Invasive Shade-Tolerant Garden Plants in Nebraska

Nebraska’s diverse ecosystems, from its woodlands to shaded prairies, are at risk from invasive plant species that thrive in low-light environments. These invasive plants can spread quickly, outcompeting native vegetation and disrupting local ecosystems. Identifying these plants and selecting native alternatives is crucial for preserving Nebraska’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

List of Invasive Shade-Tolerant Garden Plants in Nebraska

1. Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

• Description: A biennial herb with heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers that emit a garlic-like odor when crushed.

• Impact: Garlic Mustard spreads rapidly in shaded woodlands, outcompeting native plants and reducing biodiversity.

• Garden Alternative: Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense) - A native ground cover with heart-shaped leaves that thrives in shaded environments and offers similar coverage without being invasive.

2. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

• Description: A vigorous, semi-evergreen vine with fragrant white to yellow flowers and dark green leaves, often planted for ornamental purposes.

• Impact: Japanese Honeysuckle forms dense mats that smother native plants, reducing biodiversity in shaded and woodland areas.

• Garden Alternative: Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) - A native vine with tubular red flowers that attract hummingbirds and thrive in shaded environments.

3. Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

• Description: A deciduous shrub or small tree with dark green leaves and small black berries. It was initially introduced as a hedge plant but has since become invasive.

• Impact: Common Buckthorn invades woodlands and shaded areas, forming dense thickets that prevent native plants from growing.

• Garden Alternative: American Hazelnut (Corylus americana) - A native shrub that provides valuable habitat and food for wildlife, thriving in shaded environments.

4. Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)

• Description: A fast-growing deciduous tree with small, serrated leaves, often planted for its hardiness.

• Impact: Siberian Elm spreads rapidly, forming dense stands in shaded areas and outcompeting native trees and shrubs.

• Garden Alternative: American Elm (Ulmus americana) - A native tree that offers similar shade and supports local wildlife without the invasive tendencies.

5. Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

• Description: A tall, perennial grass with broad green leaves, often found in wet, shaded areas.

• Impact: Reed Canary Grass spreads aggressively, forming dense stands that outcompete native vegetation, particularly in wetland habitats.

• Garden Alternative: Prairie Cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) - A native grass that provides similar height and structure in wet areas without the invasive spread.

6. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

• Description: A thorny shrub with bright red berries and small, glossy leaves, often used for its ornamental appeal.

• Impact: Japanese Barberry forms dense thickets in shaded areas, outcompeting native plants and altering soil chemistry, which can negatively affect the surrounding ecosystem.

• Garden Alternative: Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) - A native shrub with red stems and white berries that supports local wildlife and thrives in shaded areas.

7. Yellow Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)

• Description: A perennial herb with bright yellow, snapdragon-like flowers and narrow leaves, often found in disturbed areas.

• Impact: Yellow Toadflax spreads aggressively in shaded areas, outcompeting native plants and reducing biodiversity.

• Garden Alternative: Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) - A native plant with yellow flowers that supports pollinators and thrives in similar shaded environments.

8. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei)

• Description: An evergreen vine or ground cover with glossy, dark green leaves, commonly used for erosion control and ornamental purposes.

• Impact: Wintercreeper spreads aggressively, forming dense mats that smother native plants, particularly in shaded areas.

• Garden Alternative: Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) - A native ground cover with attractive white flowers and edible fruit, thriving in shaded environments without invasive tendencies.

9. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

• Description: A deciduous tree or shrub with silvery leaves and small yellow flowers, often planted for its drought tolerance.

• Impact: Russian Olive invades river banks and shaded areas, forming dense stands that displace native vegetation and alter habitat conditions.

• Garden Alternative: Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) - A native shrub that provides similar drought tolerance and wildlife support without invasive characteristics.

Conclusion

Invasive shade-tolerant plants can significantly impact Nebraska’s ecosystems by outcompeting native species and altering local habitats. By choosing native, non-invasive alternatives, gardeners can help maintain ecological balance, support local wildlife, and preserve the natural beauty of Nebraska’s landscapes.

For more information and to connect with other gardening enthusiasts, join our Facebook group: Shade Gardening.