Many of the characteristics that make a plant a good Gardening Responsibly choice for the garden may also make it a successful Ground Covers Ornamental Grasses Don’t invader: DO NOT PLANT! INVASIVE! DO NOT PLANT! INVASIVE! California is a gardener’s dream. Our Mediterranean Garden Plants Invasive Plants climate allows us to have fantastic gardens that showcase a Are easy to propagate Seeds germinate early English ivy; Algerian Big periwinkle Giant reed (Arundo donax; Fountaingrass Pampasgrass; Jubatagrass wide variety of ornamental plants from around the world. Establish rapidly Like disturbed areas (Vinca major) A. donax ‘Variegata’) (Pennisetum setaceum) (Cortaderia selloana; C. jubata) However, some of our garden plants don’t stay in the Mature early Mature early and vigorously ivy; Irish ivy (Hedera helix; garden but “jump the fence” and invade natural areas. Have abundant flowers Have prolific seeds Hedera canariensis; Hedera A commonly used groundcover with An extremely Seeds are spread Wind can carry the tiny Plant a fast-growing by wind, water, seeds up to 20 miles. These invasive plants can become serious wildland weeds Are pest/disease tolerant Have few natural predators hibernica) small, infrequent lavender flowers and that threaten California’s biodiversity by displacing native shiny, leathery leaves. It can provide plant that or hitchhiking The massive size of each species, changing the structure of plant communities, Some ivy species in the Hedera genus habitat for rats and other pests. It grows in on vehicles. Fast pampasgrass plant with and ultimately reducing the value of habitat for wildlife. How to use this brochure: are a major problem in California. is an aggressive grower with trailing moist areas, grower, impedes its accumulated litter They also affect our state’s Missouri Botanical Garden They can smother understory © Richard Old stems that root wherever they touch usually along the growth of reduces wildlife habitat, Pest! This brochure suggests safe alternatives for these invasive (www.xidservices.com) streams and native plants limits recreational economy by lowering vegetation, climb and kill trees, and harbor non-native pests the soil. Its ability to resprout from plants. When you are buying new plants for your garden, ditches. Highly and eventually opportunities in natural agricultural productivity, consider these alternatives or ask your local nursery for like rats and snails. It is difficult to distinguish problem species stem fragments makes big periwinkle very hard to remove, increasing fire danger, from less invasive ones. Do not plant near natural areas, and and it will spread rapidly in riparian areas, shady creeks and Photo by Joseph DiTomaso flammable, Photo by C. Martus takes over Photo by C. Martus lands, and creates a other non-invasive plants. If one burning even when green. Giant reed natural areas. Also raises fuel loads and serious fire and flood hazard. Sharp blades are Give them an and add to the cost of of the invasive plants is already never dispose of ivy in natural areas. Plants should not be drainages, smothering the native plant community. It can also maintaining roads, parks, and Full sun allowed to fruit, as birds often spread the berries. be found on some shady, dry banks. spreads by sprouts or stem sections, fire frequency in natural areas. Existing hazardous to people, and plants harbor pests in your yard, especially if you live can cause erosion and flooding, and P. such as rats and snakes. “Sterile” varieties of this waterways. Part shade research indicates that red varieties ( near wildlands, you should consider displaces native plants. setaceum ‘Rubrum’) are not invasive. plant are not recommended as substitutes. inch and they’ll removing it and replacing it with a Full shade Some of the plants recommended alternative. Regular water CONSIDER PLANTING THESE INSTEAD currently damaging If you are thinking about planting take an acre... California’s natural areas Medium water CONSIDER PLANTING THESE INSTEAD one of these problem plants Star jasmine; Asian star Giant alumroot/Coral bells Heartleaf bergenia were originally introduced for its appearance, finding a Low water for landscaping purposes. jasmine (Trachelospermum (Heuchera maxima (Bergenia cordifolia and Giant wildrye ‘Canyon New Zealand flax Deergrass replacement is often easy – some California native Garden escapees may have of the alternatives listed here are jasminoides; T. asiaticum) and hybrids) hybrids) Prince’ (Leymus condensatus) (Phormium tenax) (Muhlenbergia rigens) desirable characteristics in English ivy (Hedera helix) selected especially for their similar Photo by C. Martus a garden setting, but they looks. If you need a plant to fill a functional role, such as a Evergreen Not a true grass, have certain characteristics, groundcover that grows well in a shady place, or a border Star