Eleven Non-Native Plant Species Found to Be Intrusive in South Carolina Gardens, Suggesting Replacement with Twenty-Two Native Flora Species as a Solution
In the lush landscapes of North Carolina, choosing the right plants for your garden can make a significant difference to the local ecosystem. Here's a guide to some native plants that not only add beauty but also support biodiversity, replacing invasive species.
The towering Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) and sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) are excellent choices for trees. Their large, fragrant white flowers add a touch of elegance, while their sturdy structure provides shelter for local wildlife.
For shrubs, consider the native wax myrtle (Morella cerifera), winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), and red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia). These shrubs, similar in many ways, offer seasonal interest with their vibrant berries and foliage.
If you're looking for a ground cover, the fragrant Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens) is a native evergreen option. In spring, it blooms with delightful yellow-green flowers.
Privet (Ligustrum sinense, L. japonicum) is a semi-evergreen, thicket-forming shrub that spreads rapidly, making it invasive. A good alternative is the Carolina cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana), which offers similar structure and beauty without the invasive tendencies.
Nandina, or heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), is another invasive plant. Instead, opt for the Florida leucothoe (Agarista populifolia), a good alternative shrub that boasts clusters of vibrant red berries in fall and winter.
White mulberry (Morus alba) is also invasive in North Carolina. Red mulberry (M. rubra) makes a suitable substitute, with its small white flowers blooming in late spring and less messy fruit. If you're looking for a fruit tree that's less messy, consider the pawpaw (Asimina triloba).
Thorny olive (Elaeagnus pungens) is a sprawling evergreen shrub that can grow up to 30 feet high. It's invasive, but its fall blooms of axillary clusters of fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers are a sight to behold. A better choice might be dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), which produces insignificant racemes of tiny, white, bell-shaped flowers.
Lastly, monkey grass (Liriope muscari, L. spicata, O. japonicus) is another invasive plant. Cherokee sedge (Carex cherokeensis) is a low-growing native sedge that offers a similar appearance without the invasive properties. Liriope sends up attractive spikes of small, white to violet blooms.
By choosing native plants, you can help maintain the balance of North Carolina's unique ecosystems and contribute to the preservation of local biodiversity.
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