Ground Cover Invasive English ivy or Algerian ivy Hedera helix or Hedera caneriensis Some ivy species in the Hedera genus are a problem in California. They can smother understory vegetation, kill trees, and harbor non-native rats and snails. It's difficult to distinguish problem species from less invasive ones. Do not plant ivy near natural areas, never dispose of ivy cuttings in natural areas, and maintain ivy so it never goes to fruit. Researchers hope to determine which ivies can be planted safely.
Try These Instead Asian jasmine or ivory star jasmine Trachelospermum asiaticum Evergreen, vining groundcover up to 20 feet across. Has glossy, dark green leaves and pale yellow, pinwheel-shaped flowers with a jasmine scent.
Orinimental Grasses Invasive Green Fountain Grass Pennisetum setaceum Spreads aggressively by seed into natural areas by wind, water, or vehicles. Fast grower; impedes the growth of locally native plant species and eventually takes over natural areas. Also raises fuel loads and fire frequency in natural areas. Is spreading rapidly in California. Existing research indicates that red varieties of fountain grass (P. setaceum 'Rubrum' are not invasive.
Try These Instead San Diego Sedge Carex spissa This large sedge has a form similar to that of an ornamental grass. Produces gray leaves to five feet tall and yellow, grass-like flowers in the spring. Deer resistant.
Shrubs Invasive Acacia, golden wattle, green wattle or western coastal wattle Acacia cyclops, Acacia dealbata, Acacia decurrens, Acacia melanoxylon or Acacia longifolia Acacias grow along most of the coast and inland in the central portion of the state. They spread by seed, root, suckers, and stump sprouts, forming dense stands. In southern California, coastal wattle (Acacia cyclops) has invaded many natural areas incluing wetlands and dry hillsides.
Try These Instead Bush Marigold Tagetes lemmonii Perennial shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. Evergreen leaves with yellow flowers that bloom in winter and spring
Palms Invasive Mexican fan palm or Canary Island date palm Washingtonia robusta or Phoenix canariensis Most palms are good garden plants, but Mexican fan palm and Canary Island date palm are extremely invasive. In Southern California, they invade wetland areas, crowding out native vegetation. Canary Island date palm seeds are spread by birds. Dense groups of palms with untrimmed fronds harbor rats and snakes and can be a fire hazard.
Try These Instead Pindo palm or Jelly palm Butia capitata Can grow up to 20 feet tall. Grey-green foliage with red flowers and edible fruits. Tolerates frost, heat, aridity, and poor soils.
Trees Invasive Brazilian pepper, Peruvian pepper or California pepper Schinus terebinthifolius or Schinus molle Pepper trees are native to South America (despite the fact that Peruvian peppertree is sometimes called California peppertree). Seeds are transported by birds and mammals into natural areas. The aggressive growth of peppers enables them to displace native trees and form dense thickets in natural areas. They produce undesirable suckering and sprout unwanted seedlings. A serious problem in southern California. Less of a problem in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley, but care should be taken if planting near wildlands.
Try These Instead Fern pine Podocarpus gracilor Evergreen tree 20 to 60 feet tall. Makes an excellent street tree or individual specimen in a park setting. One of the most pest-free trees, able to tolerate a variety of soil conditions and temperatures. Can also be used as a hedge or screen plant. Many species and varieties are available at nurseries.
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