I was surprised to look down in a grass field on a recent trip through Buchanan, Virginia and see tiny blue flowers blooming in early January.

I believe they are an invasive species from Eurasia known as bird’s eye speedwell or winter speedwell (Veronica persica).

Flower Blooming in January

These burning bushes were looking nice near Wilkins Lake along Winchester, Virginia’s Green Circle Trail…

Burning Bushes along the Winchester Green Circle Trail

Invasive Species: Burning Bush

Very popular for its bright red color in fall, the burning bush is an ornamental bush from Asia considered to be an invasive plant:

While it behaves well in urban areas, burning-bush planted near woodlands, mature second-growth forests, and pastures can be a problem. It has escaped from cultivation in the Northeast and Midwest, notably in Connecticut, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Illinois…

EFFECTS OF INVASION: Winged euonymus is a threat to mature forests and successional fields and woodlands because it out-competes native species. It is adaptable to various environmental conditions although it generally does not do well in very dry areas. It grows well in a variety of soil types and pH levels, has no serious pest problems in North America, and most importantly of all, is tolerant of full shade. It has invaded moist forested sites creating dense thickets that can shade out native herbs and shrubs…

Per CBS WUSA Channel 9, goats are being used in Virginia to control invasive species such as honeysuckle:

STAUNTON, Va. (WDBJ/CBS) — Got weeds? Hire a goat.

The animals are part of a growing business in Virginia and they’re pros when it comes to clearing land.

“People come up to us all the time and they’re just amazed at what they do and how good they are at it,” says Clay Trainum who runs Autumn Olive Farms in Waynesboro.

Garlic mustard is an invasive plant from Europe.