Invasive Species

Cinnamon Vine (Dioscorea polystachya)

What are Invasive Species?

An invasive species is one that is not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to Michigan's economy, environment, or human health. Invasive species cause harm when they out-compete native species by reproducing and spreading rapidly in areas where they have no natural predators and change the balance of the ecosystems we rely on.

To help manage invasive species in Cass County we rely on our regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) strike team and you, to help us locate and monitor threats. Early detection is key to managing the spread of these invasive species.


View a comprehensive list of Michigan Invasive Species and reporting information:


Explore invasive, identify species, and report sightings on Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN):

Cass County Target Species

Spotted Lanternfly
(Lycorma delicatula)

Japanese Stiltgrass
(Microstegium vimineum)

Lesser Celandine
(Ficaria verna)

Beech Leaf Disease
(Litylenchus crenatae)

Hydrilla
(Hydrilla verticillata)

Japanese Knotweed
(Fallopia japonica)

Cinnamon Vine
(Dioscorea polystachya)

European Frog-bit
(Hydrocharis morsus-ranae)

Phragmites
(Phragmites australis)

Kudzu
(Pueraria montana var. lobate)

Oak Wilt
(Bretziella fagacearum)

Flowering Rush
(Butomus umbellatus)