Invasive Plant Factsheet

First introduced from Asia in 1852 as ornamentals, this group of shrubs was used extensively for privacy hedging before their invasive characteristics were discovered. Now they disrupt native plant communities in the understory of forests throughout the southeastern U. S., including Virginia. Both Arlington County and Alexandria list these species as invasive.
Native Alternatives
- Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry)
- Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)
- Ilex glabra (Inkberry)
- Lindera benzoin (Spicebush)
- Viburnum nudum (Possum-haw)
- Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw)








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