Invasive Plant Factsheet

Introduced from Asia as an ornamental in 1830, this shrub has been commonly cultivated for wildlife habitat and planted along roadsides for erosion control. Its high seed production, as well as its adverse effect on the nitrogen cycle, now threaten native plant communities in many national parks in Virginia. Both Arlington and Alexandria list the plant as invasive.
Native Alternatives
More drought-tolerant:
- Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)
- Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry)
- Comptonia peregrina (Sweet-fern)
- Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)
- Physocarpus opulifolius (Common Ninebark)
- Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)
Need more moisture:
- Ilex glabra (Inkberry)
- Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
- Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)
- Viburnum nudum (Possum-haw)






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Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
