51 Invasive Perennial Plants to Avoid and What to Plant Instead

A good alternative is American beautyberry (Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Early Amethyst’). American beautyberry is a native shrub with beautiful showy clusters of small, light purple fruits that attract birds throughout the fall and into early winter. American beautyberry grows well in sun or partial shade in medium-moisture, well-drained soil.

Black Elder

	botanical name Sambucus nigra
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 8 to 20 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 8

Black elder is a weedy shrub that can quickly spread and naturalize. Plants produce clusters of somewhat musky-smelling white flowers in late spring. Black elder is capable of producing massive quantities of small black berries which are eaten by birds, thus helping this plant spread quickly. 

If you want to grow an elderberry shrub, plant the native American black elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) instead. American elderberry attracts birds and butterflies and the fruits can also be used to make jams and jellies. American black elderberry grows well in full sun and moist soil.

Bull Thistle

	botanical name Cirsium vulgare
	plant type Herbaceous biennial
	height 4 to 7 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 9

Bull thistle is a very weedy plant with bright pinkish-purple flowers. Leaves, stems, and flowers are all very prickly making it inedible for wildlife and very difficult to remove by hand.

It spreads rapidly by seed and quickly colonizes fields, pastures, and roadsides, sometimes creating dense masses of prickly vegetation. Bull thistle is extremely widespread across the United States and is listed as an invasive species in a great number of states.

If you are looking for a perennial wildflower that’s both showy and beneficial for wildlife, grow butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) instead. Butterfly weed is a native plant that is easily grown in full sun and average-quality soil.

It blooms throughout the summer with extremely showy flower clusters that attract a variety of pollinators. Milkweeds are also the host plants for the monarch caterpillar butterfly, providing an essential food source for this endangered species.

Buckthorn 

	botanical name Rhammus cathartica
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 16 to 25 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Buckthorn is a deciduous shrub with dark purple-black fruits. The fruits are consumed and the seeds are spread by birds. Buckthorn has been used as a landscaping plant, but is now listed as an invasive species in many northern and central states.

Colonies spread rapidly by self-seeding and outcompeting native plants. It’s extremely difficult to get rid of, and can cause problems for your entire ecosystem.

Try planting a pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) instead. This attractive smaller tree is native to eastern North America. It flowers in the spring with clusters of showy, fragrant white flowers that attract butterflies. Pagoda dogwood produces small purple fruits in late summer into fall that attract birds.

Burning Bush

	botanical name Euonymus alatus
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 15 to 20 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Burning bush is a popular ornamental shrub. It is perhaps best known for its brilliant red autumn foliage. It is also able to invade most any disturbed habitat, forming dense thickets that crowd out native vegetation. Burning bush has naturalized in many eastern states and is listed as an invasive species in these areas.

Try planting ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Seward’) as an alternative. Ninebark is a deciduous shrub that grows 4 to 6 feet tall. It makes a great hedge plant and has colorful leaves with turn brilliant red in the autumn. Showy flower clusters that look almost like little snowballs bloom in the spring.

Bush Clover

	botanical name Lespedeza thunbergii
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 3 to 6 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Bush clover is a sprawling shrub with pea-like pink flowers. It has been used as a landscaping and hedge plant, but it is also invasive. Plants can spread by self-seeding and also through rapid vegetative growth.

Bush clover has become naturalized in scattered locations throughout the eastern United States and is recognized as an invasive species in a couple of these states.

Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Longwood Blue’) is a fine alternative to bush clover. Bluebeard is a deciduous shrub that grows well in full sun and medium-moisture soil. This plant blooms from mid-summer into fall with showy clusters of purple trumpet-like flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. 

Bush Honeysuckle

	botanical name Lonicera maackii
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 10 to 15 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Bush honeysuckle, also known as Amur honeysuckle, is a weedy shrub that is widely naturalized across the eastern United States.

It is listed as an invasive species in most eastern states. Bush honeysuckle produces bright red berries in the summer which are eaten and easily spread by birds. Dense colonies of bush honeysuckle crowd out native plants and reduce natural species diversity.

There are plenty of shrubs that would make an excellent alternative to bush honeysuckle. The red buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a native shrub that grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers medium-moisture soil. Each spring, red buckeye produces extremely showy spikes of bright red, tubular flowers that are highly favored by hummingbirds. 

