Reed canary grass is an invasive species that dominates almost half a million acres of Wisconsin’s wetlands.
Invasive species may be the greatest threat to the long-term health and sustainability of Wisconsin's wetlands. Human activities such as urban development, farming, recreation and gardening have resulted in the introduction of many non-native plant and animal species to the state. In some cases those species end up competing with native species and can take over large areas of land. For instance, reed canary grass dominates almost half a million of Wisconsin wetland acres.
View a printable list of all species regulated by NR 40 [PDF] or a list of plants only [PDF].
Click on the buttons below to see what species are invasive in Wisconsin.
The buttons separate invasive plants and animals into regulated or non-regulated categories. Regulated species currently have legal restrictions under the Invasive Species Rule, Chapter NR 40. Non-regulated species currently are not regulated by Chapter NR 40. View our terminology page for classification definitions.
Plants Regulated Non-regulated
Animals Regulated Non-regulated
| Classification | Common name | Scientific name | Factsheet | Photo gallery |
Lit. review |
SAG form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Restricted | Red-eared slider | Trachemys scripta elegans |  |
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| Caution | Mute swan | Cygnus olor | |
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