Avoid planting invasive vines in your garden, as they can quickly take over and harm native plants. Invasive vines spread through various means, such as seeds, creeping stems, or fruits consumed by birds and animals. To identify invasive plants, research and consult local resources like university extension services or state departments of natural resources. Here are some commonly available invasive vines to avoid planting, along with suggested native alternatives that benefit wildlife:
Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis): This vine with large cascading purple flower clusters can harm trees and create a dense thicket. Instead, consider planting American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens).
Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei): An aggressive groundcover that climbs trees and spreads quickly, this vine is invasive in the eastern U.S. Try planting green and gold (Chrysogonum virginianum) as a non-invasive alternative.
Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum): This fern climbs tall trees and chokes out native plants. Replace it with leatherflower (Clematis viorna) as a more suitable option.
English Ivy (Hedera helix): This fast-growing groundcover can overtake landscapes and provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Plant Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) instead.
Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora): This vining plant invades forest edges and self-seeds rapidly. Opt for woodbine (Clematis virginiana) as a non-invasive choice.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica): A vine with white-to-yellow flowers that aggressively climbs over other plants. Consider planting native alternatives like Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens).
Consider planting the following instead to avoid invasive species:
– Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
– Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata)
– Muscadine grape (Vitus rotundifolia)
– Climbing prairie rose (Rosa setigera)
– Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
– Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)
– Chocolate Vine (Akebia quinata)
– Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
These alternative plants can help prevent invasive species from taking over your yard and harming the local ecosystem.
