When planning your ideal garden, you might be attracted to plants with vibrant blooms, beautiful foliage, and wildlife benefits. However, some of the most appealing plants at the garden center can be invasive and harmful to natural ecosystems. Invasive plants are non-native species that outcompete local biodiversity and cause damage to the environment. It’s important to avoid planting these species to prevent further harm to the ecosystem.
Invasive plants have contributed to the decline of over 18% of threatened and endangered species in the U.S. They succeed due to their high seed production, adaptability, and aggressive growth. Since urban and suburban gardens can serve as a gateway for these plants to spread into natural areas, it is crucial to be aware of the most invasive species and avoid planting them.
In the East Coast region from Maine to Virginia, some of the most invasive species to watch out for include Norway maple, white mulberry, mimosa, burning bush, and butterfly bush. Understanding why these plants are invasive and finding suitable alternatives is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Norway maples have altered the native forests in many eastern states
Norway maples (Acer platanoides) are often mistaken for native maples due to their similar appearance. These trees are popular for their shade and adaptability to various soil conditions. However, they have become highly invasive in the East Coast region, outcompeting native species and disrupting the ecosystem. It is recommended to choose native alternatives like sugar maples, red maples, or Freeman maples to avoid planting Norway maples.
Tree-of-heaven is invasive along the East Coast
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) was introduced to the U.S. in the late 1700s and has since become invasive in the East Coast region. These trees spread rapidly and produce a large number of seeds, forming dense colonies that disrupt the local ecosystem. Planting native alternatives like staghorn sumac, green ash, or butternuts is a better choice than planting tree-of-heaven.
Callery pears disrupt the native ecosystems in several states
Callery pears (Pyrus calleryana) and their cultivars are often admired for their white spring blooms and fall colors. However, these trees are considered invasive in many eastern states as they cross-pollinate and spread rapidly, outcompeting native vegetation. Choosing native alternatives like Alleghany serviceberry or red maple is recommended over planting Callery pears.
Princess tree is invasive in states from Maine to Virginia and is on New Hampshire’s watchlist
The princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa) is a beautiful tree that is invasive in several East Coast states. Its ability to produce a large number of seeds and spread rapidly makes it detrimental to the local ecosystem. Planting native alternatives like Kentucky coffee tree, flowering dogwoods, or pawpaw trees is a better choice than planting princess trees.
White mulberry has invaded natural areas in several east coast states
White mulberry (Morus alba) trees, originally planted along the Atlantic coast, have spread into residential landscapes and natural areas. These fast-growing trees are aggressive and quickly outcompete native vegetation. Choosing native alternatives like red mulberry, black cherry, or sassafras is a better option than planting white mulberry trees.
Mimosa trees displace the native vegetation in spots like Pennsylvania and Virginia
Mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) are known for their beautiful pink blooms but are classified as invasive in many states along the coast. These trees produce abundant seeds that spread easily, outcompeting native vegetation. Planting fragrant mimosa, eastern redbuds, or witch hazel is a better alternative to planting mimosa trees.
Autumn Olive impedes native plant succession in the East Coast region
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is a beautiful fruit-bearing tree that is invasive in areas from Maine to Virginia. These trees spread rapidly and adapt easily to various conditions, displacing native plants. Choosing native alternatives like chokeberries, winterberries, or American cranberry bush is recommended over planting Autumn Olive.
Japanese barberry is invasive in the Eastern United States
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) shrubs are popular for their colorful foliage and tolerance to various conditions. However, these shrubs are invasive in many eastern states, spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants. Planting native alternatives like inkberry hollies, winterberries, or Virginia Sweetspire is a better choice than planting Japanese barberry.
Multiflora rose ousts native flora up and down the coast
Multiflora roses (Rosa multiflora) are invasive throughout the East Coast, spreading quickly and outcompeting native plants. Planting native roses like Virginia or swamp roses is recommended over planting multiflora roses.
Burning bush is invasive in many east coast areas
Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is known for its spectacular fall colors but has become invasive in many natural areas, disrupting native ecosystems. Choosing native alternatives like black chokeberry, highbush blueberry, or highbush cranberry is a better option than planting burning bush.
Butterfly bush impairs the native ecosystems of eastern states
Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is invasive on the East Coast and offers limited benefits to butterflies and other wildlife. Planting native alternatives like buttonbush or butterfly-weed is recommended to support local ecosystems and pollinators.
