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Swap out invasive ornamentals for Island-native species that support local wildlife.
Can you believe that beach rose (Rosa rugosa) is not native to Martha’s Vineyard? It’s actually not even native to the United States! This classic shrub rose sporting vibrant pink petals hails from coasts in eastern Asia. Despite its distant origins, beach rose has become a poster-plant for the Cape and Islands. Our native Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana), which hosts over 100 species of butterflies and moths, receives considerably less recognition even though it is an authentic Island treasure.
Many common plants have been brought to New England from elsewhere in the world. They grow voraciously without the natural predators from their native ranges to keep their populations in check. These species are often praised at nurseries for their pest resistance, fast growth, and dense cover, which presents an irresistible appeal to landscapers and property owners. In some cases, these plants can become invasive species, growing so aggressively that they disrupt native ecosystems and cause environmental and/or economic harm. Landscapes begin to homogenize as native species, which preserve the beauty and uniqueness of the Island, are replaced with popular non-native ornamentals.
Residential landscapes across the United States are decorated with the same arrangements of invasive plants: Burning bush (Euonymous alatus) sits mulched in garden beds, clumps of silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis) frame driveways, and sculpted border privet hedges (Ligustrum obtusifolium) trail along property lines. Overly abundant and easy to grow, these problem species are so common that they are often believed to be native, including on the Island.
If you want to help maintain Martha’s Vineyard’s iconic native plant communities, consider planting Island-native species in place of their invasive knock-offs.
Common problem plants and their native alternatives:
1. Burning Bush
Burning bush (Euonymus alatus), also known as winged euonymus, is a deciduous shrub native to eastern Asia. It was introduced to the United States in the 1860s as a landscaping plant and has since escaped into the wild. In the fall, its small oval leaves turn a brilliant fiery shade of red, hence the name. The “corky wings” that grow as small ridges along the stems are helpful for identification.
Homeowners may be initially pleased when burning bush pops up in their gardens as a volunteer statement shrub, but this aggressive grower can quickly become a burden. Highly adaptable, burning bush can form resilient thickets that crowd out native species in a variety of light and moisture conditions. A single shrub, with flowers that are equipped with both male and female reproductive parts, can produce an abundance of viable reproducing plants. Spread is facilitated both by seed dispersal and vegetative reproduction upon breakage (i.e. cutting a stem). New infestations form when birds eat the bright red berries and carry the seeds to other locations.
This prolific grower produces leaves earlier in the season and drops them later in the season than many native bushes, leading to a higher survival rate over the winter. Native plants are simply unable to compete. While birds eat the highly abundant berries, they are not as nutritionally valuable as fruits from native shrubs, which provide the fat and energy needed to fuel migration.
Native alternatives
Plenty of Island-native shrubs have crimson colored fall foliage as well as other striking seasonal features. Spring ushers in flower clusters, followed by plump berries in the summer that are picked off by birds. Many birds and beneficial insects have come to rely on native shrubs as a food source and host plant. These shrubs have evolved to thrive in Island conditions making many of them resilient in the face of floods, fires, and leaf-feeding insects. Arrowwood viburnum (viburnum dentatum), for example, will display an array of beautiful fall colors that give burning bush a run for its money. The following Island-native shrubs are fierce competitors with their fall color:
- Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
- Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
- Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
- Northern wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides)
- Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
- Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
2. Miscanthus
Grasses in the Miscanthus genus have become popular ornamental plantings across the eastern United States. Specifically, Miscanthus sinensis has risen the ranks in the nursery trade, leading to many properties and public landscapes being stamped with their signature dramatic appearance. Billowing grassy tendrils with a silver vein form satisfying plumes that complement textures in traditional gardens. Cultivars like zebra grass have made their way into many landscape designers' hearts; striking foliage with sharp yellow bands wins over even the most grass-hating gardeners.
