Protect Your Yard And Never Grow These Invasive Plants
Plants can add color, texture, and fragrance to a yard, but not all plants are beneficial to the environment or to the homeowner. Some plants can easily become invasive, choking out native plants and damaging the ecosystem. Others can cause damage to nearby structures, attract pests, or even be toxic to humans and animals.
Whether you're an experienced gardener or a new homeowner looking to spruce up your yard, read on to learn about the plants you should say no to.
Purple Loosestrife Produces Three Million Seeds A Year
While it is beautiful to look at with its pop of color and long stem, the Purple Loosestrife plant is invasive and can easily take over wetlands and other areas, producing three million pepper-like seeds each year.
It crowds out native plants and can cause damage to the ecosystem, something homeowners will want to avoid in the long run.
English Ivy Smothers Other Plants
English Ivy is a climbing vine that can be an attractive ground cover, but it can easily become invasive and smother out other plants.
Its aggressive growth can also cause damage to trees and structures, and it is considered invasive in many areas. Additionally, it can be difficult to control and eradicate once established.
Japanese Honeysuckle Attracts Pests
Japanese Honeysuckle is a climbing vine that can be an attractive addition to a yard, but it can easily become invasive and crowd out native plants.
It can also cause damage to trees and structures and is known to attract pests. This plant can be difficult to control and eradicate once established, making it a plant that should be avoided in many areas.
Morning Glory Is A Toxic Flower
Morning Glory is a beautiful and charming plant that can easily become a nightmare if planted in a yard.
Its aggressive growth can be difficult to control, and getting rid of the plant can become a headache for homeowners. Also, some species of Morning Glory are toxic if ingested, making it a plant to be avoided in areas with children or pets.
Golden Bamboo Requires A Lot Of Maintenance
Golden Bamboo is a formidable and impressive plant that can grow up to 40 feet tall and 6 inches in diameter. It is often planted for its exotic appearance and as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
However, this plant's allure can quickly turn into a nightmare, as it is highly invasive and can easily take over an area. Its aggressive growth can also make it difficult to control and eradicate once established, requiring constant vigilance and maintenance.
Belladonna Is Very Dangerous
Belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, is a highly toxic plant that can cause serious harm to humans and animals. All parts of the plant, especially the berries, contain a poisonous alkaloid that can cause symptoms such as dilated pupils, confusion, hallucinations, and even death.
Due to its dangerous nature, Belladonna should never be planted in a yard or anywhere accessible to children or pets.
Mint Is Difficult To Control
While mint is a popular herb for cooking and tea-making, it can easily become invasive and take over a garden or yard. Its aggressive growth can smother other plants, and its spreading roots can be difficult to control in the long run.
Certain types of mint can crossbreed with other plants, creating hybrids that can be difficult to manage.
Buckthorn Can Alter Soil Chemistry
Buckthron's aggressive growth and spreading roots can also make it difficult to control and eradicate once established. This plant can alter the soil chemistry, inhibiting the growth of other plants and further contributing to its negative impact on the environment.
It is also the preferred host plant of the invasive European Gypsy Moth. For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid planting Buckthorn in yards or gardens. If Buckthorn is already present on your property, it is important to take steps to control its growth and prevent it from spreading to other areas.
Periwinkle Has A Potentially Negative Impact
Periwinkle may seem like an innocent ground cover, but it is actually a notorious invader that can easily become a menace if planted in your yard. It can easily become invasive and difficult to control, and its spreading roots can be difficult to manage.
It is known to attract pests such as deer and rabbits, further contributing to its potential negative impact on the ecosystem.
Mimosa Trees Attract Rodents
The Mimosa Tree's feathery leaves and wispy branches give it a graceful appearance that can add a touch of romance to any garden. However, beneath its charming exterior lies a troublesome plant that can easily become an invasive species, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
The plant's aggressive growth and shallow roots can also cause damage to nearby structures and sidewalks, making it a potential liability. Additionally, Mimosa Tree can produce large amounts of seed pods that can create a mess and attract pests such as rodents.