Butterfly Bush 

	botanical name Buddleja davidii
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 6 to 12 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

The butterfly bush seems to be a very controversial plant. It is commonly sold to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, but that may also be part of its problem. Pollinators really like butterfly bush and may visit it preferentially over other native species.

Butterfly bush doesn’t offer any other benefit for pollinators, and it is not a host plant for any butterfly species. Butterfly bush spreads rapidly by seed, out-competing native plants, and is listed as invasive in several states.

If you have a moist area in your landscape and are looking for a pollinator-friendly plant, try growing a buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

This medium-sized shrub is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies and is also the host plant for some very large and showy moth species. The fragrant spherical flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and the showy seedheads are longstanding, lasting into the autumn months.

Canada Thistle

	botanical name Cirsium arvense
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 2 to 5 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 7

Canada thistle is a very prickly plant with showy purple flowers. The flowers mature into fluffy white seedheads which then become widely dispersed by the wind.

This plant thrives in disturbed sunny habitats such as roadsides, fields, pastures, and ditches. It grows and spreads aggressively, crowding out other vegetation and thus reducing biodiversity. It is widely listed as a noxious weed across the United States.

For longstanding showy pinkish-purple blooms, plant purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) or Tennessee coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis) instead. These native wildflowers love open sunny areas with rich, well-drained soil. Coneflowers attract butterflies and birds and make a valuable addition to any perennial flower garden.

Chinese Lespedeza

	botanical name Lespedeza cuneata
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 3 to 5 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Chinese lespedeza is a fast-growing perennial that has naturalized through much of the eastern United States. It is listed as invasive in many central and eastern states and should be avoided. It spreads rapidly by self-seeding and can form dense colonies that outcompete native plants, thus reducing species diversity.

Plant the native bush clover (Lespedeza capitata) instead. This attractive herbaceous perennial grows well in full sun or partial shade in any dry to medium-moisture soil.

The flowers are showy, blooming from mid-summer into fall. This plant has long-standing seedheads which provide winter interest in the garden.

Chinese Silvergrass

	botanical name Miscanthus sinensis
	plant type Ornamental grass
	height 4 to 9 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

Chinese silvergrass is a tall ornamental grass with showy cream-colored flowers. This plant has been used as an ornamental landscape grass, but should be avoided because it has a tendency to escape cultivation and invade surrounding fields, roadsides, and other sunny areas.

Dense colonies displace natural vegetation and reduce species diversity in an area. Many of the eastern states have listed Chinese silvergrass as invasive.

Feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’) is a suitable alternative. This ornamental grass is easily grown in a sunny location with moist soil. It blooms in mid to late summer with delicate pinkish-green flower heads. When grown in a dense cluster, this makes a very attractive specimen. 

Chinese Wisteria

	botanical name Wisteria sinensis
	plant type Vine
	height 10 to 25 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 8

Chinese wisteria is hard to miss when it blooms in early summer. A profusion of showy fragrant clusters of purple flowers makes it obvious why this vine has garden appeal.

But this vine has become invasive throughout many central and southeastern states. Plants grow rapidly and spread by vegetative growth and seed dispersion. Dense and far-reaching growths of leafy vines can smother native vegetation. 

If you’re looking for a vining plant with beautiful purple flowers, try growing a clematis such as Clematis ‘Jackmanii.’ This is a vigorously-growing vine that looks beautiful climbing along a trellis, arbor, or fence. Huge dark purple showy flowers bloom in late spring, and the vine won’t spread beyond your planting area.

Common Barberry

	botanical name Berberis vulgaris
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 8 to 10 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

Common barberry is a weedy shrub that has become naturalized across the United States and is listed as an invasive species in many northern states.

This plant is not picky about environmental conditions and therefore grows just about anywhere. It has thorny stems and showy yellow flowers. In the late summer, it produces bright red berries that are eaten and dispersed by birds.

Try growing a black chokecherry (Aronia melanocarpa ‘Autumn Magic’) as an alternative. Black chokecherry is a small, sping-blooming shrub. It produces showy clusters of small white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by red fruits that attract birds. Black chokecherry is a low-maintenance plant that grows well in sun or partial shade.