This perennial bunchgrass can succeed in a variety of conditions. It is found in edge habitats, gardens, grasslands, coastal zones, and anthropogenic areas like roadsides and ditches. It can thrive in full sun to part shade, and it spreads readily by both seed and rhizomes.
Large tufts can grow up to 10 feet tall, overshadowing and crowding out the Island's iconic native bunchgrasses. Widespread infestations threaten to monopolize meadows and leave habitats more susceptible to the stresses of climate change. Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis), for instance, is highly flammable and increases the risk of wildfires as its dense stands dry out.
Native alternatives
Martha’s Vineyard is home to several native bunchgrasses that decorate meadows, provide food for birds, and host native butterflies like the Crossline Skipper. A great source of protective cover and nesting material, these grasses will fill space elegantly while helping to maintain the globally rare ecosystems found on the Vineyard. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is the most similar to Chinese silvergrass, with its tall tufts and dramatic seed heads. But nutritious Switchgrass seeds will be eaten by birds in the fall and winter, whereas Chinese silvergrass seedheads are often left unused. Consider planting the following grasses in place of invasive grasses in the Miscanthus genus:
- Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
- Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
3. Privet
Privets (Ligustrum spp.) are found in all shapes and sizes. Most commonly, border privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium) decorates property lines as sculpted hedges. These prized privacy barriers were introduced to North America in the 1800s. Fast growing and resistant to rust (a type of leaf spotting), their simple semi-evergreen leaves offer dense coverage throughout the seasons.
The same characteristics that have made this shrub so sought after have also allowed it to become a successful invasive offender. Mature shrubs produce hundreds of seeds that are dispersed by birds and wildlife well into the winter. New plants can also arise through root sprouts and suckering. Toxic compounds in the leaves deter deer browsing and some leaf-feeding insects. Without predators, privet is able to outcompete native shrubs and hinder the development of surrounding vegetation with its dense stands. The resulting shady conditions can interfere with forest regeneration while favoring the growth of more privets.
This plant’s readily available fruits are junk food for birds, passing through their digestive tracts quickly while providing mainly sugar and water. Specialist insects that have developed intricate relationships with specific plants are threatened when this aggressive spreader takes root in intact native ecosystems. Privets can be found in all regions of Massachusetts, under various growing conditions, making most any vegetative community susceptible to infestation.
Native alternatives
Several Island-native shrubs work well in a hedgerow or in other manicured shapes. These species can bring a tinge of intentionality to a landscape while also servicing native birds, insects, and wildlife. Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a wintergreen shrub in the holly family that will provide year-round cover. It looks similar to a boxwood, and can be sculpted with pruning. Similarly, a mix of arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) and sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) grow happily in a mosaic hedge formation. If you are looking to replace your privet with a native shrub, consider planting one of the following:
- Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
- Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
- Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis)
- Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
- Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
4. Bamboo
Bamboo is native to southeastern Asia and South America, although most cultivated bamboo comes from China. Like many invasive species, it was brought to the United States as a landscaping plant in the 1880s. Praised for its shockingly fast growth and erosion control, it is often planted to achieve dense year-round cover.
In its native range, bamboo is celebrated as a renewable energy source and a carbon sink; It exhibits clumping or running growth patterns that coexist with an ecosystem that has evolved alongside it. Outside of its native range, bamboo forms monocultures that suffocate other plant life and dominate the landscape entirely. There are no natural predators to effectively keep the populations in check, allowing for uninterrupted growth in natural and anthropogenic settings. Bamboo offers virtually no benefit to native wildlife and threatens native plant communities.
An extensive network of underground rhizomes allows for rapid spread that can cross property lines and disrupt infrastructure. Once it’s established, successfully removing it is a huge undertaking, which can decrease property value. Although bamboo is not officially recognized as an invasive species by the state of Massachusetts, it has received that designation in New York.
