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20 INVASIVE TREES, SHRUBS AND VINES YOU SHOULD NOT PLANT
One of the simplest things you can do to help the environment is to not grow invasive plants. So, before heading out to the plant nursery or trusting your property to a landscaper, review the following list of 20 commonly available invasive species that you should never plant.
Why you Should Not Plant Invasive Species
Invasive species are plants, insects or animals that are non-native to an ecosystem and whose introduction causes environmental harm. Invasive plants proliferate and take over natural habitats causing displacement of native plants and wildlife. The eradication of native plants is problematic because these plants often have a symbiotic relationship with wildlife. Animals, birds, insects, butterflies and, our oh so important pollinators, rely on native plants for food, shelter and nesting without which they cannot survive.
Simply put, greater numbers of invasive plants means less native plants equaling a reduction in biodiversity and harm to the environment. Therefore, avoid invasive plants at all costs and focus on native plantings as much as possible.
Commonly Available Invasive Plants You Should Not Plant
TREES:
1. Callery (Bradford) Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
2. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
3. Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata)
4. Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
5. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
SHRUBS:
6. Border Privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium)
7. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
8. California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium)
9. European Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
10. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
11. Japanese Snowball (Vibrunum plicatum)
12. Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)
13. Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica)
14. Winged Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
VINES
15. Japanese Clematis (Clematis terniflora)
16. Winter Creeper (Euonymus fortunei)
17. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
18. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
19. Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda
20. Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)