Invasive Plant Factsheet
These similar-looking exotic species were introduced from China in 1816 and Japan around 1830. Favored for their rapid growth, dense foliage, and fragrant blooms, they have been used extensively as decorative additions to porches, walls, and gazebos. Unfortunately, they are now reported as invasive in forested areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, including Northern Virginia.
Native Alternatives
Replacement vines:
- Bignonia capreolata (Cross-vine)
- Lonicera sempervirens (Trumpet Honeysuckle)
- Wisteria frutescens (American Wisteria)
Replacement plants for fragrance:
- Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)
- Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)
- Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
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Japanese & Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda & W. sinensis)
