FACTSHEETS

Invasive Native Plants in Virginia

Factsheets: Alternatives to Invasive Plants That Are Still Available in Many Nurseries


Gardeners can still find many invasive plants for sale in their favorite nurseries. Unless there are some legal restrictions, nurseries are likely to keep selling these plants until their customers stop buying them. The good news is that there are many beautiful native plants and friendly garden plants available as an alternative to these invasive denizens.

Click on the photo of any invasive plant below to find more information and a list of great native alternatives.


bird habitat


autumn olive burning bush butterfly bush callery pear chinese privet

chinese silvergrass chinese wisteria creeping jenny english ivy golden bamboo

italian arum japanese barberry japanese honeysuckle japanese spirea leatherleaf mahonia

mimosa nandina pampas grass periwinkle princess tree

rose of sharon water hyacinth wintercreeper



“Invasive species are like arsonists, torching the forest from the inside out. The damage they cause is often irreversible and can have lasting effects on native wildlife and habitats.” – Jane Goodall




Virginia Cooperative Extension


Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.