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A Guide for Southern Ontario
Beautiful Non-Invasive
Plants for your Garden
Edition 3, 2020
Foreword Table of Contents
Foreword from Horticulture Outreach Collaborative........... 1
Welcome to the third edition of Grow Me Instead. Whether you are a
Impacts of Invasive Plants in Ontario..................................3
novice or a seasoned pro, a hobbyist or a professional, a designer or
Native Plants........................................................................4
a builder, this guide is for you.
Gardening Best Management Practices............................... 5
Back in 2009, a group of ecologists and horticulturalists gathered Ontario Invasive Species Act................................................ 6
to discuss the issue of invasive garden plants. They formed the Groundcovers, Wildflowers and Grasses
Horticulture Outreach Collaborative (HOC), which soon became a Periwinkle, Lily-of-the-Valley.......................................................7
committee of the Ontario Invasive Plant Council (OIPC). Although
HOC has worked on numerous projects, none has generated as much Goutweed, Yellow Archangel.......................................................9
discussion and received as much praise as this little guide. And so it Wintercreeper...........................................................................11
is with great pleasure that we introduce this third edition of Grow English Ivy, Bugleweed.............................................................13
Me Instead (GMI) for Southern Ontario.
Creeping Jenny.........................................................................15
More than 70,000 people have picked-up earlier editions of GMI Daylily......................................................................................17
and countless more have referred to or downloaded them online.
With updated plant profiles and photos as well as more information Miscanthus...............................................................................19
on plant availability and wildlife connections, we believe this third
Trees and Shrubs
edition is the best yet.
Norway Maple, Amur Maple.....................................................23
The most successful projects are collaborative in nature, and GMI Winged Euonymus....................................................................25
is no exception to the rule. We thank past and present OIPC staff
Russian Olive, Autumn Olive.....................................................27
members and HOC committee members as well as everyone who
has picked-up a guide over the last eight years and let us know what Japanese Barberry
they thought, good and bad. Tartarian, Amur, Morrow, Bells, European Fly Honeysuckles........29
Multiflora Rose.........................................................................31
Most especially, we would like to thank the Ontario Federation of
Anglers and Hunters’ Invading Species Awareness Program, Toronto Sea Buckthorn..........................................................................33
Botanical Garden, and the Invasive Species Centre for driving this Vines
third edition home. Japanese Honeysuckle Vine.......................................................37
Yours in conservation, Oriental Bittersweet..................................................................39
Colin Cassin and Colleen Cirillo Aquatics
Yellow Iris................................................................................41
HOC committee co-chairs Flowering Rush.........................................................................43
Water Lettuce, Water Soldier.....................................................47
European Frog-bit, Yellow Floating Heart...................................49
Fanwort, Hydrilla......................................................................51
Watch List...........................................................................55
Acknowledgements............................................................57
Brenda Van Ryswyk
1 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 2
Grow Me Instead • Reduced forage quality and quantity on rangelands
• Increased competition for light, nutrients and water on tree
Gardening is a popular activity in southern Ontario and around the
seedling farms
world. When practiced in a thoughtful manner, it is part of society’s
wise response to climate change and biodiversity loss – two of our • Additional tourism nuisances such as punctured tires, trail
greatest global challenges. Invasive plants contribute greatly to the obstruction and degraded vistas
later and cost governments and land owners tremendously.
• Water quality and quantity degradation due to increased erosion
This practical and easy-to-use guide is part of that thoughtful and sedimentation
approach. It informs gardeners about the invasive tendencies of
common garden plants and suggests appropriate non-invasive Invasive plant removal is extremely difficult, if not impossible,
alternatives. In addition, it provides tips for ecologically-sound especially when well-established over large areas. Prevention of
gardening and a list of related resources. new invasions is of paramount importance.
Invasive plants Native plants
A non-native plant is a plant that is introduced into an area for A native plant has existed in an area for millennia, and has evolved
horticultural or agricultural reasons, or by accident. Many non- in the presence of native soils and climate, and in tandem with
native plants in southern Ontario are beneficial to society and other native species of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria. This
non-threatening to native biodiversity, others are benign. Only a vegetation may also be referred to as indigenous. Native plants
few are invasive. exist as part of naturally-forming communities and have important
ecological roles to play. The native plants of southern Ontario are
An invasive plant is a non-native plant whose introduction diverse, and beautiful.
negatively impacts native biodiversity, the economy and/or society,
including human health. Second to habitat loss, invasive species While it is true that non-native plants can provide shelter, nesting
have been identified by the International Union for Conservation of opportunities and some food options for wildlife, native plants
Nature as the most significant threat to biodiversity. support a greater diversity and number of wildlife, including the
bees, butterflies and birds we love to see in our gardens. The
Invasive plants have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts. They significant difference is the ability of native plants to support
reduce populations of native plants and the insects that depend native insects.
on those plants, permanently altering communities and ecosystem
functions, and costing economies millions of dollars each year. It’s a chemistry thing. Our plant-eating insects have evolved with
native plants so that they can combat the defenses of some of
Invasive plants impact a great number and diversity of citizens, them and avoid those for which they cannot. Many insects – at
regions and industries across southern Ontario, as detailed in the least in the larva stage – are specialized. This means that they feed
list below: on one specific plant or a small number of plants only. The monarch
is the perfect specialization example as it only consumes milkweed
• Increased monitoring and maintenance costs (labour, plant
in its larva form (caterpillar).
replacement and chemical use) for public parks and gardens, land
trusts and private land managers Non-native plants are brand new to native insects and not
palatable. Our insects have not evolved with them and cannot
combat their chemical defenses to consume them and derive
nourishment. So when our gardens and parks are filled with non-
native plants, we have fewer insects and fewer birds that rely on
them for food. So add some native plants to your garden to best
support our native wildlife at all stages of life, and transform your
garden into a vibrant, dynamic space!
A list of native plant nurseries can be found in the Additional
Resources section at the end of this guide.
Jessica Rose Powell
3 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 4
Caring for your garden and nearby Ontario’s Invasive Species Act
natural areas The Invasive Species Act (ISA) came into force on November 3rd, 2016.
