Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle) is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. This species as been widely cultivated as an ornamental and has become naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has a very aggressive and dense root system with the potential to outcompete native species for water and nutrients. Many cultivars resistant to drought, fire, and cold conditions have been created, increasing the potential of this species to colonize new habitats, displacing and smothering native vegetation.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species, and for 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it has occurred naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits in growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need less fertilizers, pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitat. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.