Invasive Plant Factsheet

This native of Japan was introduced to the U. S. in 1875 when it was promoted for use in hedgerows. It is still widely used for that purpose due to its resistance to deer browsing. As early as 1910, it was observed to be escaping from cultivation, and it now poses a threat to forests and parkland from New England to North Carolina. Both Alexandria and Arlington list it as invasive.
Native Alternatives
- Callicarpa americana (American Beauty-berry)
- Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)
- Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire)
- Physocarpus opulifolius (Common Ninebark)
- Rosa carolina (Pasture Rose)
- Rosa palustris (Swamp Rose)
- Vaccinium corymbosum (Highbush Blueberry)






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