The goal of the Invasive Species Act is to support the prevention, early
• Learn what plants are in your garden. The website iNaturalist.org is a detection, response to and eradication of invasive species in Ontario.
great free source of experts whom readily provide identification support. Preventing invasive species from arriving and becoming established in
• If an invasive is discovered, remove to prevent spread using Ontario is critical in the fight against this growing threat.
techniques such as digging, flower head removal before seed set, Some key elements of the Invasive Species Act include:
or hiring a professional to apply herbicides. • Giving Ontario the tools to regulate invasive species as either
• When removing invasive plants, do not place them in your Prohibited or Restricted and banning activities such as buying,
backyard composter as the temperatures will not get high enough selling, possessing and transporting certain invasive species;
to kill the seeds or plant parts. Some compost programs at waste • Enabling response actions to address urgent threats, and;
management facilities may reach a heat high enough to kill viable • Helping to promote compliance through modernized inspection and
plant parts (ie. Seeds and roots). It is always good to call ahead enforcement measures.
first and inquire. Otherwise, a best practice is to place the material
in black garbage bags and dispose of them with your household Ontario has regulated several invasive species including plants under
garbage. Some particularly hardy invasive plants may require the ISA. The following is a list of plant species currently regulated under
prolonged solar heating within the garbage bags to ensure all the ISA in Ontario.
plant material is thoroughly killed.
• Do not throw your garden or yard waste over your fence into
Prohibited Invasive Species
natural areas. This is a proven way that invasive plants spread into It is illegal to import, possess, deposit, release, transport, breed/grow,
natural areas. buy, sell, lease or trade these prohibited invasive species in Ontario:
• Do not dump any aquatic plants or animals into natural waterways • Brazilian Elodea (also known as Brazilian Waterweed) (Egeria densa)
or ponds. • European Water Chestnut (Trapa natans)
• Do not remove vegetation from natural areas; they may be rare • Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)
native plants or even invasive plants. • Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
• Purchase non-invasive or native plants from reputable suppliers. • Water Soldier (Stratiotes aloides)
A list of nurseries specializing in native plants can be found in the
Additional Resources section at the end of this guide. Restricted Invasive Species
• Talk to growers and express the demand for native, non-invasive It is illegal to import, deposit, release, breed/grow, buy, sell, lease or
alternatives. trade these four restricted invasive species:
• Report invasive species sightings to the Invading Species • Dog-strangling Vine (Vincetoxicum rossicum) (syn. Cynanchum rossicum)
Awareness Program’s hotline 1-800-563-7711 or Early • Black Dog-strangling Vine (Vincetoxicum louiseae)
Detection and Distribution Mapping System for Ontario (syn. Cynanchum louiseae)
(eddmaps.org/ontario).
• Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica var. japonica)
Freyja Whitten
(syn. Reynoutria japonica var. japonica)
• Phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp. australis)
5 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 6
Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
PERIWINKLE is native to INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
Europe, but can now be shady woodland garden
found in gardens throughout
Growing conditions: sun to
North America. Its popularity
partial shade; dry to moderate;
D
is based on its ease of care,
TE
sand or clay
AN
dense growth, and its ability to
W
grow in dry shade, a difficult Size and shape: 30 – 60 cm
UN
gardening situation. tall; clump-forming
Periwinkle grows to a height of R. Old Flower and fruit: showy pink City of Toronto
10 – 15 cm and is characterized or magenta blooms in late-
by glossy evergreen foliage and Periwinkle spring and early-summer Wild Geranium
(Vinca minor) (Geranium maculatum)
long-lasting blue-violet flowers. Leaves: loose mounds of
It has few pests or diseases deeply-lobed leaves
outside its native range, which contributes to its persistence. It
spreads via its shallow root system and can survive in a range of Additional info: nectar source for hummingbirds; often forms colonies
soil conditions.
LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY is an INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
herbaceous perennial native shady woodland garden
to Eurasia which has escaped
Growing conditions: prefers
cultivation in North America.
partial shade and dry to moist
D
This highly poisonous plant
TE
and well-drained soils; adaptable
AN
spreads rapidly via rhizomes,
W
and tolerates a range of Size and shape: 25 – 50 cm tall
UN
growing conditions, forming Flower and fruit: terminal
dense colonies in the landscape. F. Whitten clusters of white star-shaped K. Powell
S.Smith
Lily-of-the-valley prefers shaded flowers in spring followed by
areas with filtered light and Lily-of-the-valley distinctive green-and-black Starry Solomon’s Seal
(Convallaria majalis) striped berries, which turn deep (Maianthemum stellatum)
is found in urban parks and
ravines, and more remote red when ripe
settings of natural woodlands Leaves: alternating/zigzag-like arrangement of lance-shaped
of southern and central Ontario. leaves clasped on stem
In these habitats, it out- Additional info: spreads by rhizomes and forms colonies
competes many native
woodland groundcovers.
F. Whitten
7 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 8Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
GOUTWEED is native to Eurasia INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
but can now be found in gardens shade/partial light
throughout North America.
Growing conditions: tolerant
Also referred to as Bishop’s weed of wide light range, and dry to
D
TE
and snow on the mountain, moist soils
AN
this perennial groundcover
W
Size and shape: 50 – 100 cm;
UN
tolerates a wide range of soil
forms large carpets
conditions. It is highly shade-
tolerant and competitive once R. Krick Flower and fruit: delicate K. Powell
established, reproducing by seed flowers in white, violet or
and spreading by underground Goutweed lavender; many flowers per plant Large-leaved Aster
(Aegopodium podagraria) (Eurybia macrophylla)
stems called rhizomes. It is most Leaves: heart-shaped large basal
commonly found around shrubs leaves (5 – 15 cm), with oval/
in old gardens. lance-shaped gradually becoming
Plants grow about 30 cm high smaller as they ascend the stem
with green leaves that are divided Additional info: this aster is
into three leaflets. Some cultivars widespread in Ontario woodlands
have variegated leaflets that are and edge habitats, and one of the
green near the centre but whitish first asters to bloom
around their margins. Umbrella- L. J. Mehrhoff K. Powell
like white flowers appear in
mid-summer.
YELLOW ARCHANGEL is an INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover; ALTERNATIVE
invasive perennial ground cover woodland habitat garden
from the native to Europe.