Japanese Barberry Thorns Make It Hard To Control
Japanese Barberry is a deceptive shrub that can easily become an unwelcome guest in your yard. Its alluring red foliage and berries may seem charming at first, but its invasive nature can quickly take over an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
Its thorny branches can also make it a challenge to maintain and control. To add insult to injury, the "Invasive Intruder" can also be a host plant for ticks that carry Lyme disease, putting nearby humans and pets at risk.
Yellow Archangel Attracts Snails And Slugs
Yellow Archangel is a ground cover that can be a popular choice for yards and gardens. While its foliage and yellow flowers may seem innocent enough, its invasive nature can quickly take over an area, smothering out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
Yellow Archangel is also known to attract pests such as snails and slugs, which can be a nuisance for homeowners.
Chinese Privet Can Have a Negative Impact On The Environment
Chinese Privet is a sneaky shrub that can easily become a threat to your yard. Its glossy foliage and white flowers may seem attractive, but its invasive nature can quickly take over an area, crowding out native plants.
The plant's dense growth can also create a breeding ground for pests such as mosquitoes, rodents, and whiteflies, making it a menace for homeowners and can have a negative impact on the environment.
Tansy Is Not As Charming As It Appears
Tansy is a flowering plant that is often used for medicinal and culinary purposes. While its attractive yellow flowers and fern-like foliage may seem charming at first, its invasive nature can quickly take over an area. Also the plant's toxic properties can also harm livestock and wildlife, making it a true villain in the garden.
Tansy can be difficult to control and eradicate once established, further contributing to its potential negative impact on the environment.
Japanese Stiltgrass Increases The Risk Of Wildfires
Japanese Stiltgrass is an invasive plant that can quickly take over an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
This plant can also increase the risk of soil erosion and decrease soil quality, as it tends to have shallow roots. Also, it can attract pests such as ticks, and its dry foliage can increase the risk of wildfires.
Kudzu Can Quickly Take Over
Kudzu is a fast-growing vine that is often planted for its attractive foliage and ability to control erosion. However, it is also an invasive species that can quickly take over an area and become a breeding ground for pests such as stinkbugs.
Its aggressive growth and spreading roots can also cause damage to nearby structures and make it difficult to control and eradicate once established. Kudzu can be especially problematic in the southeastern United States, where it has been known to completely take over entire forests.
Aloe Vera Needs Constant Maintenence
Aloe Vera is a succulent plant that is often grown for its medicinal properties and as an ornamental plant. It is relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments. Aloe Vera can be toxic to pets if ingested, making it a plant that should be avoided in areas accessible to animals.
It is important to properly care for and maintain Aloe Vera, as overwatering or poor soil conditions can lead to root rot or other issues. For these reasons, it is recommended to carefully consider planting Aloe Vera in a yard or garden.
Crown Vetch Has Its Uses, Just Not In A Garden
Crown Vetch is a ground cover that is often planted for its ability to control erosion and add nitrogen to the soil. However, Crown Vetch can quickly become a troublesome intruder if planted in your yard.
Its aggressive growth and spreading roots can also make it difficult to control and eradicate once established. Crown Vetch is known to attract pests such as Japanese beetles, further contributing to its potential negative impact on the environment.
Japanese Spurge Can Take Over An Area
Japanese Spurge is a popular ground cover that is often used for its attractive evergreen foliage. Unfortunately, it can easily become invasive and take over an area and become an instant breeding ground for numerous pests such as snails, slugs, and mosquitos.
Its aggressive growth and spreading roots can also make it difficult to control and completely get rid of.
Bittersweet Nightshade Should Be Avoided
Bittersweet Nightshade is a climbing vine that can be an attractive addition to a yard or garden. But it is invasive, so think twice before planting!
