 |
| Closeup of a Bastard Cabbage bloom |
Spring brings new growth to all types of plants, including those species known as non-native invasives. Non-native plants, also called exotics, are defined as plants ‘growing in a place that is not the region where they naturally grow’, and invasive plants are defined as plants that are ‘both non-native and able to establish on many sites by growing quickly and spreading to the point of disrupting native a plant community or ecosystem’.
While plants that are non-native or invasive can be problematic, when a plant is both non-native and invasive, it can quickly outcompete native plants. These invaders can produce copious amounts of seed easily transmitted by wind, water, or birds, thrive on poor or disturbed soils through aggressive root systems, have an early growth season or produce growth-inhibiting chemicals, and ultimately disrupt natural nutrient cycles of wildlife.
In Central Texas, the species that cause the most harm to the local environment include Ligustrum (Ligustrum sp.), Nandina (Nadina domestica), Chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Chinese Tallow (Triadica sebifera), Bastard Cabbage (Rapistrum rugosum), and Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Most of these species have been introduced to the United States via the nursery trade as ornamentals, and unfortunately many are still sold today.
 |
| Ligustrum or Glossy Privet |
Ligustrum or Glossy Privet, native to China, Japan, and Korea, is an invader of roadsides, thickets, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. This evergreen tree to 40 feet has simple green, glossy pointed leaves. It is widely cultivated and frequently escapes to invade and dominate the woodland understory, as its abundant purple-blue fruits are easily spread by birds and other animals.
 |
| Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo |
Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo, native to China and Japan, is an invader of landscapes, roadsides, and other cultivated areas. This erect, multi-stemmed shrub to 8 feet has compound green leaves to 12 inches long that are tinged with red in winter. It spreads by escaping cultivation through underground root sprouts and animal-dispersed seeds, and quickly forms a colony. Additionally, its shiny red fruits are toxic to small children, pets, and some grazing animals.
 |
| Chinaberry |
Chinaberry, native to parts of Asia, is an invader of roadsides, thickets, open woodlands, and disturbed areas. This deciduous tree grows up to 50 feet and has compound green leaves to 24 inches long. Lavender blooms distinguish it from the similar but native Western Soapberry (Sapindus drummondii), which has white blooms. It spreads on site via fast-growing root sprouts and over longer distances via bird-dispersed seeds from its golden-yellow fruits.
 |
| Chinese Tallow |
Chinese Tallow, native to China and Japan, is an invader of cultivated landscapes and other moist areas. A deciduous tree that grows to 60 feet, it has diamond-shaped leaves with elongated tips that turn orange-red in fall. It reaches reproductive age in as little as three years, producing prolific amounts of seed that is readily transported by birds and water. It is difficult to eradicate once established, and can effectively transform a native habitat into a monoculture.
 |
| Bastard Cabbage |
Bastard Cabbage, also called Common Giant Mustard and Turnipweed, and native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, is an invader of meadows, fields, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. This many-branched herb grows to 5 feet, with clustered of small lemon-colored flowers at the tips of branches. Its seeds germinate early in spring, quickly covering the ground with a dense blanket of leafy rosettes that block sunlight from reaching seedlings of native plants. It reseeds rapidly and forms large monocultures.
 |
| Japanese Honeysuckle |
Japanese Honeysuckle, native to Japan, is an invader of thickets on disturbed floodplains, creeks, and river banks. This climbing, sprawling vine grows to 80 feet, with simple oval leaves and tubular white flowers that turn butter-yellow as they age. Choking out other species by girdling or by blocking out sunlight through overgrowth, its plentiful seeds are easily dispersed by birds and other wildlife. It is not to be confused with the native, much less aggressive White Bush Honeysuckle (L. albiflora).
Replacing these non-native invasive plants with native plants help restore natural habitat, preserve and produce much-needed soil, protect fragile waterways from erosion, and as a result, keep vital nutrient cycles intact for all forms of wildlife. Natives are already adapted to our soils and climate so they require little to get established, are naturally hardy and disease-free, and they provide food, shelter, and places to raise young for local insects (especially pollinators), birds, and other wildlife. Natives are also a beautiful reminder of the unique natural heritage of Texas, so please consider to replacing your non-native invasive plants with natives today. Once established, you’ll be amazed at how they bring your landscape to life!
INVADER NATIVE REPLACEMENT(S) - some ideas...
Ligustrum species Escarpment Black Cherry, Mexican Plum
Nandina Yaupon, Possumhaw, Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum, Sumacs
Chinaberry Western Soapberry, Oaks, Redbud, Mexican Buckeye
Chinese Tallow American Sycamore, Black Willow, Texas Ash
Bastard Cabbage Mistflowers, Salvias, Sages
Japanese Honeysuckle White Bush Honeysuckle, Coral Honeysuckle