Growing conditions: tolerate
This invasive groundcover is
a range of light conditions
D
a member of the mint family
TE
but prefer partial shade; dry
AN
and often escapes cultivation
to moist soil (adapted to dry
W
establishing in a range of
UN
conditions)
conditions, from full shade to
full sun, and from moist to Size and shape: 50 – 80 cm tall;
A. Oommen K. Powell
dry soils. It has been known tends to grow in groups/clumps
to survive extreme conditions Yellow Archangel Flower and fruit: golden Zigzag Goldenrod
such as periods of drought, (Lamiastrum galeobdolon) yellow flowers bloom in late (Solidago flexicaulis)
and in soils with high pH, such summer and early fall in
as those found within cedar and hemlock dominant woodlands. pinnacles spread along the top of the stem
Its ability to adapt to a broad spectrum of habitats and conditions
make it very successful at out-competing native flora. Leaves: coarsely toothed, point, oval-heart shaped leaves arranged
along zigzag shaped stems
Yellow archangel reproduces via seed, root fragments, and through
stolons, which produce roots and shoots at the leaf base near Additional info: flowers very nice addition for autumn colour
the ground, enabling it to form extensive ground cover from an
individual plant.
9 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 10Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
WINTERCREEPER is a woody, INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
shade-tolerant evergreen shady woodland or rock garden
trailing shrub or climbing vine
Growing conditions: partial
native to Asia. Its attractive
to full shade; average to moist,
D
foliage and versatility for hedge,
TE
humus rich loam soils
AN
foundation, and erosion control
W
plantings have made it a Size and shape: 13 – 25 cm tall
UN
desirable ornamental. Flower and fruit: small white
Wintercreeper grows in urban James H. Miller star-like flowers on spikes in S. Coulbert
and disturbed areas as well as a spring and early-summer
variety of forest types. Seeds are Wintercreeper Foamflower
(Euonymus fortunei)
Leaves: maple-like leaves (Tiarella cordifolia)
dispersed by birds into natural turn red in fall and remain
areas where they form dense throughout winter
and aggressive groundcovers.
Additional info: spreads by
Characterized by finely toothed, egg-shaped evergreen foliage and runners
inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers, wintercreeper can grow
1 m tall as a shrub and up to 22 m as a vine. With few pests and
pathogens affecting its growth in Ontario, this ornamental is a S. Coulbert
persistent invader of native groundcover habitat.
Garden use: groundcover in shade ALTERNATIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
shady location
Growing conditions: partial
shade; rich and moist; well- Growing conditions: partial
drained soil to full shade; moist conditions
Size and shape: low, trailing Size and shape: 25 – 50 cm;
deciduous shrub up to 45 cm tall low growing
Flower and fruit: red berries Flower and fruit: white to
in the fall S. James light purple tubular flowers with R. Gray
protruding stamens
Leaves: dense foliage turns
Running Euonymus Virginia Waterleaf
scarlet in the fall (Euonymus obovatus)
Leaves: broadly triangular (Hydrophyllum virginianum)
leaves, lobed almost to the
Additional info: native to
midrib; some specimens with
eastern North America
a distinguishable spotted (or
water droplet-like) appearance
on the leaves
Additional info: attracts native
R. Gray
bees and other pollinators
11 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 12Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
ENGLISH IVY is native to INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
Europe, western Asia and sunny gardens
northern Africa. It has been
Growing conditions: sun;
developed into hundreds of
sand, loam or clay; dry to
D
varieties and can now be
TE
average soil
AN
found in gardens throughout
W
North America. Size and shape: low-growing
UN
and spreading; 15 cm tall
Although technically a vine,
this evergreen perennial F&K Starr Flower and fruit: small white R. Gray
is commonly used as a flowers in late-spring; small
groundcover in dense shade. English Ivy edible red berries early-summer Wild Strawberry
(Hedera helix) (Fragaria virginiana)
Whether in shade or sun, Leaves: three-lobed and toothed
English ivy will persist and
spread vegetatively through its long vines that root at the nodes in Additional info: spreads by
almost any soil type. It is easily identified by its dark green three- runners and forms colonies
lobed leaves placed alternately on its flexible woody vine.
Despite its pervasiveness in gardens and nearby natural areas, not
a single North American animal uses English ivy for food. Indeed,
this is one of the causes of its invasive nature, the other being its
considerable adaptability. R. Gray
BUGLEWEED is a low- INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
growing, perennial groundcover shady location
native to Europe, Africa and
Growing conditions: part
Asia. Its pleasant blue blossoms
sun to shade; average to moist,
D
and ability to suppress weeds
TE
humus-rich soil
AN
and cover shaded areas made
W
it popular for filling in lawns, Size and shape: 15 – 20 cm
UN
stabilizing slopes and covering tall; clump-forming
areas under trees and shrubs. K. Peterson Flower and fruit: single F. Whitten
Bugleweed spreads through maroon flower under leaves in
stolons quickly taking over Bugleweed late-spring Wild Ginger
(Ajuga reptans) (Asarum canadense)
native groundcover and gardens. Leaves: soft green heart-shaped
It is characterized by glossy, dark
green-purple egg-shaped leaves with the narrow end towards the Additional info: spreads slowly by roots to form attractive
base and upright spikes of dense blueish-purple flowers. groundcover; drought-tolerant once established; deer-resistant;
roots have a sweet ginger smell
13 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 14Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
CREEPING JENNY is an INVASIVE Garden use: groundcover; ALTERNATIVE
herbaceous perennial plant native plant garden; roadside,
native to Eurasia. It is favored prairie and meadow gardens
by gardeners for its low
Growing conditions:
D
stature and ability to grow in
TE
adaptable to a variety of light
AN
wet areas in a wide range of
and soil conditions, but does
W
light conditions.
UN
best in partial to full sun and
Creeping Jenny grows 20 – moist soils
60 cm long and 5 – 10 cm L. J. Mehrhoff K. Powell
Size and shape: 30 – 60 cm tall
high. The toothless, spade
shaped leaves can vary from Creeping Jenny Flower and fruit: showy Canada Anemone
(Lysimachia nummularia) white flowers emerge from late (Anemone canadensis)
green to yellow in colour
based on sunlight exposure. May through the summer
Flowers are yellow with dark red spots, though they rarely form. Leaves: deeply lobed and
It spreads vegetatively, creating a dense leafy mat excluding toothed leaves
other native herbaceous vegetation from establishing.
