When we talk about plants in the garden, the words we use matter. Too often, gardeners describe a plant as “invasive” when they really mean “fast-spreading” or “self-seeding.” But the distinction is critical—both for accurate communication and for protecting our ecosystems.

In this episode, Callie breaks down the differences between:

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  Reseeding plants: Normal and often beneficial, with easy ways to manage volunteers where you don’t want them.

  
  


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  Aggressive plants: Spreading quickly (often by rhizomes or stolons), but manageable with simple containment strategies.

  
  


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  Invasive plants: Non-native species officially recognized as ecological threats in Texas, such as Bermuda grass, Nandina, and Chinese wisteria.

  
  

By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to use the right terminology, why it matters, and how to manage plants that spread more than you’d like—without confusing them with true invasives.

Resources Mentioned

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  Texas Invasives Database: texasinvasives.org 

  
  


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  Upcoming Class: Low-Maintenance Gardening with Perennials and Self-Seeding Annuals (replay available if you missed the live session)