jasmine has groundcover with This tall grass grows though it fills a Clumping An evergreen such as prolific seed production, that allow them to spread plant that likes full sun, the alternatives listed here thrive glossy, dark green heart-shaped well throughout the similar function in perennial grass groundcover outside the garden and rapidly invade wildlands. Other in the same environments as problem plants while offering leaves and pale leaves and tiny, state. It can reach the landscape. Large, growing up to with large, dark invasive plants reveal their weedy tendencies in the garden. added benefits such as attracting wildlife. Care has been taken white or yellow, bell-shaped pink or nine feet in height hardy, and requires 3’ tall with 2’ green leaves and For example, English ivy can take over a yard and damage to suggest both California native plants, for those wishing to pinwheel-shaped white flowers that and spread up to minimal care. Many plumes rising clusters of bright, buildings and fences. Likewise, when birds drop English rediscover some of California’s unique native plant heritage, flowers with a hang gracefully six feet wide. It has varieties include above the plant. ivy seeds near a stream, it can take over native riparian deep pink flowers. as well as non-invasive ornamental plant alternatives. Many of jasmine-like scent. from thin stalks. Santa Barbara Botanical Society Chris Morris, San Luis Obispo striking stripes of pink, Photo by C. Martus Native Americans Photo by C. Martus El Nativo Growers, Inc. green leaves which invasive vegetation and degrade habitat for wildlife. these alternatives are readily available, while others may be mature to a bright silvery blue. Co. Dept. of Agriculture yellow and green. use it for making baskets. found in specialty or native plant nurseries. Pachysandra (Pachysandra Common yarrow California wild lilac Of course, gardeners don’t plant invasive species terminalis) species intentionally. Like most Californians, gardeners have a deep (Achillea millefolium) (Ceanothus ) Bamboo (clumping species) Lavender Lindheimer’s muhly respect for our state’s rich natural heritage. Fortunately, Both native and non-invasive non-native plants have been Grows more Perennial recommended as alternatives in this brochure. When landscaping (Bambusa multiplex) (Lavendula species) (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri) most ornamental plants behave perfectly well in their slowly than ivy or groundcover Requires well- adjacent to natural lands or preserves, we recommend you use periwinkle, but from 1’ to 4’ high. drained soil. Good Lavender makes a intended roles and are not a threat to wildlands. By locally native California plants. Care has been taken to ensure that Rhizomes of the has a crisp, neat Can be used as for slopes, many good replacement Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) is an invasive plant choosing suitable alternatives for the few problem plants, none of the recommended non-natives are invasive or a fire hazard. clumping bamboo Large, dependable, However, plants can adapt over time, and there is no guarantee growth form. New lawn substitute. low growing for fountaingrass. that quickly outcompetes natives across California. we can save ourselves and our neighbors trouble and stay close to the showy ornamental that some of these plants will not themselves become pests in foliage is bright Produces white varieties. Purple Many species are expense while helping to protect California’s natural and plant, making grass with blue- the future. If the recommended alternatives are not watered or green changing to flowers. Should be flowers in spring available. Fragrant, gray foliage and agricultural landscapes from invasive plants. pruned, they too may become a fire hazard over time. If you notice it less invasive Suggested alternatives for dark green with pruned or mowed attract butter- grows to about 1 flowering spikes one of these alternatives invading natural areas, notify Cal-IPC. Pay than the running 1/2’ - 2’ tall and close attention to plant names, since a few of our recommended age. annually. flies. in fall and winter. Invasive plants are by nature a regional problem. A plant Missouri Botanical Garden Photo by S. Mason species (see invasive garden plants plants may have invasive relatives - even in the same genus or Photo by S. Mason blooms with bright Good in poor soils, that jumps out of the garden in one climate and habitat Bluestem Nursery family. Invasive plants such as Pampas grass (Cortaderia), Fountain Photo by Steve Green Caution section). Photo by C. Martus lavender flowers. Candytuft (Iberis sempervirens), Dwarf coyotebrush (Baccharis pilularis) , Lamium (Lamium maculatum), www.bluestem.ca grows up to 5’ tall. type might behave perfectly in another. The problem plants grass (Pennisetum), and broom species have many cultivars