Additional info: great
for pollinators with long
B. van Ryswyk
blooming period
Garden use: specimen ALTERNATIVE Garden use: groundcover for ALTERNATIVE
planting, showy-addition shade; woodland garden
Growing conditions: partial Growing conditions: part
sun/shade to full shade; moist, sun to deciduous shade (needs
rich, organic soils spring sun); average to most soil
Size and shape: 10 – 15 cm tall; Size and shape: up to 40 cm
solitary plants; will colonize space tall with one or two leaves
over time in optimal conditions
F. Whitten Flower and fruit: a single S. Coulber
Flower and fruit: bright white white flower under leaves in
with 8 to 16 white petals, with Bloodroot spring Mayapple
green/yellow center (Sanguinaria canadensis) (Podophyllum peltatum)
Leaves: large, umbrella-like,
Leaves: blue-green leaves deeply lobed leaves unravel in
are oval with deep lobes and early spring
smooth texture
Additional info: one of the
Additional info: ephemeral first wildflowers to emerge
early spring blooms that benefit in spring; flowers attract
K. Powell S. Coulbar
pollinators and ants will die back bumblebees though the primary
allowing for increased leaf growth mechanism of pollination is still
poorly understood; in part of its
range, mayapple relies on box turtles for seed dispersal
15 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 16Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
DAYLILY is a perennial flowering INVASIVE Garden use: native plant garden; ALTERNATIVE
plant introduced from Asia in the prairie and meadow gardens
early 19th century. This popular
Growing conditions: partial
garden plant was admired due
shade to full sun; moist soils (will
D
to its beauty, hardiness, ability
TE
tolerate a range of conditions)
AN
to spread and showy blooms.
W
It is commonly found having Size and shape: 50 – 100 cm
UN
escaped cultivation in urban tall; can produce dense stands
environments, along roadsides, with cultivation
F. Whitten S. Coulber
and encroaching into open Flower and fruit: several
meadows, woodland edges, and Daylily flowers from one flower stalk; Michigan Lily
riparian (shoreline) areas. (Hemerocallis fulva) 6 petal-like deep red-orange (Lilium michiganense)
Daylilies are tolerant of a tepals, spotted in brown, curve
variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, in dry to moist backwards deeply
environments. These plants spread via seed and a network of Leaves: blade-like and tapered (15 cm, becoming smaller as they
tuberous roots, and can reproduce and proliferate from a small ascend the stem); whorled around the round stem in groups of 5 to 9
fragment left behind during removal.
Additional info: great attractant for swallowtail butterflies and
ruby-throated hummingbirds
Garden use: groundcover; ALTERNATIVE Garden use: mass planting; ALTERNATIVE
native plant garden; roadside, tall groundcover; container;
prairie and meadow gardens prairie and meadow gardens
Growing conditions: full Growing conditions: full sun
sun; average to dry soil; to partial shade; well-drained/
drought tolerant loamy, sandy or clay soil; drought
tolerant
Size and shape: 90 – 120 cm
tall; usually produces single stout Size and shape: rosette of
S. Coulber F. Whitten
stems that have coarse white leaves the first year and flowers
hairs may produce multi-stemmed Pale Purple Coneflower in the second year; forms bushy, Black-eyed Susan
clumps in gardens (Echinacea pallida) upright clumps that can reach (Rudbeckia hirta)
1m in height
Flower and fruit: flowers can
be different shades of purple or white depending on cultivar; single Flower and fruit: flowers bloom atop single stems; 8 to 20 golden
flowers are produced on top of the stem; prominent centre cone orange petals with brown centres; blooms from July to October
surrounded by long, slender drooping florets; blooms in early summer
Leaves: leaves are covered with bristly hairs; oval in shape and
Leaves: most leaves occur at the plant base, some may alternate scattered
along the lower portion of the stem; lower surfaces of the leaves are
Additional info: attracts birds and butterflies
covered with fine white hairs; leaves are sword-like, up to 25 cm long
Additional info: attracts butterflies and birds
17 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 18Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
Miscanthus grasses are native INVASIVE Garden use: ornamental grass ALTERNATIVE
to Africa and Asia, but many in border plantings; intermixed
species are used in gardens in with wildflowers in prairie and
temperate regions around the meadow gardens as well as
D
world. Some common species rooftop gardens
TE
AN
include Chinese silver grass,
Growing conditions: full sun to
W
zebra grass, amur silver grass,
UN
partial shade; well-drained sand
among others.
or loam
Miscanthus is a perennial plant F. Whitten D. Laxton
Size and shape: 1 – 2.5 m tall,
that grows 2 m or more in
Miscanthus clumping grass Big Bluestem
height and forms dense clumps.
(Miscanthus sinensis and M. sacchariflorus) Flower and fruit: blue-red (Andropogon gerardii)
Flower heads change in colour
“turkey’s foot” flowers in summer
from red to pink, before maturing to a silver colour. It spreads by
rhizomes and seed. Leaves: elegant blades turn
bronze in the fall
Additional info: extremely
drought-tolerant and useful for
R. Gray
erosion control; attracts birds
and butterflies
Garden use: mid-sized ALTERNATIVE Garden use: mid-sized ALTERNATIVE
ornamental grass important to ornamental grass with
prairie ecosystems conspicuous flower
Growing conditions: full sun; Growing conditions: partial
adapted to soils ranging from sun to partial shade; slightly dry
sandy to clay-loam to moist, loamy soils
Size and shape: 0.5 – 1 m tall, Size and shape: 1 – 2 m
clumping bunchgrass
D. Laxton Flower and fruit: together the R. Gray
Flower and fruit: shining, green-brown, bristly spikelets
white seed tufts mature in fall Little Bluestem resemble a bottlebrush Bottlebrush Grass
(Schizachyrium scoparium) (Elymus hystrix)
Leaves: slender blue-green Leaves: leaves are alternate,
leaves in spring become vibrant grayish-green to dark green; up
red-tan in fall to 30 cm long and 1.5 cm wide
Additional info: vibrant Additional info: this grass can
colour remains into early winter; be found in a range of habitats
seeds are valued food source to including deciduous woodlands,
R. Gray R. Gray
small birds throughout winter small meadows and partially
shaded riverbanks
19 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 20Groundcovers, Wildflowers
and Grasses
Garden use: ornamental grass; ALTERNATIVE Garden use: ornamental grass ALTERNATIVE
dry garden in border plantings; intermixed
with wildflowers in prairie and
Growing conditions: full sun;
meadow gardens as well as
sand to clay; dry to medium soils
rooftop gardens
Size and shape: 1 – 2 m tall;
Growing conditions: full sun
densely clumping
to partial shade; dry to moist
Flower and fruit: loosely sand, loam and clay
clustered seed head S. Brinker B. van Ryswyk
Size and shape: 1 – 2.5 m tall
Leaves: coarse blue-green leaves
Switchgrass Flower and fruit: rich gold- Indian Grass
Additional info: easy to grow, (Panicum virgatum) purple sprays of flowers and (Sorghastrum nutans)
slow-spreading and long-lived; seeds in the fall
consumed by wildlife and livestock
Leaves: long, flat and narrow blades are dull to dark green
Additional info: drought and compaction-tolerant; consumed by
wildlife and livestock
Garden use: low growing, ALTERNATIVE Garden use: low growing, ALTERNATIVE
clumping, grass-like perennial clumping, grass-like perennial
suitable as a groundcover or suitable as a groundcover
