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Grow No Harm: How Gardeners Can Help Avoid Invasive Plants

Published on May 29, 2020Last updated October 6, 2021 â™› By Melissa J. Will

This post contains affiliate links.
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Invasive plants are taking hold of our natural areas, choking out other plants and related animal life. Our job as gardeners is to keep invasive plants out of our yards to avoid any possible spread and grow beneficial plants instead.

For help researching plants, I have listed some online plant databases here.

Garden plants including invasive species.

How Gardeners Can Help Fight Invasive Plants

A garden with wildflowers and other potentially invasive plants.
English ivy
Invasive English Ivy

GROW NO HARM

Prevention is key.

As gardeners and caretakers of the earth, this is our first responsibility: grow no harm.

Years ago the topic of invasive plants rarely came up in garden how-tos but as things are today, invasiveness should be our first concern when selecting plants.

Our entire eco-system depends on natural checks and balances between plants and animals.
This is the circle of life: biodiversity and sustainability.
When invasive plants take over, our natural habitats are altered or gradually destroyed.

I didn’t think twice about this stuff when I started gardening many years ago, and now it’s the center of my garden choices.

Invasive plants gradually choke out adapted, non-aggressive plants and the animals they have co-evolved with.

Without predators or natural containments, these thugs are gradually destroying our natural areas.

Jump to: Invasive Plant List and Alternative Choices

The bee gets the pollen or nectar, the flower is pollinated. It’s win win.


So What Does This Have to Do With Home Gardening?

What we grow in our gardens is what we grow everywhere.

Orange daylily flowers
Invasive Daylily

There are a lot of us gardeners! Together we have tremendous power to influence the gardening industry and decide how our gardens will or will not contribute to the well-being of the earth.

Many invasive species we struggle with today were introduced by humans—either intentionally or incidentally, or by wind or animals.

And, no matter how much we try to contain things or think we can control it in our own yards, plants can always spread.

This could be by pollination, natural propagation such as a bird pooping out a seed, roots spreading to neighboring yards, disposal of the plant or clippings in yard waste which ends up growing elsewhere, and countless other ways. Most often it is done innocently or unknowingly, but either way, it is a problem.

If we grow it in our gardens we have to assume it can and will be released into nature.


Get to Know Your Local Invasive Species

As a gardener, I encourage you to look up invasive species resources for your region and get familiar with the major players. In many cases, borders on a map are meaningless: some of these problems cover vast areas of our continent.

Lily of the valley plants
Invasive Lily of the Valley

Have you got any invasive plants growing in your garden?

I do! And removing them is an ongoing project.

A big clue is often if the plant is both hardy and fast-growing or spreads rapidly. Anything fast or really easy to grow can spell trouble.

The most startling thing is that while environmental and conservation groups are battling these invasive species if/as funding allows (which fluctuates depending on the political parties in charge), a bunch of these plants are still sold at plant nurseries. As informed consumers we can help stop this.

Not all invasives in natural areas are caused by gardeners of course, but over the years we have certainly played a role.

Native Plants

Red columbine in bloom - native to Ontario and surrounding regions.
Aquilegia canadensis, the Canadian or Canada columbine, native to eastern North America

Using ‘native plants‘ is part of the solution. But beware that it’s not that simple.

Just because it’s labelled native for your region does not mean it is suited to your specific garden climate and growing conditions. And some native species can be aggressive growers too. It’s always about the right plant in the right place.

On the flip side, not all introduced species, hybrids, cross-breeds, and cultivars are invasive—not by any measure. But they may be sterile or infertile and not provide any benefit to birds, bees, butterflies, and so on. So it’s worth researching plants before purchasing.

Ultimately what we need are non-invasive, non-aggressive plants that fit our climate and growing conditions and have a symbiotic relationship with other non-invasive living things. Grow to restore those natural checks and balances as much as we can.

It’s a lot to consider but the reward is a vibrant, thriving garden that does no harm. Or at least helps prevent further invasion.