Native alternatives
There are a few different replacements for bamboo, depending on the desired outcome. If you are looking for a dense colony of coverage, consider planting a shrub or tree that forms groves. Several shrubs, including winged sumac (Rhus copallinum), smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), silky dogwood (Swida amomum), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin), will grow in colonies. Beetlebung (Nyssa sylvatica) can similarly grow in groves under the right conditions. Grasses may also better mimic the aesthetic appeal of bamboo; native bunchgrasses like big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) might scratch the itch, although they don’t grow as tall. Consider replacing bamboo with one of the following:
- Winged sumac (Rhus copallinum)
- Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)
- Silky dogwood (Swida amomum)
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
- Beetlebung (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
5. Chinese & Japanese Wisteria
Both Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) decorate trellises, gazebos, and gardens with clusters of light purple flowers. Some people even create dedicated wisteria gardens to show off the vine’s unique beauty. However, introducing wisteria to a property can become a lifelong commitment: this commercially available woody vine is a long-lived perennial, surviving for 50 years or more.
Chinese wisteria was introduced to the United States in 1860 as an ornamental planting, and Japanese wisteria was introduced in 1830. Both thrive in deep, loamy, well-drained soils but can successfully grow in a variety of conditions.
Wisteria easily escapes from yards and infests wild areas from the forest floor to the canopy. The trailing vines twine clockwise and can climb up tree trunks over 60 feet tall. The trunks of mature plants grow to be over 15 inches in diameter, eventually girdling and killing their hosts. New vines arise from the nodes of trailing stems that stretch great distances. Under the right conditions, the plants also produce seeds, which explode from their pods and can be dispersed by water flow. As new plants sprout from seeds or vegetatively, they open broad compound leaves that shade surrounding areas like a carpet across the forest floor.
Managing a wisteria infestation can be a long, grueling process. Although wisteria is not officially recognized as an invasive species by the state of Massachusetts, it is in Connecticut.
Native alternatives
The Island harbors several native vines that are dainty additions to a trellis or other suitable surfaces. Grape vines (Vitis spp.) are fast-growing and full coverage options that will dangle bunches of fragrant, dark purple grapes in the fall; we’re on a vineyard, after all! Consider planting one of our Island-native vines as both an aesthetic addition to your property and a resource for local wildlife.
- Summer Grape (Vitis aestivalis)
- Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca)
- Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
- Virginia Virgin’s-bower (Clematis virginiana), not Island-native but native to Nantucket and the mainland
6. Norway Maple
In the early spring, as tree buds are about to burst, Norway maple (Acer platanoids) leaves are already unfurled and reaching for sunlight. Perhaps because of our love for our native red maple (Acer rubrum), people often misidentify Norway maple or believe it to be native to Martha’s Vineyard, and therefore don’t recognize it as the imported species that it is.
The Norway maple comes from Europe and western Asia, where it is one of the most common maple trees. The first two saplings were introduced to the United States in 1792 when George Washington bought the trees to plant at Mount Vernon. Soon after, Norway maples were being planted along roads and in urban settings to replace elm trees after Dutch elm disease struck.
Both a generalist species and fast growing, Norway maple can insert itself in mature forest communities. While its shade-tolerance allows it to compete under closed canopies, it also takes advantage of sunlight gaps after tree fall or removal. Saplings can lay dormant in low light and grow rapidly once they get access to sunlight. These maples can be found in a variety of habitats, including disturbed anthropogenic sites, wetlands, edge areas, early or late successional forests, and open areas.
Native alternatives
Finding a native replacement for Norway maple is simple: plant red maple (Acer rubrum) instead! This tree is easy to grow in a variety of conditions and displays dazzling fall color. Its early bloom welcomes a myriad of native bees in search of nectar, as well as birds who frequently nest and search for food nearby. Various native moths and butterflies use this tree as a host plant, including the iconic rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda).