rain garden addition
Growing conditions: part
Growing conditions: part share to full shade; thrives in
shade to full shade; dry to consistent, mid-moisture soils, but
moist soils can tolerate drier or rocky soils
Size and shape: 15 – 30 cm Size and shape: 15 – 30 cm
tall; clumping T. Quin tall; clumping S. Brinker
Flower and fruit: dark to Pennsylvania Sedge Flower and fruit: Ivory Sedge
purple-brown flowering spikes (Carex pensylvanica) inconspicuous flowers; small, (Carex eburnea)
blooming in late spring dark fruiting bodies forming
later in summer
Leaves: pale green leaves turn to sandy-tan in fall; narrow leaves
up to 30 cm in length Leaves: soft, thread-like, green leaves from a spherical clump
Additional info: turfgrass substitute under suitable conditions Additional info: great low-maintenance alternative for rock gardens
requiring little to no regular mowing; can be difficult to grow from seed or areas with thin soils; tolerates deer grazing and heavy shade
21 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 22Trees and Shrubs
INVASIVE
NORWAY MAPLE is prized for INVASIVE Garden use: shade tree; ALTERNATIVE
its dense crown and ability to specimen planting
tolerate difficult urban conditions.
Growing conditions: full sun
Some cultivars have columnar to partial shade; moist soils
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crowns; others like Crimson King for silver and Freeman maples;
AN
have deep red leaves. deep, rich soils for sugar maple
W
UN
The prolific seed production of Size and shape: 30 – 35 m tall;
most cultivars, coupled with upright to rounded crown
R. Krick S. James
the species’ ability to grow in
Flower and fruit: small,
dense shade, make Norway Norway Maple Sugar, Silver
yellow to red flowers emerge
maple especially invasive and (Acer platanoides) and Freeman Maples
before leaf-out; paired, winged
threatening to natural habitats. (Acer saccharum,
maple “keys” developing in
A. saccharinum and A. x freemanii)
Many urban ravines and parks exhibit nearly pure stands of this species. spring (silver and Freeman), and
The dense shade in these stands prevents sunlight from reaching the spring to fall (sugar maples)
ground, making it difficult for groundcovers and shrubs to grow. Wildlife
Leaves: medium to light green deeply lobed leaves; fall colours
habitat is compromised and bare soil becomes susceptible to erosion.
from brilliant yellows to reds
To easily distinguish between Norway maple and native maples, break-
Additional info: native maple trees are well-adapted to the climate
off a leaf stem and look for the tell-tale milky sap of the Norway maple.
usually requiring less maintenance than non-native options, while
providing benefits to wildlife; be sure to understand species-suitability for
the growing site
AMUR MAPLE has escaped INVASIVE Garden use: rounded form used ALTERNATIVE
cultivation into many natural in specimen or roadside plantings
areas across southern Ontario.
Growing conditions: prefers
Although some sterile varieties
full sun but will tolerate partial
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may be available, a track record
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shade; prefers well-drained soils
AN
of invasiveness has resulted
but will tolerate average to dry
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in neighbouring jurisdictions
UN
locations; displays some salt
regulating the sale of the
and heat tolerance
species to mitigate its impact P. Wray S. James
on the environment. Size and shape: 6 – 10 m
One of the reasons for concern Amur Maple Flower and fruit: both flowers Ruby Lace Honeylocust
(Acer ginnala) and fruit of this tree offer limited (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis)
with this species is its ability
to produce remarkably high aesthetic/wildlife benefits
volumes of viable seed. Mature Leaves: small leaflets in an
individuals can produce thousands of seeds annually that can be attractive purple/maroon/red colour
controlled in manicured environments though regular mowing.
Unfortunately, many seeds find their way to natural areas where Additional info: native range
their growth is not restricted, creating dense stands of invasive expanding as far north as
trees/shrubs. Pennsylvania; offers acclaimed
foliage colour
T. Davis Snydor
23 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 24Trees and Shrubs
First introduced in North INVASIVE Garden use: specimen ALTERNATIVE
America in the mid to late planting; edible ornamental;
1800’s, WINGED EUONYMUS screen; naturalized area
quickly gained popularity for its
Growing conditions: full sun
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attractive growth form, unique
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to part shade; moist to semi-dry
AN
winged stems and vibrant fall
soils; tolerant of a wide range
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foliage. The vibrant berries of
UN
of soil conditions
this invasive shrub are produced
in high volume and can be Size and shape: 5 – 8 m tall
P. Wray S. James
consumed and deposited away with round, open crown
from maintained plantings, Winged Euonymus Flower and fruit: white flower Downy, Smooth and Canada
enabling this shrub to naturalize (Euonymus alatus) Serviceberry
clusters at branch tips in spring; (Amelanchier arborea, A. laevis
outside intended areas. edible fruit ripen in early summer and A. canadensis)
Although it does not grow at the same rate as some of its invasive Leaves: emerging leaves
shrub counterparts, this species maintains the ability to outcompete purplish-bronze on A. laevis
many native shrubs. It also typically seen as an inferior source of only; both species rich green
food and habitat compared with similar sized native shrubs. in summer, turning to yellow,
orange and deep red in fall
Additional info: highly prized
by gardeners and birds for
I. Payne
delicious fruit
Garden use: shrub border; ALTERNATIVE Garden use: border, low hedge; ALTERNATIVE
garden ornamental; native plant
Growing conditions: hot,
gardens, pollinator gardens
dry conditions in full sun to
Growing conditions: full shade part shade; adaptable to
to full sun; dry to moist soil various soil conditions
Size and shape: 2 – 4 m in Size and shape: 0.5 – 2 m in
height height; 2 – 3 m wide
Flower and fruit: white to A. Oommen Flower and fruit: small yellow S. Coulber
yellow flowers bloom in an flowers on male plants in early
interesting spherical growth Northern Spicebush spring; red hairy clusters of fruit Fragrant Sumac
pattern in early spring followed (Lindera benzoin) on female plants in late summer (Rhus aromatica)
by red glossy fruits
Leaves: fragrant blue-green leaves with a glossy upper surface;
Leaves: emerald green, glossy vibrant orange, red or purple in autumn
leaves on slender, light-green
Additional info: good shrub for naturalized areas; may grow quite
branches turn yellow in autumn
thick and intertwined; important cover and food crop for birds
Additional info: attracts birds,
butterflies and other pollinators;
larval host of the Eastern tiger
A. Oommen
swallowtail and spicebush
swallowtail butterflies
25 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 26Trees and Shrubs
INVASIVE
ALTERNATIVE
RUSSIAN OLIVE and INVASIVE Garden use: stand alone
AUTUMN OLIVE originated in shrub ideal for shady areas;
Asia, but are now common in planted for its fall colour and
southwestern Ontario where fall blooming effect
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they thrive on nutrient-poor soil
TE
Growing conditions: full sun
AN
and spreads via root suckers.
