5 Native Plant Alternatives To Invasive Species
5 Native Plant Alternatives To Invasive Species
What Is An Invasive Plant?
There are two primary categories to consider when looking at plant species – native and non-native plants. Non-native plants are defined as those that did not naturally occur in a certain environment. Whereas native plants are defined as a plant that naturally occurs in that environment without human introduction. In this articles, we will outline 5 native alternatives to invasive species.
An invasive plant falls under the non-native category of plants. Invasive species are often introduced to a region by humans. These non-native plants spread so aggressively that they will often push out other plants by outcompeting them for limited and critical resources.
(Featured Image: Blue Phlox by Danielle Blue)
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How Are Invasive Plants Introduced?
Invasive plants are generally introduced by humans in one way or another. Sometimes this introduction may be intentional, such as using an invasive ornamental plant in landscaping that can spread to surrounding areas.
Oftentimes invasive plant introduction can also be accidental. Seeds can easily stick to the bottoms of shoes and can be carried to other areas. Our globalized world can accidentally introduce an invasive species through shipping goods from one country to another, without realizing the uninvited stowaways that have tagged along for the journey.
How To Find Out If A Plant Is Invasive
Invasive plants are not always obvious to the eye. Some invasive plants closely resemble other native or non-native, non-invasive species we have in our area. There are some traits that most invasive species have in common, such as:
- Very rapid growth and reproduction
- A large number of seeds for easy spreading
- Few natural predators, low insect activity
- Difficult to remove or kill
Some invasive species may be difficult to identify. Local conservation districts and invasive species networks can help with the identification of invasive plants. Native plant nurseries, such as Bright Lane Gardens, can also help with identification as well as offer alternatives to grow in place of invasive plants. Start with this comprehensive list of Invasive Species by the USDA for more information on invasive species in your area.
Why Are Invasive Plants A Problem?
There are many non-native plants in our region that do not technically pose a threat to our greater ecosystem. Although these plants are not native, they are often not aggressive growers and can offer some benefits such as food and nectar for some of our local birds and insects.
When a non-native plant grows aggressively and prevents other native species from being able to inhabit a certain area, that is when we define the plant as invasive. Invasive plants will compete for resources such as soil, water, sunlight, and nutrients, which in turn prevents native species from being able to survive.
How To Remove Invasive Plants
Some invasive plants can be simple and straightforward to remove. Those that utilize simple root structures and self seed to spread can often be pulled during a dormant period when no seed pods are at risk of being dropped (and thus spreading further).
Other invasive plant species are not as easy to remove. Those that spread in a vine, such as myrtle, can have vast root systems that are tricky to completely remove. Others may spread via underground rhizomes, which makes it difficult to figure out how much of the plant is still living underground.
Removing invasive plants by hand is always the first recommendation. Dig up as much of the physical plant as you can first, paying close attention to the plant’s roots. Larger shrubs and trees may need to be cut down, then have the trunk brushed with an herbicide to ensure the roots will die completely.
What To Plant In Place Of Invasive Species
Native plants are the best alternative to invasive species. Once an invasive species is removed, there is often a blank spot that will need to be filled with a new plant. Choosing a native option will help bring your landscaping and backyard ecosystem back to equilibrium.
If you’re looking for something with a similar vibe to what you pulled out, try to look for a native option that closely resembles the invasive species that was removed. If you removed a low growing vine, look for a native ground cover that will grow low and thick. If you removed a larger tree, look for a native tree alternative that can offer shade and be a cornerstone for your yard.
5 Native Plant Alternatives To Invasive Species
For every invasive plant, there is a native alternative that looks similar but is highly beneficial to its surrounding habitat. First, look for the features of the invasive plant that you enjoyed. This may be large, color blooms, beautiful foliage, or the size of the plant.
Once you’ve identified what features you enjoy, you can start searching for a native alternative that will suit your needs. You should also consider what features of native plants you would like to have in your yard as well, such as habitat for butterflies or berries for birds.
1. Creeping Thyme vs. Creeping Jenny
I used to be a big fan of creeping Jenny! I loved the way it filled out my planters and draped gracefully over the rock walls in our backyard. However, this plant is highly invasive in our area (and, as many know, it spreads quickly and aggressively). In northern Michigan, creeping Jenny is classified as a High-Priority invasive ornamental, and we strongly recommend removing it entirely from your planters and landscaping to prevent further spread.
Fortunately, there’s an excellent native alternative! Spreading phlox (Phlox diffusa) grows in a similar fashion to creeping Jenny, spreading efficiently and spilling beautifully over the edges of planters and retaining walls. In addition to its attractive growth habit, spreading phlox offers an abundance of delicate pink and purple blooms in late spring and early summer. These flowers not only create a stunning display but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, making it a beautiful and eco-friendly choice for your garden.
For native phlox purchasing options, click here!