and Also Consider: listed here have escaped from gardens and have invaded varieties. Until these cultivars and varieties can be independently Scaevola (Scaevola aemula), Taiwan raspberry (Rubus pentalobus), Vinca minor (so far not shown to be invasive, Central Valley Version natural areas throughout the Central Valley. tested and verified, they are not recommended as substitutes. but shouldn’t be planted near wildlands), Purple sage (Salvia leucophylla) Also Consider: Santa Barbara sedge (Carex barbarae) , San Diego sedge (Carex spissa), Bigelow’s nolina (Nolina bigelovii) Based on a brochure by the: Shrubs Trees California Invasive Plant Council 1442-A Walnut Street, #462 DO NOT PLANT! INVASIVE! DO NOT PLANT! INVASIVE! CAUTION! POTENTIAL PESTS! Berkeley, CA 94709 (510) 843-3902 Brooms (French; Portuguese; Scotch; Spanish) Eucalyptus (Blue gum; Red gum) Chinese tallowtree Saltcedar The plants in this section have been observed escaping into California wildlands, but it remains unclear whether they cause serious damage. You may want to consider removing them if they are already growing on your own property, especially if your land www.cal-ipc.org (Genista monspessulana; Cytisus striatus; Cytisus Scarlet wisteria (Eucalyptus globulus; E. camaldulensis) (Sapium sebiferum) (Tamarisk species) is adjacent to a natural or open space area. scoparius; Spartium junceum) (Sesbania punicea) Grows aggressively, Popular A serious displacing sur- ornamental that riparian invader Brooms have invaded more New to California, Bamboo (running varieties) Catalpa (Northern; Common olive (fruiting rounding native can grow up to throughout CA For more information about invasive plants visit: than one million acres in spreading along the (Phyllostachys, Pseudosasa, (Catalpa species) varieties) (Olea europaea) plants. Excessive 40’. Seeds are and southwest. Southern) • www.cal-ipc.org California. The flowers produce American River, the leaf litter and spread by birds Uses excessive Pleiblastus species) This tropical- Produces thousands of seeds that Delta, and northern • http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu shade eliminates and flowing water, amounts of Bamboo spreads looking tree hundreds of build up in the soil over time, California. Grows and • www.cdfa.ca.gov/wma/ understory and new shoots water, salinates through rhizomes has large, soft seeds that are creating dense thickets that spreads rapidly along plants. Fire depts. can sprout from soil, changes (underground shoots). leaves and showy spread by birds • www.invasivespecies.gov obliterate entire plant and river and stream throughout roots. Rapidly water courses, Running bamboos send flowers, followed and mammals. • www.cnps.org animal communities. Grows corridors, pushing California replaces native diminishes out rhizomes far away by long, bean- Creates dense Photo by Joseph DiTomaso Photo by C. Martus quickly, easily creating a fire Photo by Joseph DiTomaso out native vegetation Photo by B. Richardson recommend against Photo by Joseph DiTomaso vegetation along Photo by Joseph DiTomaso wildlife habitat, from the plant. These like seedpods, canopies that hazard in residential landscapes. “Sterile” varieties of these plants haven’t been and wildlife. Seeds are using eucalyptus trees for landscaping. river corridors and sandbars. and increases fire hazard. fast growing plants releasing seeds shade out other independently verified or tested and are not recommended as substitutes. moved by pods that float downstream. This project funded by: can quickly invade that can be vegetation. ALSO DO NOT PLANT: Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Photo by Steve Green Photo by Steve Green Photo by B. Richardson areas both in and out carried by the Gardeners Sacramento River Watershed Program of the yard. Never plant a running bamboo wind. These trees compete with native should not plant this tree near open CONSIDER PLANTING THESE INSTEAD (Photo courtesy Bob Perry) variety. vegetation in riparian areas. USDA Forest Service, Plumas National Forest CONSIDER PLANTING THESE INSTEAD space. The Nature Conservancy Bush poppy; Island bush Forsythia (Forsythia x Cleveland sage Privet Sweet fennel Edible fig Marina strawberry tree Tupelo Crape myrtle Friends of Bidwell Park poppy (Dendromecon rigida; D. intermedia) (Salvia clevelandii) (Ligustrum species) (Foeniculum vulgare) (Ficus carica) (Arbutus unedo ‘Marina’) (Nyssa sylvatica) (Lagerstroemia hybrids) harfordii) Privet shrubs and trees Fennel is a May be spread River Partners Often the first A California native Rosy pink, urn-shaped Crooked branches Stunning tree, with graceful generally have shiny, commonly planted by birds and California Native Plant Society, Mt. Lassen Chapter Native California plant to bloom in flowers, deep red bark, and dark, red- great in a hot leathery leaves and are perennial