7. Japanese Wineberry
Many casual foragers enjoy wineberries (Rubus phoenicolasius) as a trailside treat in the summer months. The sweet juicy fruits are especially abundant along roadsides and other paths, making it easy to reach out and grab a handful. This thorny shrub was brought to the United States in 1890 from Asia to be bred with other Rubus species for agricultural purposes. Many qualities made it ideal for breeding Rubus cultivars: abundant small shiny fruits, pest resistance, fast growth, adaptability, ample reproduction, and a sweet, candy-like flavor.
By the 1970s, wineberry had escaped cultivation and was growing invasively, forming dense thickets in wild areas. It commonly appears at the edges of paths where vegetation has been disturbed, leaving the terrain vulnerable to invasion. Many places in nature where a human can comfortably walk have experienced some level of disturbance, which is why we so commonly encounter invasive species when out walking.
Wineberries are eaten by birds, and the seeds are distributed long distances. This allows for widespread dispersal and somewhat unpredictable infestations. Although birds do eat wineberries, birdwatchers have observed birds eschewing wineberries in favor of native berries that are more nutritionally valuable, even when the native berries are scarce.
Native alternatives
When berry picking season rolls around, it’s extra rewarding to have a patch of native berries for you and the local wildlife to munch on. Luckily, Martha’s Vineyard is home to a variety of wild, edible fruits that are just as delicious, if not more so, than the wineberry. For instance, common blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) attracts native butterflies and bees and is a host plant for the striped hairstreak butterfly (Satyrium liparops strigosum). If you are hoping to start a berry patch, consider planting one of the varieties below, all of which provide valuable nectar, pollen, and cover, as well as fruit.
- Common blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis)
- Vermont blackberry (Rubus vermontanus)
- Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)
- Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
- Lowush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)
- Blue huckleberry (Gaylussacia frondosa)
- Black huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata)
8. Asian Bush Honeysuckles: Amur, Tartarian, Morrow’s & Bell’s
You may have grown up picking honeysuckle flowers and gently pulling a light-colored “string,” called the style, to reveal a drop of tasty nectar. While this has become a common experience among Americans, many of the honeysuckles we’ve grown to love are actually invasive species.
Amur, Tartarian, Morrow’s, and Bell’s honeysuckles are native throughout Asia. Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is native to Japan and China, Morrow's (Lonicera morrowii) is native to Japan, Tartarian (Lonicera tatarica) is from Russia and Central Asia, and Bell's honeysuckle (Lonicera x bella) is a hybrid of L. morrowii and L. tatarica. These non-native shrubs have hollow stems and flowers that range in color from white, to yellow, to pink. In the late summer, bright red berries appear, which are useful for identification.
Asian bush honeysuckles can tolerate shade, sun, and a variety of soil types, making them dangerous competition for native plants. They form dense stands in forests, urban and suburban areas, floodplains, wetlands, edge areas, open areas, and roadsides. Soil chemistry and sunlight availability for other plants is altered when a stand becomes well established.
As is true with most other fruit-bearing invasive plants, birds will eat and distribute the seed, but honeysuckle berries are nutritionally inferior to native species’ fruit.
Native alternatives
Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia) blooms are fragrant white flowers with a scent so pleasant that you won’t even miss the honeysuckle smell! This native shrub is a host plant for the sweet pepperbush nola moth and will attract an array of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
9. Goutweed
Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria) is native to Europe and northern Asia and was introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental groundcover. The lowlying compound leaves provide a thick coverage, producing a white, lacy flower under the right conditions. Cultivated varieties have been used for medicinal purposes to treat gout and to create variegated foliage.
This herbaceous perennial prefers moist soils and light shade but can infiltrate a variety of habitats. Dense colonies typically form in floodplains. Goutweed spreads aggressively by roots, which can fragment and grow new plants. Soil contaminated with these fragments can lead to new infestations.
Once established, goutweed alters soil chemistry by releasing compounds from its roots and foliage that disrupt nutrient cycling. Its vigorous growth and reproduction also outcompetes neighboring plants for soil moisture and nutrients.
