Noxious Foliage: Swap Invasive Shrubs with Eco-Conscious Alternatives
Avoid Growing These Invasive Bush Species and Opt for Native Plants as Alternatives
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Taking a Stand for Native Habitats: Shun invasive shrubs that wreak havoc on local ecosystems and indigenous wildlife, from butterflies to bees. Favor native alternatives that blend seamlessly into your garden while providing sustenance for local pollinators.
First, brush up on the characteristics of invasive species, for it helps to understand what we mean when we label certain plants as harmful. An invasive plant is, simply put, foreign to an area and poses harm to the local ecosystem, more often than not obstructing native plants and other flora from thriving.
Doing good for the earth has never been more enjoyable, as these choices not only serve the environment but also heighten the aesthetics of your garden. Discover the top five most suggestive invasive shrubs you should think twice about using:
- Burning Bush
- Japanese Barberry
- Autumn Olive
- Bush Honeysuckles
- Privet
A duo of insider advice from our brilliant writers, Mary Ellen Ellis and Amy Draiss, brings to you a list of splendid native alternatives that would surely win you over, while keeping your conscience spotless and your garden thriving:
1. Burning Bush
Swap out Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush) with:
- Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) for a delightful touch of pinkish flowers and rounded shrubs.
- Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala) for a show-stopping display of fiery, red flowers in the fall.
2. Japanese Barberry
Nix Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry) in exchange for:
- Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) for a texture-rich shrub that's easily recognized by its peeling bark.
- summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia) for a scent-sational addition that blossoms with creamy-white flowers.
3. Autumn Olive
Substitute Elaeagnus umbellata (Autumn Olive) with:
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) for a dose of aromatic, red berries; cultivate among butterfly-friendly areas to reap the benefits of the spicebush swallowtail caterpillar.
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) for a colorful companion, with its red berries persisting even in the colder, winter months.
4. Bush Honeysuckles
Ditch Amur, Morrow's, Japanese, and Tatarian Honeysuckles, and go for:
- Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) for a low-maintenance shrub that also boasts stunning yellow berries for the birds to feast on.
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) for a sun-loving, sprawling native alternative, offering golden flowers aplenty.
5. Privet
Steer clear of Ligustrum vulgare, L. obtusifolium, L. amurense, and L. lucidum, and embrace:
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) for a free spirit that blooms with pinkish-white flowers all summer long.
- Viburnum sp. for a versatile, adaptable shrub with attractive berries and fragrant blooms, finding a suitable place in any garden.
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Spice up your garden with a planting theme revolving around indigenous beauties that thrive harmoniously alongside butterflies, birds, and other local wildlife. Furthermore, your choices can make a tangible contribution to the environment, protecting habitat and preserving the balance of native flora and fauna.
- In the process of transforming your garden, consider replacing invasive shrubs like Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) with native alternatives such as Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum prunifolium) or Rock Rose (Pavonia lasiopetala), promoting a healthier lifestyle aligned with environmental-science and home-and-garden standards.
- Instead of planting Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) which could cause harm to the local ecosystem, consider incorporating native alternatives like Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) or summersweet Clethra (Clethra alnifolia) into your garden, contributing to the richness of the environment, as well as enhancing the aesthetics of your home-and-garden and lifestyle.