herb, deer, as well as shrub with showy spring, forsythia silvery-green and strawberry-like tinged bark are area. Showy often used as hedging and reproduces by vegetation yellow flowers from produces an leaves, arching fruits in yellow and red. dramatic in winter. summer flowers in hot pink, white, plants. If allowed to set readily from seed fragments. spring to early astounding branches, and Easy to plant and care Birds attracted and lavender. fruit, birds can spread and root crown. Can dominate The following organizations participated in the summer. Drought display of bright whorls of purple for. Can be susceptible to fruit. Excellent Brilliant fall the berries throughout Tall, with small stream and production of this brochure: tolerent once yellow flowers. flowers in spring to greenhouse thrips. shade tree. Needs established. Prune Grows quickly. and summer. Grows Doesn’t tolerate very foliage. Some- the winter. Some privet yellow flowers, riverside • California Invasive Plant Council acidic soil with no what susceptible species are known to be fennel occupies to maintain form. © Monrovia Many varieties. up to 4’ tall. alkaline or poorly Photo by S. Mason Photos by Ken Owen habitat. Photo by C. Martus Photo by C. Martus salinity. Photo by Steve Green Photo by Steve Green • California Native Plant Society, Mt. Lassen Chapter Photos by Bob Perry drained soil. to aphids. invasive in landscaped disturbed, open Golden currant Jerusalem sage Toyon (Heteromeles and natural areas in several Central Valley areas, and is competitive against natives. • Center for Land-Based Learning Fern pine Valley oak Eastern; Western redbud counties. • EDAW (Ribes aureum) (Phlomis fruticosa) arbutifolia) (Podocarpus gracilor) (Quercus lobata) (Cercis canadensis; C. occidentalis) This deciduous, Evergreen tree, grows Also CONSIDER AvoidING: Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis), Italian arum (Arum italicum), Silktree/Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), • Friends of Bidwell Park California native, California native, graceful native Osage orange (Maclura pomifera), Firethorn (Pyracantha), Ravennagrass (Saccharum ravennae or Erianthus ravennae), evergreen 20’-60’ tall. Makes an • Monrovia Nursery Company shrub with pro- A dependable tree provides Rosy pink flowers White mulberry (Morus alba), Silver wattle (Acacia dealbata). shrub producing excellent street tree fusion of yellow shrub with habitat for birds, bloom before • Sacramento Weed Warriors, a project of the delicate white or individual specimen spring flowers whorls of and has year- new leaves appear California Native Plant Society, Sacramento Chapter flowers in in a park setting. One turning into edible yellow flowers round appeal. and are followed spring and large of the most pest- Low Water Use and Xeriscaping • Sustainable Conservation-- Cal-HIP: Horticultural berries suitable for that will thrive Deeply lobed by beanlike pods. clusters of red free trees, able to Invasives Prevention jams. Attracts birds in any well- leaves, rough and Prefers well- California has a limited supply of fresh water, and gardeners can do their part to conserve this precious berries that birds tolerate a variety of Dr. Robert Thomas, Margaret Orr and butterflies. drained soil. grey bark. Grows resource, as well as save on water bills, by choosing plants that use less water. Native or low water use plants • University of California, Davis Arboretum © Joy Creek Nursery soil conditions and drained soil. Photo by C. Martus love. Photo by Steve Green up to 100’ tall in Photo by Joseph DiTomaso also require less fertilizer and fewer pest control measures, and are usually easier to maintain. Finally, most of ©1999 Calif. Academy of Sciences temperatures. Can also be used as a hedge or To obtain more brochures, contact Cal-IPC California sagebrush (Artemisia californica) , Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) , Evergreen currant/Island goose-berry (Ribes many Central Valley soil types. the low water use plants tend to be good habitat for native birds and beneficial insects. Add interest to your Also screen plant. Many species and varieties are garden while using fewer resources by choosing California natives and other “un-thirsty” plants. viburnifolium) , Fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense), Glossy abelia (Abelia grandiflora), Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica), Japanese available in nurseries. Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) , English oak (Quercus robur), Southern live Cover photo: Joseph DiTomaso Consider: mock orange (Pittosporum tobira), St. Catherine’s lace (Eriogonum giganteum), Western spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis) Also Consider: oak (Quercus virginiana), Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) Lavender is a low water user once established.