Cypress Spurge

	botanical name Euphorbia cyparissias
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 0.75 to 1 foot
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Cypress spurge is a weedy perennial with greenish-yellow flowers. These plants are tolerant of a variety of conditions and readily colonize disturbed areas along roadsides, fields, and pastures. Cypress spurge is widespread across the northern United States and is listed as an invasive species in a few states.

An interesting alternative is golden garlic (Allium moly). This bulb is easily grown in full sun or partial shade in any well-drained soil. Golden garlic produces a tall flower stalk topped with bright yellow flowers that attract butterflies. 

Dame’s Rocket

	botanical name Hesperis matronalis
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 1 to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Dame’s rocket is an herbaceous perennial with pretty purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom in late spring. It also grows aggressively and spreads easily by seed. Large numbers of dame’s rocket can crowd out native species along roadsides, open woodlands, and grasslands. 

The native garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) looks similar with pink, purple, or white flowers. Phlox blooms from mid-summer into fall and attracts birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Phlox grows well in full sun or partial shade, with rich, well-drained soil. 

English Ivy

	botanical name Hedera helix
	plant type Vine
	height 20 to 80 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

The evergreen English ivy is a familiar vine that creeps up nearby trees, fences, walls, and buildings. It is commonly sold as a ground cover but quickly becomes invasive and is very difficult to control.

Dense growth can easily smother nearby vegetation. Vines tolerate a variety of conditions and spread by rapid vegetative growth as well as by seed. 

If you are looking for a less aggressive ground cover that grows well in a shaded area, try golden knee (Chrysogonum virginianum). This is a hardy ground covering perennial native to the eastern United States.

Flowering Rush

	botanical name Butomus umbellatus
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 1 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 11

Flowering rush is a semi-aquatic plant found growing in and along wetlands. It has loose clusters of light pink flowers and slender, reed-like leaves.

This plant can grow into dense colonies that choke out native plants and reduce natural vegetative diversity. Flowering rush is invasive in several northern states and should not be planted as an ornamental.

Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) is a great alternative. Sweet flag grows well in wet soils and can be used as a water plant or for rain gardens and growing along wet areas.

This plant has sparse clusters of long, thin, upright leaves and can form colonies once established. Crushed leaves have a sweet fragrance.

Glossy Privet

	botanical name Lingustrum lucidum
	plant type Shrub
	height 20 to 40 feet
	hardiness zones 6 to 10

There are many varieties of privet and they can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Most have escaped cultivation and are considered invasive species.

The glossy privet is a semi-evergreen shrub that grows multiple trunks within an area, eventually forming a dense thicket of growth that is very difficult to remove once established. This plant spreads quickly by producing large numbers of small purple fruits that are favored by birds. It is listed as an invasive species in several southern states.

Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is an attractive smaller shrub that is an excellent addition to any landscape. Fragrant sumac is easy to grow and attracts both birds and butterflies. In the fall, it produces dazzling foliage in shades of yellow, pink, orange, and bright red.

Golden Bamboo

	botanical name Phyllostachys aureosulcata
	plant type Ornamental grass
	height 12 to 18 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

Golden bamboo, also known as yellow groove bamboo, is a giant grass that is sometimes grown to create a living wall of vegetation. This plant grows very tall and spreads quickly, becoming extremely difficult to remove once established and naturalized.

Bamboo thickets crowd out native species. Naturalized bamboo thickets are found throughout the southern and eastern United States and in California. 

A good alternative is the giant cane bamboo (Arundinaria gigantea) which is native to the southeastern United States. This plant also grows quite tall and makes a good hedge.

Installing a barrier around your desired bamboo zone should help control any unwanted spread. Bamboo is evergreen, and thus provides year-round color and interest.

Greater Periwinkle

	botanical name Vinca major
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 0.5 to 1.5 feet
	hardiness zones 7 to 9

This hardy plant is easy to grow in a variety of conditions. Greater periwinkle is a vine-like ground cover that has pretty purple flowers that bloom in the spring.

Be aware, however, that the greater periwinkle spreads and establishes so quickly it can easily escape from a cultivated area and start spreading into nearby natural areas. Periwinkle is listed as an invasive species in several states because of its aggressive growth habits and ability to shade out native understory vegetation. 

