Invasive Plant Factsheet

Also known as Japanese Meadowsweet, this ornamental shrub was first introduced from Asia around 1870 to 1880 due to its showy flowers. Its rapid spread when it escapes from cultivation crowds out native species in natural areas. It is now classified as invasive in the Mid-Atlantic states, including Virginia, and is on the list for Arlington County.
Native Alternatives
- Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)
- Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)
- Fothergilla gardenii (Dwarf Fothergilla)
- Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire)
- Kalmia latifolia (Mountain Laurel)
- Physocarpus opulifolius (Common Ninebark)
- Rhododendron periclymenoides (Pinxterbloom Azalea)
- Spiraea alba (Narrowleaf Meadowsweet)
- Spiraea tomentosa (Steeplebush)






Note: Click on images to see enlarged photos, captions, and photo attributions.
On a mobile phone, click on the information symbol (circle with a letter ℹ︎ symbol).