Invasive Plant Factsheet
Also known as Silk Tree or Silky Acacia, this Asian native was introduced from China in 1745 and has been cultivated as an ornamental because of its showy flowers. As a prolific seeder, it can escape cultivation and readily establish in natural areas.It has spread throughout the southeastern U. S. from Virginia to Louisiana, and is reported as invasive in Arlington, Alexandria, and a number of national parks including nearby Rock Creek.
Native Alternatives
- Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)
- Benthamidia florida – formerly Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
- Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
- Chionanthus virginicus (Fringetree)
- Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)
- Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye) is no longer being recommended as it is prone to Guignardia leaf blotch, a fungal disease.
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Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
