The threat of invasive non-native plants-- and there are thousands of them, -- to fragile wild habitats is hardly new. In fact, it's a long-standing worldwide problem that unfortunately has intensified as modern society has become more mobile. However, just as people have contributed to the problem, they can help with its solution. This includes you! Be a thoughtful garden host-- ask a park naturalist for a list describing native plants and "friendly" nonnative plants; that would look good and grow well in your yard and garden, as well as those invasive non-natives you should avoid planting. Be careful which leafy guests you welcome into your garden. The list below gives a few reliable names to get you started.
| Instead Of This...... | Try This... |
Flowering Trees
Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
Paulowina (Paulowina tomentosa) |
Fringetree (Chionanthhhus virginicus)
Dogwood (Cornus Florida)
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) |
Shrubs
Winged euonymus (Eunymus alatus)
Bush honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) |
Native Viburnums- Arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum
Native Amalachiers- Serviceberrys (Amelanchoir spp) |
Groundcovers
English ivy (Hedera helix) |
*Pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbrens) or
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) |
Vines
Porcelainberry (Ampelopis brevipedunculata)
Asiatic bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) |
Summer Grape (Vitus aestivalis)
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefloia) |
Perennials
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Miscanthus grass (Miscanthus sinensis) |
**Liatrus (Liatrus spicata)
Gama Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) |
*There are no known native groundcovers. Planting of pachysandra or periwinkle should not occur on land directly adjacent to parkland because of the possibility of growth onto natural lands. These two plants are invasive but less so than ivy or euonymus.
** This plant is not native to this area but it is currently not known to be invasive.
These plants are not substitutes in form or function, but are recommended as native or non-indigenous, non- or less invasive counterparts to very invasive plants.
Be a considerate park guest and neighbor- resist the temptation to dump yard clippings or transplant anything into park property near you. Volunteer to help park rangers restore the diverse balance of plant life and to keep the national parks as an enduring treasure for future generations.
