
Ice plant grows quickly, forming large mats of vegetation. The plant flowers in great numbers, producing many seeds that germinate easily. Pieces of the plant that break off will root readily. The prolific nature of the plant make it difficult to eradicate.
Alteration of Habitat
The quick-growing nature of ice plant can alter the habitat of certain areas, particularly beach and chaparral areas, where the plants grow well in sand. Ice plant often grows over dunes, preventing sand from moving and creating new dunes, which support other native wildlife.
Species Displacement
Many species, particularly other plants, are displaced by the aggressive growth of ice plant, which eventually decreases the biodiversity of an area. In California, the ice plant is displacing pink sand verbena, Wolf's primrose, beach layia and other sensitive species.
Control
Physical removal of the plant is still the most effective means of eradication. Judicious application of broad-spectrum herbicides, such as glyphosate or chlorflurenol, is now used to control or eradicate ice plant. Careful use is required so that other desirable species remain unaffected.