Spreading Phlox native vs Creeping Jenny Invasive
2. Blue Phlox vs. Dame’s Rocket
Luckily, there’s a wonderful native alternative! Blue phlox (Phlox divaricata), also known as wild sweet William, is a perfect substitute. It offers clusters of soft lavender-blue flowers that bloom in spring, providing a similar aesthetic to dame’s rocket without the invasive tendencies. Blue phlox thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders. As a bonus, its fragrant blooms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding beauty and ecological value to your garden. This native plant not only supports local wildlife but also helps create a sustainable, thriving landscape.
Blue Phlox native vs dames rocket invasive
3. Bearberry vs. Mytle/Periwinkle
Spreading myrtle (also known as periwinkle) was such a hit with our parents generation – and it’s no surprise why! Its lush, trailing growth and glossy green leaves made it a go-to for ground cover, especially in shady spots. But I soon learned that myrtle is an invasive species in many regions, including northern Michigan. It spreads aggressively, crowding out native plants and disrupting local ecosystems. For the health of our environment, we recommend removing myrtle from your garden and landscaping.
Thankfully, there’s a fantastic native alternative! Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) is an excellent substitute that offers similar ground-covering benefits without the invasive risks. This hardy evergreen forms a dense mat of small, glossy leaves and produces delicate pink or white bell-shaped flowers in spring. In the fall, its bright red berries provide food for birds and add seasonal interest to your garden. Bearberry thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil, making it a versatile choice for rock gardens, slopes, and naturalized areas. By planting bearberry, you’ll enjoy the same lush, low-maintenance appeal as myrtle while supporting local wildlife and protecting native habitats.
Bearberry vs Mytrle
4. Gray Dogwood vs. Common Buckthorn
When I first started gardening, I often saw buckthorn used in hedges and naturalized areas. Its dense growth and fast spread seemed like an easy way to fill space and create privacy. However, I quickly learned that buckthorn is one of the most problematic invasive species in northern Michigan. It aggressively outcompetes native plants, degrades soil health, and disrupts ecosystems. If you have buckthorn in your landscape, it’s important to remove it entirely to protect the surrounding environment.
Fortunately, there’s an incredible native alternative: grey twig dogwood (Cornus racemosa). This adaptable shrub provides the same dense growth as buckthorn, making it perfect for hedgerows or naturalized areas. It features creamy white flower clusters in spring, followed by small white berries that attract birds in late summer. In the fall, its foliage transforms into beautiful shades of red and purple, adding seasonal interest. Grey twig dogwood thrives in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and is highly tolerant of various soil types. By planting grey twig dogwood, you’ll not only enjoy a stunning and functional shrub, but you’ll also support native wildlife and restore balance to your local ecosystem.
Grey Twig Dogwood is available here in a variety of sizes!
Gray Dogwood vs Common Buckthorn
5. Winterberry Holly vs. Japanese Barberry
Japanese barberry is often planted for its attractive fall foliage and bright winter berries, making it a common sight in northern Michigan backyards. However, this invasive shrub poses significant problems. It outcompetes native plants, disrupting local ecosystems, and is a known habitat for ticks in the region. If you’ve ever tried to remove Japanese barberry, you’ve likely discovered just how challenging its thorny branches can be!
A far better choice is winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata), a stunning native alternative that thrives in Michigan. Like Japanese barberry, it offers vibrant fall foliage and clusters of striking red berries that persist through the winter, but without the environmental downsides. Winterberry holly also provides critical habitat for Elfin butterfly larvae and supports numerous pollinators with its summer blooms. Its berries are a favorite food for native birds, which may even choose to nest among its branches. By planting winterberry holly, you’ll enjoy the same seasonal beauty while contributing to a healthier, more balanced local ecosystem.
Winterberry Holly vs Japanese Barberry
Check out our social media feed for our weekly Plant This, Not That series. Every week we identify a commonly found invasive species here in Northern Michigan, and recommend a native alternative that can do everything the invasive plant can, and more!
What Makes Native Plants Better For The Environment?
Native plants help balance out their natural ecosystems. Plants that are native to a region are beneficial to the plants and animals that surround them. These plants can offer habitat and food for our insects, birds, and animals.
Native plants also have root systems and water requirements that are best adapted for the region they’re in. This means the soil that is already present, along with the climate and weather conditions, are already perfect for sustaining the plant. Native plants are beneficial to the soil, adding back essential nutrients as they go through their life cycle as well as preventing erosion.
Buy Native Plants, Avoid Invasive Species
The key to eliminating invasive species is to make sure that you are introducing more into the wild. When shopping for plants for your own yard, make sure you shop at reputable nurseries that are committed to keeping invasive species off their shelves and out of your landscaping.
Bright Lane Gardens is committed to providing only non-invasive species for sales to our local customers. Our inventory is double checked every year to ensure no plant we carry has been added to an invasive species list. We carry a wide variety of native alternatives that are ideal for our region of Northern Michigan. Together, we can help our local ecosystem get back to its native roots.