to partial shade; prefers cool,
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UN
These shrubs can reach moist acidic soils; somewhat
between 3 – 4 m in height in pollution tolerant
J. Ruter
a short period of time and are C. Evans
Size and shape: 4 – 8 m tall;
generally multi-stemmed. Witch Hazel
Russian and Autumn Olive multi-stemmed and wide-spreading
Autumn olive has deep green (Hamamelas virginiana)
(Elaeagnus angustifolia & E. umbellata) Flower and fruit: showy yellow
leaves with silvery undersides,
flowers with spicy scent in fall;
deep red to purple fruit, and a
seedpods persist through winter and can eject seeds when touched
shrubbier appearance than Russian olive, with silver-white flowers
producing a strong fragrance in May. Russian olive’s upper surfaces Leaves: bright to dark green; vibrant yellow colour in fall
of the leaves are light green and covered with silvery star-shaped compliments late blooms
hairs, with yellow clustered flowers. Additional info: the only Canadian tree or shrub to bloom in fall;
the flowers (ie. nectar and pollen), foliage, and sap of this shrub
benefit a surprising diversity of pollinators including several species
of wasps, bees, flies, weevils, beetles and moths
Garden use: screen; mass ALTERNATIVE Garden use: Fast-growing ALTERNATIVE
planting; wildlife planting decorative shrub, screen or hedge
Growing conditions: part to Growing conditions:
full sun; moist to dry soils tolerates a range from sun to
shade; grows best in wet to
Size and shape: 1 – 3 m in
moist soils
height
Size and shape: 1.5 – 4 m tall
Flower and fruit: small fragrant
and 1.5 m wide
yellow flowers in spring followed J. Wilkinson I. Payne
by silver berry later in summer Flower and fruit: clusters of
Silverberry small white flowers blooming Red-osier Dogwood
Leaves: narrow leaves covered (Elaeagnus commutata) in early summer; white berries (Cornus sericea)
in fine, white hairs giving a
attract birds and other wildlife
silvery appearance
Leaves: dark green foliage
Additional info: this shrub will sucker with little effort to form groves
turns red to purple in the fall;
stems retain vibrant red colour
Additional info: showy
red twigs are a favourite for
centrepieces and other decorative
F. Whitten
displays; historic uses of this plant
include cordage, basketry and
dye making; commonly used for
shoreline stablization; can spread quickly
27 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 28Trees and Shrubs
Garden use: shrub border; ALTERNATIVE
JAPANESE BARBERRY has INVASIVE
small flowering tree; garden
been introduced for garden use,
ornamental; native plant
as well as incline stabilization
gardens, pollinator gardens
and erosion control.
D
Growing conditions: full sun
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This 1 – 1.5 m tall bush grows
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to full shade; moist soils
in a rounded form and has
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Size and shape: generally,
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thorns along its many branches.
Barberries are prolific seed 2 – 4 m in height
I. Payne
producers and have germination B. Slattery
Flower and fruit: flat-topped
rates as high as ninety percent. clusters of white, lacey flowers Native Viburnums
Japanese Barberry
The seeds ripen in fall, persist (Berberis thunbergii) followed by berries which (Viburnum lentago, V. lantanoides and others)
on the shrub through winter, are change from red to blue
carried long distanced by birds, Leaves: green during growing season followed by yellow-bronze
and take root in natural areas. display in fall
Barberries are adapted to all soil types, can survive in full sun or full Additional info: attractant of gamebirds, songbirds and mammals
shade, and have shown an ability to acidify soil thereby affecting which eat the fruit and browsers which eat twigs and leaves; host
native habitats. to the spring azure butterfly
THESE NON-NATIVE INVASIVE Garden use: specimen ALTERNATIVE
HONEYSUCKLES are originally planting; single shrub or hedge
range from central Asia through
Growing conditions: full sun
the mountains of Europe.
to part shade; best in well-
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TE
They have all shown an invasive drained, slightly acidic soils
AN
tendency, with rapid growth
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Size and shape: up to 1 m tall
UN
and high reproduction ,taking
and 2 m wide
over large natural areas.
R. Webb Flower and fruit: small, K. Powell
These multi-stemmed plants
bell-shaped flowers that start
range from 2 – 5 m tall and Tartarian, Amur, Native Bush Honeysuckles
as yellow-green and can turn
wide at maturity, and have Morrow, Bells, (Diervilla lonicera)
to purple-red throughout
simple leaves that remain green European Fly Honeysuckle the summer; flowers attract
through the fall. Summer leaf (Lonicera tatarica, L. maackii,
L. morrowii, L x. bella, L. xylosteum) bumblebees and other pollinators
colour is fairly similar among
these four ranging from a blue- Leaves: dark green leaves turning yellow to red in the fall
green to dark green. The flowers range in colour from white to pink Additional info: attracts and provides shelter for a diverse wildlife
to crimson. community including hummingbirds, grouse and other wildlife;
drought tolerant
29 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 30Trees and Shrubs
MULTIFLORA ROSE is usually INVASIVE Garden use: specimen ALTERNATIVE
formed as a fountain-shaped planting; edible ornamental
shrub, or as a scrambling shrub
Growing conditions: sun to
climbing over other plants to a
partial shade; wide moisture
D
height of 3 – 5 m.