Its aggressive growth and spreading roots can also make it difficult to control and eradicate once established. Bittersweet Nightshade is toxic to humans and animals, making it a plant that should be avoided in areas accessible to children and pets.
Chinese Wisteria Is Difficult To Control
Chinese Wisteria can easily take over an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem. Its aggressive growth can also cause damage to nearby structures and trees, and its vines can grow thick enough to break fences and trellises.
Additionally, Chinese Wisteria can be difficult to control once established, as it can regrow from its extensive root system.
Burning Bush Is Known To Damage Structures
Burning Bush is a popular ornamental shrub that is often planted for its vibrant fall foliage. It can easily take over an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
Its aggressive growth can also cause damage to nearby structures and sidewalks, and it can attract pests such as scale insects. Burning Bush is considered invasive in many areas, making it a plant that should be avoided in yards or gardens.
Purple Wintercreeper Is Toxic To Humans
Purple Wintercreeper is a popular ground cover that is often used for its attractive foliage. That being said, it can easily take over an area, thanks to its invasive nature.
Its aggressive growth and spreading roots can also make it difficult to control and get rid of. Purple Wintercreeper can be toxic to humans and animals if ingested, making it a plant that should be avoided in areas accessible to children and pets.
Russian Olive Produces A Whole Lot Of Seeds
Russian Olive may seem like a charming tree to add to your yard with its shimmering foliage and ornamental fruit. However, this invader can quickly become a nuisance. It can take over an area, out-competing native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
Its dense growth can also provide shelter for invasive pests, such as mosquitoes and rodents. The tree also produces a large number of seeds that can easily spread, making it difficult to control and eradicate.
Garlic Mustard Inhibits The Growth Of Other Plants
Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant that can quickly take over an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem. Its aggressive growth and spreading roots can also make it difficult to control and eradicate once established.
Garlic Mustard can also produce a chemical that inhibits the growth of other plants, further allowing it to dominate an area and further contributing to its negative impact on the environment.
Tree Of Heaven Can Cause Allergic Reactions
Tree of Heaven is a fast-growing tree that is often planted for its tolerance to poor soil conditions and ability to control erosion. It can easily take over an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
Its aggressive growth can also cause damage to nearby structures and sidewalks, and it can attract pests such as the spotted lanternfly. Tree of Heaven has been known to cause allergic reactions in some people.
Norway Maple Can Crowd Native Plants
Norway Maple is a popular ornamental tree that is often planted for its attractive foliage and tolerance to urban environments. It can easily take over an area, crowding out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
Its aggressive growth and shallow roots can also cause damage to nearby structures and sidewalks. Norway Maple can attract pests such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle, which can cause damage to nearby trees.
Princess Tree Can Grow Anywhere...But It Shouldn't
The Princess Tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide, making it a popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens. However, it is also considered an invasive species in some areas, as it can quickly take over an area and outcompete native plants.
It is able to grow in a variety of soil conditions, including poor and compacted soil, and its shallow roots can cause damage to nearby structures and sidewalks. The Princess Tree can also attract pests such as the emerald ash borer and the Asian Longhorned Beetle.
Giant Hogweed Has A Lot Of Negative Side Effects
Giant Hogweed is a large, flowering plant that was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in the early 20th century but has since become an invasive species in many areas. Giant Hogweed can grow up to 14 feet tall and has large, umbrella-like flowers that can reach up to 2.5 feet in diameter.
It is also a dangerous plant that can cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and even blindness if the sap gets into your eyes. This sap contains toxic chemicals that react with sunlight, leading to a skin condition known as phytophotodermatitis.
Japanese Knotweed Is Known As The "Godzilla Weed"
Japanese Knotweed, also known as the "Godzilla weed," is a formidable and tenacious species that can quickly become a nightmare if planted in a yard. Its rapid growth and spreading rhizomes can take over an area, choking out native plants and disrupting the local ecosystem.
Its extensive root system can also cause damage to nearby structures and sidewalks, making it a homeowner's worst nightmare. Despite its pretty, lacy appearance, the "Godzilla weed" is best left out of your garden and away from your property.
