Avoid Planting Invasive Plants  

Avoid Planting Invasive Plants  

By Rhonda Allen 

Adding shrubs and trees to our home landscapes has many benefits, but should be considered carefully to avoid harming the local environment with species that quickly reproduce and spread. Invasives may be spread by wind, birds and wildlife into  areas beyond our yards that we cannot control. Some problem invasive trees in the valley are the black locust, the tree of heaven, eucalyptus, and palms. Avoid planting these since they tend to spread quickly , and some such as the eucalyptus have a large fuel capacity which increase the danger of fires. Some other ornamentals that cause environmental damage are scotch broom, pampas grass, spreading periwinkle vinca ground cover, Mexican feather grass, and  reeds like bamboo and Arundo donax. These plants invade wild lands, displacing  natives and altering the biological communities. Invasives can be found in all vegetation types: grasses, shrubs, trees, vines. These are introduced species and often sold in local plant nurseries, so it is  important to do your homework before planting. 

For more information about invasive plants, visit the CIPC ( California Invasive  Plant Council)at https://www.cal-ipc.org.