Avoid these 5 invasive bushes, opt for native substitutes for a healthier, eco-friendly garden
In the vibrant world of gardening, the choice of plants can have a significant impact on local ecosystems. Here's a guide to some native shrubs in the USA and their invasive counterparts, helping you make informed decisions for your garden.
The Common Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), a deciduous shrub native to the eastern US, is a fantastic choice for any garden. Reaching 15-25 feet when growing in full sun or part-shade, it offers stunning clusters of white spring flowers, gorgeous red-orange fall color, and delicious fruits that feed wildlife.
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is another native shrub that thrives in damp, partly-shaded locations and can be found in US hardiness zones 5-10. Known for its unique white spherical flowerheads in late spring and summer, it provides late-season food for birds.
For pollinator-friendly gardens, Dwarf Fothergilla is a versatile and perfect option. Thriving in zones 5-8 in full sun to part shade, it offers fragrant white bottlebrush flowers in spring and absolutely brilliant orange to burgundy fall color.
However, some shrubs have become invasive in certain regions of the USA. The Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is one such problematic shrub in the northeastern US and several Midwestern states. Not only does it create dense thickets that displace native species, but it also provides ideal habitat for deer ticks that carry Lyme disease.
Similarly, Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a shrub native to Asia that is invasive in many parts of the US. It reproduces prolifically and spreads its seeds far and wide, causing it to take over fields, roadsides, riverbanks, and woodlands at the expense of native species.
Privet (Ligustrum) is another invasive hedge plant. Many types of privet are now on the invasive plant list, including common privet (L. vulgare), California privet (L. ovalifolium), and Chinese privet (L. sinense). Birds unknowingly spread the privet seeds far and wide, allowing the shrub to escape backyards with ease. As privet grows so quickly and can tolerate even the toughest conditions, it forms dense thickets and quickly outcompetes native plants.
Experts interested in native shrubs in the USA do not recommend planting invasive shrubs such as Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) and American black cherry (Prunus serotina) due to their invasive characteristics and impact on local ecosystems.
Fortunately, there are native alternatives to these invasive shrubs. A native alternative to Japanese Barberry is Fothergilla, a spring-flowering shrub that thrives in sun or semi-shade. Inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) is another native shrub that can serve as a hedging plant, recommended as an alternative to privet.
For those looking to replace burning bush, red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) is a great option. This multi-stemmed medium-sized shrub can be grown in US hardiness zones 4-9 and prefers planting in a full sun or partial shade position in the yard. It delivers gorgeous fall colors and supports birds and pollinators.
Lastly, Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) is a native shrub that produces fragrant, white bottlebrush flowers that attract bees and butterflies for 4-6 weeks in mid-to-late summer. A recommended alternative to boxwood or other shrubs affected by blight or moths, Dwarf Fothergilla offers similar benefits with its fragrant white bottlebrush flowers in spring and absolutely brilliant orange to burgundy fall color.
By choosing native shrubs over invasive species, gardeners can help preserve local ecosystems and support local wildlife. Happy gardening!
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