If you are in need of a ground cover for a shaded area, try growing a patch of goldenstar (Chrysogonum virginianum) instead. This native wildflower grows well in the shade and has showy yellow flowers that bloom from spring into fall. It is low-maintenance and easy to grow, covering the ground with numerous neat, slightly fuzzy leafy rosettes.

Highway Iceplant

	botanical name Carpobrotus edulis
	plant type Succulent
	height 0.5 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

The highway iceplant, also called Hottentot fig, is a succulent plant that grows in sandy areas. It has thick fleshy leaves and showy yellow flowers. This plant grows quickly and creates a dense mat of vegetation that outcompetes native vegetation. It is listed as an invasive species in California.

A good alternative is the trailing iceplant (Delosperma cooperi). This iceplant has bright pink flowers and blooms throughout the summer months. Trailing iceplant makes an excellent ground cover for a rock garden or along borders and edges.

Japanese Barberry

	botanical name Berberis thunbergii
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 3 to 6 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

This hardy shrub is easily grown and naturalized. It is popularly grown as a hedge plant and is enjoyed for its colorful berries and fall foliage. Birds enjoy eating the berries and help with the far and wide distribution of this plant.

Unfortunately, it is considered an invasive noxious weed in many eastern states, primarily in the broader northeastern region. These prickly shrubs can quickly grow into dense thickets, out-competing native vegetation.

Substitute other shrubs for Japanese barberry, such as the beautiful bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). Bigleaf hydrangea makes an attractive hedge plant or stunning stand-alone shrub. Huge, showy, long-standing clusters of pink, purple, and blue flowers make the bigleaf hydrangea a winner in the garden.

Japanese Blood Grass

	botanical name Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’
	plant type Ornamental grass
	height 2 to 6 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Japanese blood grass, also known as cogongrass, is an aggressively spreading ornamental grass. It grows up to 6 feet tall with bright red leaf tips, making it quite showy.

In late spring, this grass develops long cylindrical clusters of fluffy white seeds that are distributed by the wind into nearby natural areas. Japanese blood grass is listed as an invasive species in numerous states.

Pink muhlygrass (Muhlengergia capillaris) is a great alternative. This showy ornamental grass forms dense bunches 2 to 3 feet tall. Pink muhlygrass thrives in full sun and is not pickly about soil quality. In late fall, it bursts into bloom with a haze of beautiful delicate pink flowers. 

Japanese Climbing Fern

	botanical name Lygodium japonicum
	plant type Fern
	height 50 to 90 feet
	hardiness zones 8-11

The Japanese climbing fern is a fast-growing fern that climbs, vinelike, up trees and other vegetation. It spreads easily by wind-blown spores and smothers native vegetation with its dense growth.

This fern was first introduced as an ornamental but is now considered an invasive species throughout the southern and southeastern United States. 

For beautiful, green, fern-like foliage, consider instead growing the Japanese shield fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) or a native fern such as the ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). These ferns are both fairly large and hardy. They are easily grown in moist soil and partial shade.

Japanese Honeysuckle

	botanical name Lonicera japonica
	plant type Vine
	height 15 to 30 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

This invasive vine has invaded many open woodlands and forest edges. It spreads freely by vegetative growth and abundant seeds that are distributed by birds. Japanese honeysuckle is an aggressive climber that strangles smaller trees as it climbs and smothers surrounding vegetation.

As an alternative, try the beautiful coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Coral honeysuckle is native to the southeastern United States and attracts birds, butterflies, and especially hummingbirds to its bright red, trumpet-shaped flowers.

Japanese Hops

	botanical name Jumulus japonicus
	plant type Vine
	height 10 to 20 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Japanese hops is a vigorously growing vine that was introduced as an ornamental plant. It is still sold as an ornamental but should be avoided, due to its ability to escape cultivation and spread quickly across new areas.

Japanese hops has palmate leaves and plants spread rapidly by vegetative growth and self-seeding. This plant can smother native vegetation and is listed as an invasive species in several eastern states.

An interesting vining alternative is the climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris). Climbing hydrangea is a vigorous vine that grows well in cool and temperate climates.

It blooms from late spring to early summer with showy, fragrant white flowers. Climbing hydrangea is a good vine for a shaded location. 

