Invasive Plants in the Landscape

Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese silvergrass) is one of the invasive species commonly planted in New Jersey gardens. A great alternative is Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem grass).

Addressing the Supply – Demand Factor

Most of the plants used in gardens and landscaping do not invade or harm wildland areas. But some species escape into open landscapes and cause problems. They displace native plants and wildlife, increase wildfire and flood danger, clog valuable waterways, degrade recreational opportunities and destroy productive range and timber lands.

When a plant species is introduced to a new environment in which it becomes invasive, it proliferates, spreads and takes over natural habitats.

Stopping the spread of invasive plants begins with prevention. If we don’t plant invasive species, they won’t spread!

Landowners literally have thousands of gorgeous non-invasive plants to choose from to meet your gardening needs! Find the perfect match for your landscape without sacrificing bright color, good shape or hardiness. Ask your local nursery professional to suggest non-invasive plants that will flourish in your garden. If native plants are of particular interest to you, check out the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, which has chapters across the state and loads of resources to help you learn about the native flora of our state (including a constantly updated list of nurseries that carry native plant stock). Take the Strike Team Landscape Planting Pledge to show your dedication to not purchasing invasive plants.

Nursery Professionals can be proactive in serving customers while protecting the Garden State’s natural heritage and economy by refraining from selling and installing invasive plants. Our “Do Not Plant” list, available by common name or scientific name, identifies all the plants that are likely to be invasive in New Jersey. That makes it easy for landscapers, retailers and growers to determine which species should be eliminated from consideration as you design and install gardens, select species to sell and propagate plants. We recognize the fact that some invasive plants have deep roots here — they’ve been available for sale for many, many years and both growers and sellers still have a great deal of inventory. We encourage you to phase out problem plants from your product mix — when your current inventory is depleted, select non-invasive alternatives to replace the invasive species. Doing so will help you generate good will within your community and build loyalty amongst your customers by demonstrating that you care about the health of natural systems!

We’ve teamed up with New Jersey Audubon to create the Jersey Plant Pledge, a program through which nursery professionals can receive recognition and other benefits by voluntarily reducing the number of invasive plant species you offer to customers.