TE
and soil tolerance
AN
Originally from Japan it was
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Size and shape: 30 – 150 cm
UN
introduced to North America
tall shrub
as a soil conservation measure
due to its adaptability to L. J. Mehrhoff Flower and fruit: showy W. D. Bakowsky
different soil conditions, cream to pink flowers in spring
salt tolerance, and ease of Multiflora Rose and early summer; orange to Wild Roses
(Rosa multiflora) red “rose hips” (Rosa carolina, R. virginiana)
transplanting.
Multiflora rose is distinguished Leaves: medium green leaves
from native North American roses by its fragrant white flowers growing from small-thorned branches
that are arranged in clusters of more than ten flowers, whereas Additional info: edible rosehips commonly used to make tea
native roses rarely exceed three per cluster.
Multiflora rose is spread by birds and is a prolific seed producer.
It can re-sprout roots from stems that come in contact with soil.
It readily invades open areas and forms dense thickets, replacing
native vegetation.
Garden use: border shrub; ALTERNATIVE Garden use: garden ALTERNATIVE
screening or hedgerow ornamental, native plant
garden, pollinator garden, and
Growing conditions: sun to
rain gardens
shade; average to moist soil
Growing conditions: partial
Size and shape: 1 – 2 m tall
to full sun; moist to wet soil
Flower and fruit: small
Size and shape: multi-stemmed
whitish flowers, with a slight
shrub reaching 2 – 4 m in height
bell-shape, in spring, and fruit J. Mason E. Scharf
in late summer Flower and fruit: sweet-
Wild Black Currant scented white globes (~ 3 cm Buttonbush
Leaves: foliage is green (Ribes americanum) (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
wide) lend this plant its name
throughout the season
Leaves: paper-green texture
Additional info: berries are nutritious (high in Vitamins A and C),
with glossy appearance arranged in whorls of three
and an important food source for birds
Additional info: great attractant to pollinators as flowers contain
an abundance of nectar and pollen
31 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 32Trees and Shrubs
Despite the fact that SEA INVASIVE Garden use: shrub borders, ALTERNATIVE
BUCKTHORN is used as a niche small flowering tree, hedges
agricultural crop in Ontario,
Growing conditions: full sun
there are numerous unplanted
to shade; moist to dry sites
D
populations that demonstrate
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Size and shape: 4 – 5 m tall;
AN
clear invasive tendencies. Outside
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of cultivation, this fast-growing irregular to rounded form with
UN
shrub quickly forms dense upright branching
impenetrable thickets that choke K. Borrowman Flower and fruit: dense, S. Coulber
out native plants and wildlife. showy cream-white flower
Its large 2 – 3 inches thorns Sea Buckthorn clusters 5 – 10 cm wide in Nannyberry
(Hippophae rhamnoides) spring; hanging clusters of (Viburnum lentago)
are able to pierce protective
clothing, making management edible 1 cm long fruit change
of this invasive shrub slow and costly. Although the berries are from green through yellow, pink, rose and finally blue-black
heralded for their high nutrient density, there is no credible Leaves: light green maturing to dark, glossy green; deep maroon
documentation that suggests sea buckthorn provides as much to red in fall
wildlife value as preferable native berry producing shrubs.
Some populations in Ontario can be traced back to nearby sea Additional info: a very versatile species capable of growing in full
buckthorn cultivation, or intentional plantings for ornamental shade or open sites; grows as a shrub or small tree if pruned; fruit
purposes. Left uncontrolled this species demonstrates a credible are used by birds and wildlife and can be eaten off the branch
risk to spread beyond intended planting areas and should be
avoided.
Garden use: border shrub; ALTERNATIVE Garden use: border shrub; ALTERNATIVE
screening or hedgerow screening or hedgerow
Growing conditions: full sun Growing conditions: full sun
to partial shade; normal to to partial shade; dry to wet soil;
moist soil; drought tolerant; drought tolerant; salt tolerant
salt tolerant; tolerant of
Size and shape: 1.5 – 3 m
compacted soils
tall; rounded shrub
Size and shape: 1 – 3 m tall;
F. Whitten Flower and fruit: small D. Gardens
multi-stemmed, suckering shrub
yellowish catkins appear in
Flower and fruit: white to Chokeberry spring; waxy, bluish-white Bayberry
whitish pink flowers produced (Aronia melanocarpa) berries with strong aromatic (Morella (syn. Myrica) pensylvanica)
in clusters in early spring; scent ripen in summer and
bluish-black berries produced in early fall, staying on the plant persist on the branches
through the winter
Leaves: leaves are dark green, waxy and fragrant with yellow resin
Leaves: glossy, bright green leaves; alternate and simple; beautiful dots on the underside; deciduous to semi-evergreen; alternate
fall foliage ranges in colour from crimson to apricot
Additional info: the berries were used as a source of wax for early
Additional info: the name “chokeberry” is derived from the edible settlers; the scent is still used in candle making
but bitter tasting berries
33 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 34Trees and Shrubs
Garden use: small specimen ALTERNATIVE Garden use: fast-growing ALTERNATIVE
planting with edible fruit for specimen planting; screen or
birds and people hedge; edible ornamental
Growing conditions: full sun to Growing conditions: full sun;
part shade; prefers disturbed soils moist soils
Size and shape: 4 – 10 m tall; Size and shape: 2 – 4 m tall
multi-stemmed small tree or large with rounded crown; multi-
shrub with 3 – 5 m wide crown stemmed with open branching
F. Whitten I. Payne
Flower and fruit: cylindrical Flower and fruit: large
clusters of small white aromatic Chokecherry (18 – 26 cm wide) clusters of Common Elderberry
flowers in spring; small, red- (Prunus virginiana) cream-white flowers in early (Sambucus canadensis)
purple cherries in late summer summer; purple-black edible
fruit in late summer
Leaves: glossy dark green in summer; yellow in fall
Leaves: bright green leaves with seven leaflets
Additional info: important commercial food crop used in jellies,
juices, preserves and syrup; chokecherry is used in many land Additional info: transplants easily; suitable for rough sections of
reclamation projects and on erosion-prone and riparian areas due garden; some have used fruit in jams, juice, jelly and wine
to its extensive root mass
Garden use: stand alone shrub, ALTERNATIVE Garden use: specimen ALTERNATIVE
