Gardens can be delightful spaces of natural beauty and personal expression. However, some plants that appear beautiful can become destructive environmental threats. Understanding which plants to avoid is crucial for maintaining a healthy, responsible garden ecosystem.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley appears innocent with its delicate bell-shaped flowers and sword-like leaves. This plant spreads extensively through underground stems called rhizomes, creating dense colonies that overwhelm native ground covers. Despite its popularity in bridal bouquets and garden designs, it can quickly dominate an entire landscape. Some states have officially classified it as an invasive species due to its uncontrolled growth speed. Dig deep and remove the entire root system of this plant, disposing of roots in sealed bags.
Mimosa Tree
The mimosa tree looks deceivingly beautiful with its delicate fern-like leaves and soft pink flowers. Native to Asia, this tree was initially brought to America as an ornamental species in the 1700s. Its attractive appearance masks a dangerous ecological profile that threatens native plant populations. You should cut down at ground level and apply root-killing herbicide to prevent aggressive regrowth.
Orange Daylily
Orange daylilies, often called “ditch lilies,” spread through thick underground tubers. Introduced in the 1900s as an ornamental plant, they now threaten native plant productions by rapidly colonizing landscapes. Their bright orange flowers might look attractive, but they quickly overwhelm other plant species. Dig out the entire tuber cluster and sift the soil to remove the smallest root pieces of this plant from your garden.
Tree of Heaven
The tree of heaven looks impressive with its large compound leaves and yellow flower clusters. Originating from China in the 1700s, this tree adapts to nearly any environment. It produces a toxic chemical that prevents other plants from growing nearby, effectively cheating monoculture. You need to inject herbicide directly into the tree trunk and remove all root fragments to dispose of it.
Tropical Milkweed
Tropical milkweed attracts butterflies but poses a risk to monarch populations. In warmer regions, it does not die back seasonally, allowing parasites to accumulate. These parasites can significantly impact monarch butterfly migration, reproduction, and overall health. Remove the entire plant and replace it with native milkweed species to ensure non-invasive growth in your garden.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush offers spectacular red autumn foliage that attracts many gardeners. Unfortunately, birds spread their seeds, allowing them to form dense thickets in your garden. These invasive stands quickly outcompete native plant specimens. You should instead select native shrubs that provide similar aesthetic qualities.
Chinese Wisteria
Wisteria presents stunning lavender flowers that cascade like beautiful curtains in springtime. This woody vine was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s as a decorative plant. Its rapid growth allows it to quickly overtake trees and landscape, choking native vegetation in its path. You have to repeatedly cut vines and paint exposed stems with concentrated systemic herbicide to remove them from your garden.
Periwinkle
Periwinkle seems like a charming ground cover with pretty flowers. However, it forms dense mats that suppress other plants and provide no wildlife value. Its aggressive spreading mechanism allows it to quickly overtake native plant communities. You should choose alternative ground covers that support local ecosystems.
Japanese Honeysuckle
Japanese honeysuckle presents fragrant yellow-white flowers that attract pollinators. Brought to America in the 1800s as an ornamental vine, it now threatens native plant communities by growing extensively. Birds help spread its seeds, accelerating its invasion of diverse ecosystems. You have to mow repeatedly and apply concentrated herbicide to prevent its growth during the active growing season.
Japanese Barberry
Japanese barberry appears harmless with its small oval leaves in various colors. Introduced in the 1800s as well, this plant has naturalized and can take over woodland settings. Research indicates these dense stands increase populations of black-legged ticks, which transmit Lyme disease. Wear protective gear and extract the entire root system with specialized weed removal tools if already present in your garden.
Heavenly Bamboo
Heavenly bamboo spreads through underground roots that are challenging to remove. Its colonization can be costly and difficult to control. The plant’s ability to establish quickly makes it a significant threat to plant communities. Excavate the entire root system and monitor your garden site for potential regrowth.
Norway Maple
Norway maple appears similar to native maple trees with its characteristic leaf shape and silvery bark. Introduced from Europe in the 1750s, this tree was widely planted as a quick-growing shade tree. Its numerous winged seeds allow it to spread rapidly, often outcompeting native maple species. If present in your garden, you should remove the seedling immediately and apply bark-painting techniques with a selective herbicide.
English Ivy
English ivy might seem romantic climbing walls and trees, but it’s a destructive invasive plant. Originating from Europe in the 1700s, this fast-growing vine shades out native ground covers and can damage structures. Its aggressive growth strangles trees and prevents native wildlife from accessing essential food sources. You have to cut at the base, remove the entire root system, and monitor for regrowth.
Asiatic Bittersweet
Asiatic bittersweet is so invasive that it is banned in many regions. It rapidly overtakes native plants and trees, outcompeting indigenous bittersweet varieties. Its aggressive growth pattern makes it extremely destructive to local ecosystems. Cut vines at the base and apply targeted herbicide to prevent resprouting.
Linden Viburnum
Linden viburnum can quickly invade natural areas, reducing biodiversity. Its unchecked growth threatens local plant communities by outcompeting native shrubs. While some viburnum varieties offer benefits like bird-friendly fruits, this particular species poses significant ecological risks. You have to dig out entire root zones if already present in your garden and monitor for potential seedling emergence.
Bradford Pear
Bradford pear trees were once landscaping favorites with their white spring flowers. Now recognized as highly invasive, they produce unpleasant fish-like odors and have weak wood prone to splitting. Their rapid spread threatens native tree populations near your garden. Instead, you should opt for native flowering trees like dogwoods or crabapples.