Northeastern Invasive Plants to Avoid and Native Alternatives to Use Instead

17.07.2024 - 13:12 / finegardening.com

Most invasive plant species were originally introduced for ornamental use in landscapes. But because they have naturalized at aggressive rates, they have caused habitat destruction and the loss of native species throughout the Northeast. They present an ever-evolving environmental challenge, with new species taking hold and increasing their ranges as the climate changes and native habitat disturbance continues. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common invasives in your area and keep current with your state’s invasive list so that you can recognize and remove these destructive species when they appear on your property. Reviewing state watchlist plants is perhaps even more important. These are plants that aren’t banned from sale but are locally invasive or potentially an environmental problem. Keeping informed of additions to these lists puts gardeners on the forefront of preventing invasive proliferation.

Below is a selection of species that are either on watchlists in many Northeastern states yet still commonly sold, or explicitly labelled as invasive. Gardeners are often tempted to allow these species to remain or plant them anyway, so I’ve included native alternatives. These function in the same ways as the invasives and can help preserve rather than destroy the environment.

Invasive plant: Burning bush (Euonymus alatus)

Come October, it’s easy to see why burning bush was, and still is, sold in some states for its ornamental value. But it’s equally evident from the oceans of roadside flaming red and pink leaves that it’s terribly invasive, effectively shading out any native understory. Aside from avoiding planting it, gardeners should remove older specimens from their yards.

Alternatives to burning bush: Co