Our Native Plants and Their Enemies

Kristin Lacey   Philadelphia Master Gardner

Many of the invasive plants currently eroding our ecosystems, originated as purchases for one’s garden or commercial landscape. We as Master Gardeners need to know our state’s invasive plant species so we may educate our public not to plant these species. At the same time, we can let them know that attractive regional native species are readily available. We must also let folks know that native plants invite more butterflies and birds to spend time in your garden!

To begin this series of blog posts I have provided a list of Pennsylvania’s invasive plant species with the botanical name, as well as, the common name(s).  Future posts will focus on native species. These natives will be chosen for their excellent suitability to our urban climate and unique environments.

Let’s help Pennsylvania’s ecosystems gain genetic diversity and allow the natives to take their environments back!

Check out the list below and feel free to contact me with questions, Kristin.M.Lacey@gmail.com.

Pennsylvania’s Invasive Species*
-know your enemies-
* compiled from paflora.org and Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants by C. Colston

•Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)
•Ailanthus altissima (Tree-of-heaven)
•Alliaria petiolata (Garlic Mustard)
•Arthraxon hispidus (Arthraxon Grass)

•Berberis vulgaris (common Barberry)

•Centaurea maculosa (Spotted Knapweed)

•Elaeagnus spp. (Autumn/Russian Olive)

•Hemerocallis fulva (Orange Daylily)

•Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrilla)

•Ligustrum obtusifolium (Obtuse-leaved Privet)

•Lonicera japonica (Honeysuckle)

•Microstegium vimineum (Japanese Stiltgrass)

•Myriophyllum spicatum (Eurasian Water-milfoil)

•Paulownia tomentosa (Empress-tree)

•Phalaris arundinacea (Reed Canary-grass)

•Phragmites australis (Common Reed)

•Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed)

•Polygonum perfoliatum (Mile-a-minute)

•Pyrus calleryana (Bradford or Callery Pear)

•Ranunculus ficaria (Lesser Celadine)

•Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn)

•Rhodotypos scandens (Black Jetbead)

•Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose)

•Trapa natans (European Water-chestnut)

•Wisteria floribunda (Japanese wisteria)

•Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)

•Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush; summer lilac)

•Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife)

•Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) Climbing a tree in a forested area.