Johann Hunt
It’s easy to assume that any plant labeled as good for wildlife is a safe bet. The reality is more complicated. Certain species spread beyond control, which reduces the variety of food and shelter available to local animals. They can even alter soil and water patterns in ways that last a lifetime. Let’s highlight which ones to rethink and native swaps that genuinely help.
Butterfly Bush
Bright blossoms lure butterflies to the butterfly bush, while its seeds spread rapidly across landscapes. Native plants lose ground, and caterpillars struggle to survive. The shrub’s origin in China disconnects it from local food webs, which makes it a visually appealing but ecologically empty choice for pollinator gardens.
Periwinkle
Although gardeners choose periwinkle for its tidy evergreen look, beneath that surface lies trouble. The plant creeps through runners and seeds to form carpets that smother wildflowers and nesting sites. Its glossy leaves stay green year-round, masking the harm. Nicknamed creeping myrtle, it can blanket entire forests in silence.
Autumn Olive
Decades ago, autumn olive was planted for erosion control, yet its spread overwhelmed prairies as birds dispersed seeds. The shrub alters soil by fixing nitrogen, harming native plants adapted to lean conditions. Though its red berries seem beneficial, the dense growth reduces biodiversity and replaces diverse food sources with a single invasive species.
Japanese Barberry
Garden centers still sell barberry for its glowing red fall color. But the beauty hides the problem: it forms dense thickets that leave no space for native shrubs. Humid cover beneath the branches shelters ticks, which creates risks for Lyme disease. Invasiveness hasn’t stopped it from spreading in suburban and rural areas.
Purple Loosestrife
Wetlands filled with tall purple spikes may look striking, but habitats vanish under the spread. Birds lose nesting areas, and amphibians lose shelter. A single plant can release millions of seeds in one season. Despite expensive control efforts, managers still struggle against the stubborn invader that reshapes waterways every year.
Every space cleared of invasives opens the door for plants that truly belong. These natives bring life back to it.
Serviceberry
In early spring, serviceberry wakes the area with delicate blossoms that arrive before most plants stir. Pollinators find nectar here when little else is available. Later, sweet berries feed orioles and cedar waxwings. Even caterpillars thrive, with more than 120 species relying on serviceberry’s leaves for their survival.
Virginia Creeper
A fence or tree covered in fiery autumn leaves often belongs to Virginia creeper. Unlike ivy, it doesn’t suffocate its host. Birds such as thrushes and woodpeckers feast on its berries; however, the sap carries tiny crystals that irritate the skin. That’s a quiet defense built into the vine’s character.
Elderberry
Clusters of white flowers invite pollinators, then give way to berries devoured by over fifty bird species. Gardeners appreciate how quickly elderberry fills space, offering both beauty and function. Historically, the fruit flavored wines and syrups, while the plant’s hollow stems once doubled as simple whistles for children.
New Jersey Tea
New Jersey tea grows low and steady in dry, sunny soil where others fade. Its roots enrich the earth by fixing nitrogen naturally. Butterflies and moths rely on it, including rare species. During the American Revolution, its leaves served as a tea substitute when imports were cut off.
Coral Honeysuckle
Hummingbirds dart to coral honeysuckle, drawn by its long trumpet-shaped blossoms. Unlike invasive honeysuckles, it doesn’t choke trees or smother neighbors. Cardinals and goldfinches later enjoy its bright red berries. Repeated blooms stretch through spring and summer, adding season-long color. Even George Washington reportedly grew this native at Mount Vernon.