screen or hedge planting; naturalized areas;
screen or hedge
Growing conditions: full sun
to partial shade; adaptable to Growing conditions: partial
various soil types shade with moist soil; full sun
acceptable if site is cool and moist
Size and shape: 2 – 3 m tall
and wide; dense and rounded Size and shape: 5 – 6 m tall;
with age prominently tiered branching
S. James S. James
with loose crown
Flower and fruit: white to pink
domed flower clusters in sping; Ninebark Flower and fruit: small, Alternate-Leaf Dogwood
dry red-brown pods in fall (Physocarpus opulifolius) fragrant white flowers in flat (Cornus alternifolia)
clusters in spring; small fruit
Leaves: medium-green; vibrant
changing from green to red to blue-black in summer; fruit stalks
yellow-bronze in fall
persistent through winter with bright coral red colour
Additional info: very
Leaves: prominently veined, alternate, deep green leaves typically
hardy and adaptable shrub,
in whorled clusters at branch tips
offering winter appeal with
exfoliating bark; numerous Additional info: desirable for its tiered branch structure, lending
colour variations are available to its other common name “Pagoda dogwood”
I. Payne
commercially across Ontario
35 Ontario
Ontario Invasive
Invasive Plant
Plant Council
Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 36Vines
JAPANESE HONEYSUCKLE Garden use: climbing vine,
INVASIVE ALTERNATIVE
VINE is native to Japan and groundcover or screen
Korea, and was introduced as a
horticultural species. Growing conditions: sun to
full shade; moist soil, but can
D
Not to be confused with the be grown in drier conditions
TE
similarly named invasive shrub,
AN
Size and shape: dense,
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this climbing vine is evergreen to
UN
semi-evergreen; the vines reach woody, multi-stemmed,
lengths of 24 m and grow either climbing vine; can reach over
by climbing over other vegetation
C. Bargeron 12 m in length F. Whitten
or trailing along the ground. Japanese Honeysuckle Vine Flower and fruit: white Virginia Creeper
Pairs of fragrant, tubular flowers (Lonicera japonica) flowers bloom in late spring/ (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
can range in colour from white early summer; dark bright blue
to yellow and are found at leaf axils along the stem. fruit is produced in the early fall
This vine can cover and kill trees either by toppling them from the Leaves: leaves composed of five leaflets, arranged palmately (like
weight of the vines, or by blocking out sunlight. fingers spread out from the palm of your hand); leaves vibrant red
in fall
It spreads rapidly through runners and by long-range seed dispersal
by birds and other animals. It out-competes native species for Additional info: this native vine can be an aggressive spreader,
habitat, sunlight, and nutrients. but regular pruning will keep it in check; handling this plant may
cause skin irritation for some people
Garden use: climbing vine; Garden use: climbing vine;
ALTERNATIVE can be trained into shrub form ALTERNATIVE
groundcover; can also be
trained as a shrub Growing conditions: full sun
Growing conditions: partial to partial shade; moist soil
to full shade; moist to well- Size and shape: 4 – 6 m in
drained soil length; climbs by twining stems
Size and shape: grows Flower and fruit: fragrant
9 – 12 m in length, 1 m tall tubular pink-purple flowers with
when trained as a shrub; S. James yellow centres; grow in terminal S. James
climbs by clinging with aerial whorls; blooms throughout
roots; prominent lateral Climbing Hydrangea much of the growing season Goldflame Honeysuckle
branches spread from the (Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris)
from late spring until early fall
(Lonicera x heckrotti)
support structure
Leaves: pairs of round, blue-green leaves
Flower and fruit: large flat-topped clusters of fragrant white
flowers; blooms early spring until late summer Additional info: attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies
Leaves: dark green glossy leaves; heart-shaped and serrated;
persist until late fall
Additional info: attractive to birds, wildlife, and bees; new plants
may take a few years to establish, but grows quickly afterwards and
gets large with age
37 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 38Vines
ORIENTAL BITTERSWEET INVASIVE Garden use: climbing vine; ALTERNATIVE
is native to Asia and was ground cover
introduced in the 1860s as a
Growing conditions: full sun,
garden ornamental.
roots require mulch or shaded
D
TE
This brown, woody vine can grow area; light loam; moist soil
AN
up to 18 m in length and climbs
W
Size and shape: twining vine;
UN
by twining around supports.
3 – 4 m in length
The fruits turn from green to
F. Whitten Flower and fruit: large S. Smith
yellow and split open in the
velvety dark purple flowers;
fall to reveal very attractive Oriental Bittersweet Jackman Clematis
bloom late summer to early
bright red-orange seeds, the (Celastrus orbiculatus) (Clematis x jackmanii)
fall; other cultivars of jackman
twigs with berries are used in
clematis may have red, white,
flower arrangements.
pink or lavender flowers
However, when it escapes from gardens, oriental bittersweet may
Leaves: dense foliage with bright to dark green leaves 5 – 10 cm
directly compete with the rare American bittersweet (C. scandens)
in length
for light and space, or may hybridize with it, jeopardizing the
genetic purity of the native species. This vine can kill trees, Additional info: lightly fragrant flowers
smothering them and blocking sunlight.
Garden use: climbing vine; screen ALTERNATIVE Garden use: climbing vine ALTERNATIVE
Growing conditions: full sun to Growing conditions: full sun
partial shade; moist, well-drained to partial shade; average to
soil; tolerant of urban conditions moist soil
Size and shape: perennial Size and shape: twining vine;
twining vine, growing 6 – 9 m grows up to 5 m in length
in length
Flower and fruit: white
Flower and fruit: unique pipe- V. Kempers four-petaled flowers; bloom late S. Coulber
shaped yellowish flowers; bloom summer to early fall; distinctive
late spring to early summer Dutchman’s Pipe fluffy white seeds remain on the Virgin’s Bower
(Aristolochia macrophylla) plant through winter (Clematis virginiana)
Leaves: dark green heart-
shaped leaves Leaves: leaves divided into
three leaflets with toothed edges
Additional info: rapid growth
once established; fragrant Additional info: fragrant
flowers; attractive to bees, flowers attract hummingbirds,
butterflies and birds bees, and butterflies; self-sows
and will root where the vine
touches the ground
V. Kempers S. Coulber
39 Ontario Invasive Plant Council ontarioinvasiveplants.ca 40You can also read