Native alternatives
You don’t need an exotic plant to achieve a green carpet of ground cover. Several native species blanket areas with dashing foliage and appealing flowers. Wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), for example, is a low-growing wildflower that will creep along the forest floor. Flashy pink flowers emerge in the early spring, offering a nectar source for native bees in search of food. A larval host for several native moths, wild geranium presents significant value to wildlife while being a compelling ornamental. If you are in search of a native ground cover, consider planting wild geranium or one or more of the following species:
- Spotted cranesbill (Geranium maculatum)
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum stellatum)
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
- Canada mayflower (Maianthemum canadense)
- Trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens)
10. Yellow Flag Iris
Bright yellow flowers in May might seem like a cheery sign of spring, but if they’re blooming from the yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus), it’s actually a sign of trouble! This striking invasive flower is so pretty that it’s hard to believe the damage it can do.
Yellow flag iris grows naturally in temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It was brought to the United States in the 1700s as an ornamental plant, where it was propagated for water gardens and ponds. Rhizomes and seed dispersal create dense clonal colonies that displace native plants and homogenize landscapes. Infestations can occur adjacent to bodies of water and in open wetlands, forested wetlands, and some dry soils.
Rhizomes can persist for long periods of time, both dried and as fragments. They can remain viable through droughts and fires. Both rhizomes and seeds float in water and can be transported downstream, leading to widespread infestations.
Native alternatives
Wet-loving plants are some of the most beautiful native wildflowers on the Island. Appearing in a variety of shapes, heights, and colors, these species are sure to turn heads of both people and wildlife. Our native northern blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) produces a complex deep purple-blue flower with streaks of yellow and white. This hardy perennial will grow in bunches, filling the desired areas with showstopping early blooms. There are several other wetland species that will do well in place of yellow flag iris. Consider planting a mix of the following species:
- Northern blue flag iris (Iris versicolor)
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
- Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium fistulosum)
- Seedbox (Ludwigia alternifolia)
- Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
Resources
Sourcing native plants can be difficult, so it is important to be informed before you open your wallet. Aim for Martha’s Vineyard wildtype plants, meaning plants whose seeds have been collected on-Island. Sometimes the native plant tags in nurseries can be misleading: many of these species tend to be North American natives rather than Martha’s Vineyard or even New England natives. Avoid cultivars of a native species, which can be identified by their theatrical nicknames in quotation marks, such as “Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis ‘Crimson Wave')”.
The Polly Hill Arboretum has a selection of Martha’s Vineyard wildtype native plant species. They also have an online plant finder that can help identify what species are native to the island. The Native Plant Trust has a similar database called Go Botany that can be used to determine which species are Island-native and which are not. You can also order native seeds online from the Wild Seed Project website or the Garden for Wildlife website.
If you need assistance identifying the plant life that exists on your property, iNaturalist can be a helpful tool. Upload images to iNaturalist and receive several computer generated recommendations on what the species might be. Then, wait for seasoned naturalists to review your post and either verify your identification or suggest otherwise. Each observation you post will be automatically uploaded to the Martha’s Vineyard Atlas of Life, which catalogs the species found on the Island.
Similarly, schedule a Natural Neighbors site visit to learn more about what plant and animal life can be found on your property and how you can better support it. This BiodiversityWorks program offers free personalized consultations to help all Islanders contribute to biodiversity.
Takeaways
Native plants form intricate relationships with local wildlife, birds, and insects that have evolved alongside them. A healthy ecosystem requires balance and biodiversity to remain beneficial. Invasive vegetation is like a misfit cog in the machine, a part that doesn’t benefit the function of the landscape. Without natural predators or equivalent competition, these plants cause tremendous damage to ecosystems and the insect and animal communities that rely on them.
Planting native species in place of these invasive plants can help maintain the unique natural beauty of the place we call home. It’s time we start rooting for the home team!