Wait! Before You Plant…

Empress of Dirt.

Be sure any plants you choose:

  1. Are recommended for your plant hardiness zone.
  2. Are not invasive in your area.
  3. Are suitable for your growing conditions including sun, soil, water, and wind.
  4. Contribute to biodiversity by providing food, nectar, or habitat for wildlife.
  5. Are not too big for the space available when they reach maturity.

You can read more ecological gardening tips here.


Southern Ontario Invasive Plants and Alternate Choices

Invasive plants can be terrestrial or aquatic including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, and vines.

These lists show common invasive plants for southern Ontario, Canada and surrounding regions and provides some alternative plant choices.

I have compiled these lists from the resources listed here. They are suggestions that you need to research before acting on.

Again, be sure whatever you choose is non-invasive and (preferably) non-aggressive, is well-adapted for your area and growing conditions, and has a symbiotic relationship with local wildlife.


Groundcovers, Wildflowers, and Grasses

Invasive PlantRecommended Alternative
Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans
Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia
Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Canada Anemone
Anemone canadensis
Mayapple
Podophyllum peltatum
Daylily
Hemerocallis fulva
Michigan Lily
Lilium michiganense
Pale Purple Coneflower
Echinacea pallida
Black-eyed Susan
Rudbeckia hirta
English Ivy
Hedera helix
Wild Strawberry
Fragaria virginiana
Goutweed
Aegopodium podagraria
Large-leaved Aster
Eurybia macrophylla
Lily-of-the-Valley
Convallaria majalis
Starry Solomon’s Seal
Maianthemum stellatum
Miscanthus Grasses
Miscanthus sinensis
M.sacchariflorus
Bottlebrush Grass
Elymus hystrix
Big Bluestem
Andropogon gerardii
Indian Grass
Sorghastrum nutans
Ivory Sedge
Carex eburnea
Little Bluestem
Schizachyrium scoparium
Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Periwinkle
Vinca minor
Wild Geranium
Geranium maculatum
Wintercreeper
Euonymus fortunei
Foamflower
Tiarella cordifolia
Running Euonymus
Euonymus obovatus
Virginia Waterleaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
Yellow Archangel
Lamiastrum galeobdolon
Zigzag Goldenrod
Solidago flexicaulis

Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

Invasive PlantRecommended Alternative
Amur Maple
Acer ginnala
Ruby Lace Honeylocust
Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis
Honeysuckles -Non-Native
Lonicera tatarica
L. maackii
L. morrowii
L. x bella
L. xylosteum
Native Bush Honeysuckles
Diervilla lonicera
Honeysuckle – Japanese Vine
Lonicera japonica
Climbing Hydrangea
Hydrangea anomala spp. petiolaris
Goldflame Honeysuckle
Lonicera x heckrotti
Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Japanese Barberry
Berberis thungergii
Native Viburnums
Viburnum lentago, V. lantanoides and others
Multiflora Rose
Rosa multiflora
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Wild Black Current
Ribes americanum
Wild Roses
Rosa carolina, R. virginiana
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Sugar, Silver, and Freeman Maples
Acer saccharum, A. saccharinum, A. xfreemanii
Oriental Bittersweet
Celastrus orbiculatus
Dutchman’s Pipe
Aristolochia macrophylla
Jackman Clematis
Clematis x jackmanii
Virgin’s Bower
Clematis virginiana
Russian Olive
Autumn Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia
E. umbellata
Red-osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Silverberry
Elaeagnus commutata
Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae rhamnoides
Alternate-Leaf Dogwood
Cornus alternifolia
Bayberry
Morella (syn. Myrica) pensylvanica
Chokeberry
Aronia melanocarpa
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Common Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
Nannyberry
Viburnum lentago
Ninebark
Physocarpus opulifolius
Winged Euonymus
Euonymus alatus
Downy, Smooth, and Canada Serviceberry
Amelanchier arborea, A. laevis, A. canadensis
Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
Northern Spicebush
Lindera benzoin

