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
- Aesculus pavia (Red Buckeye)
- Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)
- Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
- Chionanthus virginicus (Fringetree)
- Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
- Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel)






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