Kudzu

	botanical name Pueraria montana
	plant type Vine
	height 30 to 100 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 10

This extremely vigorous vine has the ability completely cover entire trees, shading them and smothering them with its own growth. Plants were originally used as ornamental vines because they are easy to grow and produce pretty, fragrant purple flowers.

But kudzu is now listed as an invasive species in many states, particularly in the east and southeast. 

If you are looking for a vine, perhaps try a purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata). Passionflower is native to the eastern United States and produces large, showy, fragrant flowers. The flowers attract butterflies and this is the host plant for several native butterfly species.

Leatherleaf Mahonia

	botanical name Berberis bealei
	plant type Broadleaf evergreen
	height 4 to 10 feet
	hardiness zones 7 to 9

Leatherleaf mahonia is a fairly common landscape plant known for its unusual evergreen foliage and very showy winter flowers.

Mahonia produces large clusters of small bluish-purple fruits that spread into nearby woodlands. It has naturalized throughout the southeast and is considered an invasive species in several southeastern states.

There are plenty of shrubs that are excellent for landscaping and don’t spread into unwanted colonies. Weigela (Weigela florida ‘Alexandra’) would be a good option. This medium-sized shrub has beautiful reddish-pink trumpet-like flowers that attract hummingbirds. Weigela is an attractive low-maintenance shrub and the leaves have good fall color.

Multiflora Rose

	botanical name Rosa multiflora
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 6 to 15 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Multiflora rose is a rambling and spreading variety of rose that will climb over surrounding vegetation. It can quickly spread by vigorous vegetative growth as well as by self-seeding into surrounding areas. Wild multiflora roses are actually considered flowering weeds in some areas.

Thickets of multiflora rose become impenetrable areas and smother native vegetation. Multiflora rose is widespread across the eastern United States and is listed as an invasive species in many eastern states.

Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is an interesting alternative to multiflora rose. Rugosa rose makes a good choice for a hedge planting or naturalized area. Its large showy pink flowers attract birds and butterflies. 

Nandina

	botanical name Nandina domestica
	plant type Broadleaf evergreen
	height 3 to 8 feet
	hardiness zones 6 to 9

Nandina is a common landscaping plant for hedges and edges. Evergreen leaves grow on upright woody stems. Clusters of white flowers bloom in the spring, followed by showy clusters of small orange fruits.

Plants are very shade tolerant and can quickly spread by self-seeding into nearby wooded areas. Nandina is listed as an invasive species in several southeastern states.

Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata ‘Afterglow’) is an excellent alternative. This deciduous holly provides excellent winter interest with its longstanding red-orange fruits. Fruits are very showy and attract a variety of foraging birds.

Norway Maple

	botanical name Acer platanoides
	plant type Tree
	height 40 to 50 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 7

Norway maple is easily confused with native maple species. This plant grows vigorously in a variety of conditions, competing with native trees and shading out wildflowers.

Norway maple spreads easily by seed and can quickly develop dense monoculture colonies. It is listed as an invasive species in many of the northern states.

If you’re looking for a tree that’s perhaps a little different, plant a serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis). These medium-sized trees grow well in full sun to partial shade with any medium-moisture soil. Showy white flowers bloom in the spring and this tree has excellent bright red-orange fall foliage.

Oriental Bittersweet

	botanical name Celastrus orbiculatus
	plant type Vine
	height 30 to 60 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 8

Oriental bittersweet is a fast-growing vine that twines around nearby trees and constricts them, sometimes to the point of death. Oriental bittersweet produces copious amounts of small bright red fruits that emerge from papery yellow-orange sheathes.

Birds eat the fruits and thus disperse the seeds far and wide. Oriental bittersweet is listed as an invasive species throughout much of the eastern United States.

For a showy vine, plant cross vine (Bignonia capreolata ‘Atrosanguinea’) instead. This attractve vine looks great growing over a fence, trellis, or arbor. Its large dark red trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late spring and attract hummingbirds. Cross vine is a vigorous grower but won’t get out of control when grown in the home landscape.

Pampas Grass

	botanical name Cortaderia selloana
	plant type Ornamental grass
	height 6 to 12 feet
	hardiness zones 8 to 10

Pampas grass may grow nicely in some areas, but in other regions of the country, it is considered an invasive species. This showy ornamental grass develops large fluffy, feathery plumes, each containing thousands of seeds.