Aquatic Plants

Invasive PlantRecommended Alternative
European Frog-bit
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae
Broad-leaved Arrowhead
Sagittaria latifolia
Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Coontail
Ceratophyllum demersum
Flowering Rush
Butomus umbellatus
Blue Vervain
Verbena hastata
Hydrilla
Hydrilla verticillata
Tape grass
Vallisneria americana
Yellow Floating Heart
Nymphoides peltata
Fragrant Water Lily
Nymphaea odorata
Yellow Iris
Iris pseudacorus
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Cardinal Flower (not aquatic)
Lobelia cardinalis
Joe-pye Weed
Eupatorium maculatum
Marsh Marigold
Caltha palustris
Northern Blueflag Iris
Iris versicolor
Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
Swamp Rose-mallow
Hibiscus moscheutos
Sweetflag Grass
Acorus calamus
White Turtlehead
Chelone glabra
Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
Pickerelweed
Pontederia cordata
Water Soldier
Stratiotes aloides
Common Mare’s Tail
Hippuris vulgaris

Additional Non-Invasive Alternatives

Bergamot Monarda
Canada Waterweed Elodea canadensis
Common Arrowhead Sagittaria latifolia
Dense Blazing Star Liatris spicata
Dwarf Hairgrass Eleocharis acicularis
Golden Alexanders Zizia aurea
Great Blue Lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina
Maidenhair Fern Adiantum aethiopicum
Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum
Red Oak Quercus rubra
Shrubby Cinquefoil Dasiphora fruiticosa

Want to grow your own oak tree?

Acorn with cap.

See how to grow an oak from an acorn.

Includes tips on how to choose viable acorns from a species suited to your growing zone.

Watch List

Can Be Invasive in Natural Areas

American Wisteria Wisteria frutescens
Bohemian Knotweed Reynoutria Ă— bohemica
Brazilian Elodea Egeria densa
Callery Pear Pyrus calleryana
Chocolate Vine Akebia quinata
Common and Chinese Privet Ligustrum vulgare, L. sinense
Dog-strangling Vine (black and pale swallowwort) C. louiseae and C. rossicum
Giant Knotweed Reynoutria sachalinensis
Guelder Rose/ European Cranberry Viburnum opulus
Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata
Japanese Hedge Parsley Torilis japonica
Japanese Knotweed Reynoutria japonica
Japanese Lilac Syringa reticulata
Jetbead Rhodotypos scandens
Kudzu Pueraria montana
Mint spp.
Lamium spp. Dead nettles
Pachysandra Pachysandra terminalis
Parrot Feather Myriophyllum aquaticum
Saltcedar/Tamarisk Tamarix ramoisissima
Phragmites Phragmites australis subs. australis
Reed Canarygrass Phalaris arundinacea var. picta
Siberian Peashrub Caragana arborescens
Spreading Hedge Parsley Torilis arvenis
Sycamore Maple Acer pseudoplatanus
Tree-of-Heaven Ailanthus altissima
Water Chestnut Trapa natans
Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes
Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides
White Mulberry Morus alba
Winter Aconite Eranthis hyemalis

Ontario Resources

Ontario Invasive Plant Council | Ontario non-profit tackling invasive plant issues

Grow Me Instead: Beautiful Non-Invasive Plants for Your Garden
A Guide for Southern Ontario (PDF format)

Grow Me Instead: Beautiful Non-Invasive Plants for Your Garden
A Guide for Northern Ontario (PDF format)

In the Zone | Southwestern Ontario | Grow a healthy woodland, wetland or wildflower garden designed to help Carolinian wildlife thrive.


Action Plan

  1. Learn what’s invasive in your region.
  2. Remove these invasives from your garden and dispose of them without risk of regrowing.
    This guide shares how to remove specific species.
  3. Watch for invasive plants in nurseries and report them.
  4. Support local conservation efforts.

~Melissa the Empress of Dirt â™›

A garden with wildflowers and other potentially invasive plants.
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I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
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