growing & crawling: nandina

200 William St Downtown Fredericksburg 540-373-4421

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Growing & Crawling

nan-don’t-a Nandina

There is an invader in our midst. One we have welcomed and planted with open arms. That invader's name is Nandina Domestica.

Loved for its beautiful foliage and showy red berries, Nandina has been a favorite of landscapers for years. Also called Heavenly Bamboo, it is native to Asia and is often chosen as a hearty shrub that grows and spreads quickly. You'll see it growing in yards and shopping centers all over Fredericksburg. You can find older plants that have been installed many years ago next door to wee specimens that have just been planted on the properties of the many newly constructed homes and apartments in town.

My friends, we must put a stop to the take over. Nandina is considered an invasive plant in many parts of the US. And while it has yet to be added to the invasive list in Virginia, it is only a matter of time.

Aside from its invasive growing properties, every part of the Nandina is also poisonous to wildlife. Our native birds, who did not evolve with this shrub, are killed by its delicious looking berries.

I urge all of you to put a stop to the nandina take over. Do not install any new plants and, if at all possible, remove any that already exist on your property. If you're looking for a replacement for this interloper try some native shrubs such as Winterberry or Inkberry Holly.

Janet Douberly is an invasive plant shamer at Downtown Greens.

By janet douberly