In favorable conditions, these seeds can quickly spread to nearby natural areas, where the grass can naturalize and outcompete native plants.

There are other ornamental grasses that are better behaved and easier to control. Try feather reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Forerster’) as a beautiful alternative.  This low-maintenance grass stays a bit smaller, has attractive pinkish feathery blooms throughout the summer, and does not spread aggressively.

Porcelainberry

	botanical name Ampelopsis glandulosa var. brevipedunculata
	plant type Vine
	height 15 to 20 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Porcelainberry, also known as amur peppervine, looks much like a grapevine with showy multicolored fruits in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Plants are hardy and not picky about light and soil conditions.

Vines are vigorous growers and seeds are eaten and spread by birds. When this plant escapes cultivation, it can create thick vegetative cover as it climbs over other plants, effectively suffocating them. Porcelainberry is listed as an invasive species in many eastern states.

If you are looking for an attractive vine try growing Carolina yellow jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens). Carolina jasmine is native to the southern United States and Mexico. It blooms each spring with copious showy yellow flowers. Carolina yellow jasmine looks great climbing up a trellis or along a sturdy fence.

Purple Loosestrife

	botanical name Lythrum salicaria
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 2 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

Purple loosestrife is a familiar sight growing in wetlands of the upper midwestern states. Purple loosestrife grows in wet and fully saturated soils and produces prolific purplish-pink flower spikes.

These plants quickly grow into dense colonies that choke out native vegetation. Purple loosestrife is listed as an invasive species in over half of the United States.

A good alternative is blazing star (Liatris spicata). This perennial wildflower is native to the eastern United States and produces beautiful, showy purple flowers each summer. The feathery flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Blazing star also grows well in moist soils and full sun.

Queen Anne’s Lace

	botanical name Daucus carota
	plant type Herbaceous biennial
	height 2 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 9

Queen Anne’s lace is commonly seen growing along roadsides, fields, pastures, and other disturbed areas. This plant blooms in the summer with umbrella-like clusters of tiny white flowers.

Once naturalized, Queen Anne’s lace grows quickly and spreads rapidly by self-seeding, choking out native vegetation. It is widely distributed across the United States and listed as an invasive species in several states.

Try growing pearly everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) as an alternative. Pearly everlasting is a low-maintenance plant well-adapted to average-quality soils in full sun or partial shade. It has thin silvery-green leaves and clusters of small white flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Flowers are showy and attract butterflies.

Reed Canary Grass

	botanical name Phalaris arundinacea
	plant type Ornamental grass
	height 3 to 6 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

Reed canary grass is an ornamental grass that quickly colonizes and prevents the growth of other species. Once established in an area, it is extremely difficult to control. It is widely distributed across the northern half of the United States and is listed as an invasive species in several states.

There are many beautiful and non-invasive ornamental grasses that are easily grown in the home landscape.

Ruby grass (Melinis nerviglumis ‘Pink Crystals’) is an extremely showy ornamental grass that is easily grown in average conditions. Ruby grass develops pinkish flowerheads in the summer, atop long, thin, silvery green foliage. 

Royal Paulownia

	botanical name Paulownia tomentosa
	plant type Tree
	height 30 to 40 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 8

Royal paulownia, also called princess tree, is a spring-blooming tree with large, showy, drooping purple flower clusters. Trees can easily escape cultivated plantings because of their numerous wind-dispersed seeds.

Once naturalized, they spread aggressively along roadsides, streams, and into natural areas. Once established, they outcompete native species and reduce natural biodiversity. 

A good substitute is a flowering cherry tree (Prunus spp.). Flowering cherries are medium-sized ornamental trees. These highly showy trees bloom in profusion each spring with fragrant pink flowers. Cherry flowers attract a variety of pollinators.

Scotch Broom

	botanical name Cytisus scoparius
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 4 to 8 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 8

Scotch broom is a small shrub with bright yellow pea-like flowers. It has been listed as an invasive species in several western states, as well as a few central and eastern states.

Scotch broom spreads by self-seeding and once naturalized in an area, will create dense woody tangles of vegetation that can cover hillsides and other dry or disturbed soils.

Plant St. John’s wort (Hypericum frondosum ‘Sunburst’) as an alternative. St. John’s wort has pretty yellow flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Both the flowers and fruits are showy. This yellow-flowered shrub grows well as part of a hedge or stand-alone accent plant in areas with full sun and average-quality soil.