Himalayan Balsam Are Notorious Chokers
The Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species with rapid growth and spread. It's an aggressive plant that can choke out native species, preventing them from competing and blooming.
It's important not to plant it in the garden, as it can take over and impact the overall diversity of the area.
Scotch Thistle Spread Seeds Nobody Should Want
Scotch thistle is an aggressive invasive weed and needs to be avoided. It has long, sharp spines, spreads rapidly, and is difficult to remove.
It outcompetes other plants and can be poisonous to cattle. Additionally, copious amounts of seed spread to nearby planted areas, taking over and making it difficult to use the land for other purposes.
A Rose by Any Other Name: The Multiflora Rose Takeover Gardens
The Multiflora rose has many drawbacks that should be considered before planting. The stems are often weak, leading to a poor flower display every year. They can also be very susceptible to various pests and diseases, making them difficult to manage without frequent and ongoing treatments.
Multiflora plants tend to spread quickly and easily and can overtake an area if allowed to become too established. Avoid them at all costs.
Vinca Minor is a Major Problem For Gardens
Vinca minor plants, commonly known as periwinkle, should be avoided in garden planting due to their vigorous growth habits.
While their evergreen foliage and blue flowers may be attractive, they can quickly spread and take over an area, making them difficult to control. Furthermore, they can outcompete native plant species, which can disrupt the local ecosystem.
Mountain Laurels Bring Toxicity and Need Pampering
The Mountain Laurel is a beautiful evergreen shrub with showy flowers, but it should not be planted in the yard because all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested and can be harmful to pets and humans.
The plant also requires specific soil and moisture conditions that may be difficult to maintain in a yard.
Water Hemlock Are More Than Just an Unpleasant Plant
It is important to avoid planting water hemlock plants as they are highly toxic and even ingesting a small amount can be fatal. Also, they are fast-growing, so once introduced to an area, they can quickly take over, crowding out beneficial native species.
Finally, they reproduce easily and quickly spread through their seed-bearing roots. For these reasons, it is best to avoid planting water hemlock.
Danger Ahead: Don't Let Pokeweeds Take Root in Your Garden
American Pokeweed is an invasive plant species notorious for its deep root systems that crowd out other plants. Additionally, berries are highly toxic to humans and animals, so they should never be planted in gardens or yards.
Growing it can also attract birds and other animals that will spread the seeds to the surrounding area, leading to further infestations. The easiest way to prevent this is to avoid planting or growing it in or near gardens and yards.
Creeping Charlie Taking Over the World, One Lawn at a Time
Creeping Charlie (or ground ivy) is an unattractive and difficult-to-control plant. It has a tendency to spread rapidly, smothering nearby plants, and it can be difficult to eradicate from the soil. Its roots are shallow and hard to remove, and its shallow rhizomes allow it to spread quickly over the ground.
Once introduced, it can outcompete other desirable plants for both nutrients and sunlight. For these reasons, it is wise to avoid planting Creeping Charlie.
Pencil Cactus Can Write Trouble For Gardens
Pencil cactus plants can quickly grow and may soon become a problem for gardeners if not kept in check. They need plenty of room to spread and can compete for resources.
Pruning, rotations, and other management strategies are necessary to contain these plants and prevent them from becoming a nuisance.
Oh No, Not Another English Yew Tree to Not Plant
English Yew plants are an evergreen conifer and can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals. They can grow fairly large and in the right climate, need to be pruned back regularly.
Therefore they can take up a lot of space in the garden and require extra time and attention. It is important to consider the right location before planting an English Yew.
Brazilian Pepper Trees Have A Rapid Growth Rate
Gardeners should avoid planting Brazilian Pepper Trees in their gardens due to their invasive nature, which can disrupt the local ecosystem and outcompete native plants. These trees have a rapid growth rate, extensive root systems, and the ability to produce abundant seeds, making them difficult to control.
