Ohio gardeners face a hidden threat that can wreak havoc on local ecosystems and native plant communities. Invasive perennials might look pretty in catalogs, but they can quickly take over gardens and spread into natural areas, choking out beneficial native species.
Knowing which plants to avoid can save you years of battling aggressive spreaders while helping protect Ohio’s natural biodiversity.
1. Purple Loosestrife
Once a popular garden plant, purple loosestrife now terrorizes wetlands across Ohio. A single plant can produce over two million seeds annually, creating dense stands that crowd out native vegetation vital to wildlife.
Recognizable by its tall purple flower spikes that bloom in summer, this aggressive invader alters water flow and degrades habitat quality. Several states have banned its sale, and Ohio actively works to control existing populations.
2. Japanese Knotweed
Bamboo-like stalks shooting up seemingly overnight mark the arrival of Japanese knotweed. This aggressive invader can grow through concrete, damage foundations, and lower property values…