PLANT: Common Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)

This is a beautiful native alternative to Japanese Barberry, with interesting shaggy bark in wintertime and flowers that attract butterflies in summer. 

REMOVE: Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

is an invasive, spiny deciduous shrub that’s known to be a host plant to deer ticks and the mice that host them.  It can spread as thickets in the understory of woods. Barberry is negatively impacting Fanchion Lewis Park and many other parks and nature preserves in the county. 

PLANT: Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)

This beautiful shrub not only provides nutritious berries for birds and other wildlife, but is also a host plant for many pollinators. In the fall, Black Chokeberry leaves turn a orange-red color, creating nice fall foliage. 

REMOVE: Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Introduced to the U.S. in the 19th century as an ornamental plant for use in landscaping, burning bush threatens a variety of habitats including forests and prairies where it forms dense thickets, displacing many native woody and herbaceous plant species. For example, burning bush has infested areas of Spring Valley Nature Preserve negatively impacting many ephemeral spring wildflowers. 

PLANT: Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica)

The fragrant white flowers of attract butterflies and other pollinators and the foliage provides cover for birds and other wildlife.  In fall, vibrant leaf color gives way to maroon stems that stand out in winter landscapes.  See cultivars for additional information.

REMOVE: Autumn and Russian Olives (Elaeagnus spp.)

Autumn-olive and Russian-olive aggressively outcompete native plants and shrubs. They grow rapidly and re-sprout quickly after cutting or burning. Both species are fruit producers and are widely pollinated by birds. The berries are low in protein and high in fat and carbs, however, providing birds with little more than empty calories. 

PLANT: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) 

This shrub displays fragrant flowers that smell sweet like honey and nectar that bees and butterflies find irresistible! Buttonbush is a prized plant for wetland habitat restoration but it will tolerate a variety of soil conditions.  

While Buttonbush is native to swampy areas, it is adaptable to most landscape soils except dry ones.  Prune every 2-3 years to maintain a compact form in landscapes. Can be planted in sun to part shade.  Buttonbush is a plant of special value, according to the Xerces Society, and is host plant to several species of sphinx moths.

REMOVE: Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) 

Glossy Buckthorn is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that produces many fruits, turning from red to black.  Forms dense colonies, particularly in wetlands and moist woods, choking out native plants and shrubs necessary for ecological balance.

PLANT: Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) 

This is an Ohio native multi-stemmed shrub/small tree with a white flower that appears in early spring, about the same time as the Callery (Bradford) Pear. Blue-green summer foliage transforms to gold-red-orange in autumn, making it a standout in any landscape. 

Ohio native serviceberry grows 15-25 ft. high and can be trained as either a shrub or tree. It provides a useful nectar and pollen resource in April for early-emerging pollinators. The fruit that follows in June is loved by many fruit-eating birds and humans alike. 

REMOVE: Callery/Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) 

With its white, showy flowers that bloom in early spring, it's easy to understand why this tree was once so popular to plant amongst park districts, cities, and other groups. Now, it is illegal to buy, sell, or plant Bradford Pear and all of its cultivars! 

PLANT:  Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa)

This shrub has spiked, pink flowers that create a beautiful display. Steeplebush can grow in sun to part shade, and blooms in late summer. It attracts birds and butterflies and is a host for the Columbia silkmoth.

REMOVE: Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

Despite the name, this plant provides almost no benefits to butterflies! Butterfly bush is a very popular plant at garden centers, offering many different varieties with various colors. Choose a native alternative instead!

PLANT:  Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

This beautiful perennial offers a display of blueish-purple flowers which attract a wide array of pollinators, including Swallowtails. It prefers shady spots, like woodlands.

REMOVE: Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

Often utilized in landscaping as a groundcover, this spreading plant escapes yards and creeps into natural areas. Periwinkle can be found covering forest floors and crowding out native plants.