They can also negatively impact the balance of the garden, hinder the growth of desirable plants, and pose potential legal restrictions. Therefore, it is best to choose non-invasive and regionally appropriate plants to maintain a healthy and balanced garden.
Eurasian Watermilfoil Can Block Water Flow
Eurasian Watermilfoil is an invasive aquatic plant that can quickly dominate water bodies, including ponds, lakes, and streams. Once established, it forms dense mats of vegetation, reducing water flow, blocking sunlight, and depriving native aquatic plants of essential resources.
This can have detrimental effects on the overall health of the water ecosystem, leading to reduced biodiversity and negatively impacting fish and other aquatic organisms. Of course, only gardeners with a body of water in their yard have to worry about this.
Black Locust Can Overtake Native Vegetation
While Black Locust trees are known for their attractive clusters of fragrant white flowers and their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, they can become invasive and problematic in certain regions.
The tree has a fast growth rate and spreads aggressively through its prolific root suckers, potentially overtaking native vegetation and disrupting the local ecosystem.
European Water Chestnut Are Difficult To Get Rid Of
As a gardener, it is important to avoid planting European Water Chestnuts in your garden for several reasons. Firstly, these invasive aquatic plants can rapidly spread and dominate water bodies, out-competing native species and disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. They form dense mats of floating vegetation, blocking sunlight and oxygen from reaching other aquatic plants and animals, thereby reducing biodiversity.
Additionally, once established, European Water Chestnuts are extremely difficult to eradicate due to their prolific seed production and resilient growth habits, requiring expensive and time-consuming management efforts.
Canada Thistle Seeds Can Travel Long Distances
Canada thistle is an invasive weed that poses significant challenges to gardeners and farmers alike. It spreads vigorously through an extensive network of underground rhizomes, making it difficult to control and eradicate. This aggressive weed competes with desirable plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to reduced crop yields and garden productivity.
Its sharp, spiny leaves can also make it unpleasant to handle and navigate around. Moreover, Canada thistle's wind-borne seeds can travel long distances, enabling its colonization of new areas and further exacerbating its spread.
Tansy Ragwort Are Toxic To Animals
Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) is a highly invasive and toxic plant that poses significant risks to both livestock and native ecosystems. It is characterized by its yellow daisy-like flowers and fern-like leaves.
Tansy ragwort contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to a wide range of animals, including horses, cattle, and goats. Ingestion of the plant can lead to irreversible liver damage, potentially resulting in illness or even death.
Australian Pine Brings Too Much Shade
Despite its name, Australian pine is not a true pine but rather a member of the Casuarina family. It has become a problem in coastal areas due to its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation.
Australian pines have a dense canopy that shades out native plants, reducing biodiversity and altering natural ecosystems. Furthermore, their extensive root systems can disrupt soil stability and drain water resources, leading to changes in hydrology and potential erosion.
Blueweed Can Lead To Health Issues For Livestock
Blueweed spreads easily through wind-dispersed seeds and can quickly colonize open areas, displacing native vegetation. Its aggressive growth can form dense stands, outcompeting desirable plants and reducing biodiversity.
Additionally, blueweed is toxic to livestock, especially when consumed in large quantities, leading to health issues. Controlling blueweed requires a combination of manual removal, herbicide application, and prevention of seed production.
Japanese Holly Attracts Certain Pests
Unlike the traditional holly species, Japanese holly does not have spiny leaves and is generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals. It is valued for its dense foliage, which provides year-round interest and serves as a privacy screen.
However, it is important to note that Japanese holly may be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, such as scale insects and leaf spot.
Yellow Bristlegrass Rapidly Spreads
Yellow bristlegrass has a high seed production rate, allowing it to spread rapidly and establish dense populations, out-competing native plants for resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Its ability to adapt to a variety of soil types and climates contributes to its invasiveness. Controlling yellow bristlegrass requires a combination of methods, including manual removal, mowing, and herbicide application.