Shrub Lespedeza

	botanical name Lespedeza bicolor
	plant type Deciduous shrub
	height 5 to 10 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Shrub lespedeza grows easily in a variety of habitats. It has showy pinkish-purple flowers and is frequently used in landscaping and hedge plantings.

Shrub lespedeza can escape cultivation by self-seeding and seed dispersal by birds and other small animals. This plant has widely naturalized in the southeastern states and is recognized as an invasive species throughout the region. 

If you are looking for an attractive shrub that won’t get out of control, flowering quince (Shaenomeles speciosa) is a great option. Flowering quince is a deciduous shrub that grows well in either full sun or partial shade.

It blooms in early spring with a dazzling display of early season color. The vibrant reddish-pink flowers cover these shrubs with outstanding color. Flowering quince looks great as a hedge planting or stand-alone accent bush.

Silk Tree

	botanical name Albizia julibrissin
	plant type Tree
	height 20 to 40 feet
	hardiness zones 6 to 9

Silk tree is an ornamental tree with fern-like foliage and feathery pink and white flowers. The showy flowers bloom in the summer months and are quite distinctive.

Unfortunately, this tree has escaped cultivation and is now found throughout the southeastern United States and scattered western localities. It is considered an invasive species in most of the southeastern states.

Plant a fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) instead. Fringetree is native to the eastern United States and blooms each spring with beautiful feathery white flowers. A tree in full bloom is incredibly showy, looking almost like it’s covered in fresh snow. Leaves turn yellow for attractive autumn color.

Spotted Knapweed

	botanical name Centaurea stoebe
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 2 to 4 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Spotted knapweed is a thistle-like plant with prickly leaves and pale purple tufted flowers. Plants produce copious seeds which are easily dispersed to new areas, particularly fields and pastures, reducing natural biodiversity. Spotted knapweed is listed as an invasive species in many states across the US. 

A good alternative to spotted knapweed is sea holly (Eryngium planum ‘Blue Glitter’). This unusual plant produces copious spiky greenish-blue flowers throughout the summer months. Flowers are eye-catching in their uniqueness and plants are quite hardy and tolerant of dry soil conditions once established. 

Sweet Autumn Clematis

	botanical name Clematis ternifolia
	plant type Vine
	height 15 to 30 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Sweet autumn clematis is a vigorous vine that produces masses of showy white flowers from late summer into early fall. It reproduces quickly by seed and can form dense colonies that cover and shade out native vegetation. Sweet autumn clematis is listed as an invasive species in several eastern states.

If you’re looking for a beautiful flowering vine to substitute for sweet autumn clematis, the native woodbine (Clematis virginiana) is a perfect choice. Grow it on a trellis, fence, or arbor, or let it creep along the earth as a ground cover.

Woodbine produces beautiful showy clusters of white flowers from late summer into mid-autumn. The flowers are fragrant and attract numerous pollinators. This vine can also reproduce by self-seeding but is much easier to control.

Tansy

	botanical name Tanacetum vulgare
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 1 to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 3 to 8

Tansy is a fairly common garden plant that grows easily from seed. It grows upright stems with fern-like foliage and bunches of compact, bright yellow flowers.

This plant has escaped cultivation and is frequently found growing in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and fields where it spreads rapidly. Tansy is listed as an invasive species in several states, primarily in the more northern climates.

A good substitute for tansy would be the native wildflower black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta). Black-eyed Susan is also easily grown from seed, blooms throughout the summer, and is not picky about growing conditions. Black-eyed Susan has showy, bright yellow flowers and attracts butterflies, pollinators, and seed-eating birds. 

Tree of Heaven

	botanical name Ailanthus altissima
	plant type Tree
	height 40 to 80 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

Tree of Heaven is a widespread invasive tree. It invades rapidly and grows into very dense thickets which outcompete native vegetation.

It can grow in a wide variety of conditions, thrives in disturbed environments, and is difficult to eradicate once established across a large area. Tree of Heaven is listed as an invasive species in many states across the country. 

If you are looking for an attractive full-sized tree for your landscape, plant a maple tree (Acer spp) or oak tree (Quercus spp.) These native trees are beautiful throughout the growing season and have attractive fall foliage. They provide food for wildlife and shade during the hot summer months. And best of all, they are easy to care for and won’t take over your yard.

