I would write them and ask them. It sure is aggressive here, and if they need some...I would happily send it! April

Welcome to the wacky world of ecodivergence! One group of people working from field surveys, find a species of plant near extinction within their state, declare it to be endangered, threatned or of special concern. On the other hand, another group of people, receiving reports from other areas within the region, declare that same species of plant to be invasive within the entire region. In looking over the N'EAST list of invasives, I was surprised to find a number of common native trees and vines there, such as Red Maple, Box Elder, Black Locust, two species of Cherry, White & Green Ash, Cottonwood, Trumpet Creeper, VA Creeper, Virgin's Bower(Clematis) and many, if not most of the native grapes. It's not unlikely, that in some locations with ideal growing conditions, fire & flood suppression, that some or all of these these plants will rapidly multiply to a level that endanger the survivability of other native plants, but I would suppose that they are also hosts and food sources for a wide range of wildlife, that would also thrive there. The Acalypha virginica shown in the photo on the plants.usda website, appears to be a host for some species of catepillar.
With strong opinions on both sides of the ecological issue, you will always find conflicting views and statements. I guess we must choose sides, or ignore both.
Rb

thanks ahughes, and razorback for responding.
I just sent an email and will post any info, if I hear back.

I didn't notice these badboys until this year.
previously, I just left some smartweed in the area,
and the aclypha popped-up where the smartweed was pulled from.

no doubt, it can be quite aggressive, as I've seen more as the growing season progresses.

until I learn more, I'll just leave 'em be -
it's not like they're getting in the way of my "traditional" garden ; )

I don't mind the plant, I think it looks rather interesting. -more interesting and easier to live with then my nemesis, garlic mustard.

thanks again

Part of the problem may come from Acalypha rhomboidea, which is very similar to A. virginica, and which has also been named A. virginica var. rhomboidea. Perhaps those who say A. virginica is invasive are lumping rhomboidea into virginica.

All this, of course, raises a question: are you sure what you have isn't A. rhomboidea?

one month later...

upon further delving, it does appear that my companions are A. rhomboidea.
Thanks janet_e for raising that question.
the bracts aren't as "frilly" as A. virginica - less than 9 lobes each.

this is from the page linked below:
"Comments: There are several Acalypha spp. in Illinois; the number of seeds per fruit can range from 1 to 3 (usually the latter), depending on the species. The species described here, Acalypha rhomboidea, is very similar to Acalypha virginica, except that the latter has 9-15 lobes in the bract that surrounds the inflorescence at the base of the petiole. Some authorities consider the former species to be merely a variety of the latter. The foliage of Acalypha spp. often becomes purplish tan during the fall, which has inspired the common name, 'Copperleaf.' This common name is often used in the agricultural industry. "

as far as the invasive question goes - I'm not gonna worry too much about it. The only mention that I could find was online at the usda site (never received a response to my email).
I like the plant. She's always perky and fills in spaces nicely. So unless I learn she's gotta go, or something more desirable pops up close by, she's a keeper.

thanks again

Here is a link that might be useful: Acalypha rhomboidea ~ Rhomboid Mercury

I use her and some of the other "weeds" as fillers. Most are easily pulled if you want to put another plant in its spot but keep soil from eroding with out great effort on my part.