Invasive Plant Factsheet
Also known as Summer Lilac, this ornamental shrub was introduced from its native range in China in the early 1900s. Although sometimes recommended for butterfly gardens, it does not serve as a host plant for their larvae; however, it is a host for the destructive pest, brown marmorated stink bug. It is planted so extensively that it commonly escapes from gardens and is invasive through much of the U. S., including Arlington and Alexandria in Northern Virginia.
Native Alternatives
- Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry)
- Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)
- Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla)
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire)
- Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)
- Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac)
- Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac)
- Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)
- Viburnum nudum (Possum-haw)
- Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)
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Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)