Water Hyacinth

	botanical name Eichhornia crassipes
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 0.5 to 0.75 feet
	hardiness zones 9 to 11

Water hyacinth is an aquatic plant with a floating bulbous base, bright green upright leaves, and beautiful purple flowers. It is commonly sold for use as greenery in ponds and water gardens.

In northern climates, it can be grown as an annual, but in southern climates, it easily becomes an invasive weed. This plant multiples quickly clogs natural waterways and out-competes native vegetation.

For a water garden or pond, try growing pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) instead. Pickerel weed is native to eastern North America and grows well in ponds and rain gardens with constant moisture. This plant has upright heart-shaped leaves and beautiful, showy purple flower spikes that attract butterflies and offer perching places for dragonflies and damselflies.

Weeping Lovegrass 

	botanical name Eragrostis curvula
	plant type Ornamental grass
	height 2 feet
	hardiness zones 6 to 9

Weeping lovegrass is an ornamental grass that forms dense bunches. It produces copious seeds and spreads readily, colonizing sunny natural areas and out-competing native vegetation. Weeping lovegrass is widespread across the United States and is listed as an invasive species in several southeastern states.

Try fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’) as an alternative. Fountain grass is an ornamental grass that forms dense bunches but doesn’t tend to spread far and wide.

This grass develops bushy golden seedheads from late summer into fall, lasting through the winter months. The seeds will attract foraging birds in the fall and winter.

White Mulberry

	botanical name Morus alba
	plant type Tree
	height 30 to 50 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 8

White mulberry is an invasive tree native to China. It grows rapidly and quickly colonizes disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and forest edges. It has naturalized throughout much of the United States and is listed as an invasive species in several eastern states.

White mulberry is similar to the red mulberry (Morus rubra) which is native to the eastern United States.

If you are looking to plant a fruiting tree that is hardy, productive, and tolerates partial shade, red mulberry might be a good option. But because these trees produce an abundance of dark red fruits, they are very messy, although still a great tree to attract numerous fruit-eating birds!

Winter creeper

	botanical name Euonymus fortunei
	plant type Broadleaf evergreen
	height 3 to 20 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

Winter creeper is a plant that can creep along the ground and act as a ground cover, grow into an upright mounding shrub, or climb up surrounding trees like a vine.

Winter creeper has shiny evergreen leaves and spreads rapidly through vegetative growth and rapid rooting where vines touch the ground. It also readily spreads by seed. Winter creeper can easily form dense colonies where it outcompetes most native vegetation.

There are other, noninvasive groundcover plants that would be a better option. Try planting the three-leaved stonecrop (Sedum ternatum).

This low-growing perennial has fleshy, succulent-like leaves and small white flowers that bloom in the spring. It grows easily in average soils and grows well in both sun and partial shade.

Wormwood

	botanical name Artemisia absinthium
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 2 to 3 feet
	hardiness zones 4 to 9

Wormwood is a silvery-leaved plant that is grown for its attractive foliage. It produces numerous seeds each year which are distributed by wind and water, as well as seed-eating birds.

Wormwood spreads rapidly and colonizes pastures, fields, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. This plant is listed as an invasive species in a handful of states, primarily in more northern climates.

Lambs ear (Stachys bysantina) is a low-growing silvery-leaved foliage plant that could make a good substitute. You could also try a different non-invasive variety of Artemesia, such as white sage (Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Silver King’) which also have pretty silvery foliage and fragrant leaves.

Yellow Water Iris

	botanical name Iris pseudacorus
	plant type Herbaceous perennial
	height 3 to 5 feet
	hardiness zones 5 to 9

The yellow water iris is an attractive plant that thrives in wet and fully saturated soils. Showy yellow flowers bloom in late spring.

It grows quickly to create dense colonies of vegetation along the edges of natural waterways, displacing native species. Yellow water iris has a widespread distribution and is listed as an invasive species in many states.

The yellow flag iris (Iris maackii) is a better alternative. This beautiful, low-maintenance iris also has yellow flowers and grows well in moist soils. Yellow flag iris prefers full sun but also does well in partial shade, making this a versatile and well-behaved plant for a rain garden or along the edge of a pond.