Invasive Shade-Tolerant Garden Plants in Washington

Washington’s lush forests, coastal regions, and shaded urban areas are highly susceptible to invasive plant species that thrive in low-light environments. These invasive plants can spread rapidly, outcompeting native species and disrupting local ecosystems. Understanding these plants and choosing native alternatives is essential for preserving Washington’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)

List of Invasive Shade-Tolerant Garden Plants in Washington

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

• Description: An evergreen vine with dark green, lobed leaves, often used as ground cover or to climb structures.

• Impact: English Ivy spreads aggressively, smothering native plants and trees, reducing biodiversity, and damaging ecosystems in shaded environments.

• Garden Alternative: Salal (Gaultheria shallon) - A native evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and edible berries that thrive in shade and support local wildlife.

2. Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)

• Description: A thorny bramble with large, arching canes and dark green leaves, known for its aggressive growth and large, edible berries.

• Impact: Himalayan Blackberry forms dense thickets in shaded areas, outcompeting native plants and creating impenetrable barriers in natural habitats.

• Garden Alternative: Trailing Blackberry (Rubus ursinus) - A native berry-producing plant that supports wildlife and grows well in shaded environments without becoming invasive.

3. English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

• Description: An evergreen shrub or small tree with spiny, dark green leaves and bright red berries, often used for holiday decorations.

• Impact: English Holly spreads into forests and shaded areas, forming dense thickets that outcompete native plants and alter habitat conditions.

• Garden Alternative: Tall Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) - A native evergreen shrub with similar leaves and berries that supports local wildlife and thrives in shade.

4. Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon)

• Description: A spreading ground cover with silver-variegated leaves and yellow flowers, often used in shaded gardens.

• Impact: Yellow Archangel spreads aggressively, forming dense mats that outcompete native ground covers and reduce biodiversity in shaded areas.

• Garden Alternative: Wild Ginger (Asarum caudatum) - A native ground cover with heart-shaped leaves that thrives in shaded environments and supports local ecosystems.

5. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)

• Description: A robust perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small white flowers. It spreads aggressively, particularly in riparian and shaded areas.

• Impact: Japanese Knotweed forms dense stands that outcompete native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and altering habitat conditions in shaded areas.

• Garden Alternative: Western Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum) - A native fern that provides similar coverage and thrives in moist, shaded environments.

6. Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)

• Description: A low-growing perennial with shiny, heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers, often found in moist, shaded areas.

• Impact: Lesser Celandine forms dense mats that outcompete native spring ephemerals, reducing biodiversity in shaded, moist environments.

• Garden Alternative: Stream Violet (Viola glabella) - A native violet with yellow flowers that thrives in similar conditions and supports local pollinators.

7. Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum)

• Description: A small, invasive geranium with pink flowers and a strong, distinctive odor, often found in shaded areas.

• Impact: Herb Robert spreads quickly in shaded environments, forming dense stands that outcompete native plants, particularly in forests.

• Garden Alternative: Western Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa) - A native perennial with delicate pink flowers that thrives in shaded areas and supports local wildlife.

8. Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius)

• Description: A deciduous shrub with bright yellow flowers and slender, green stems, often found in disturbed areas.

• Impact: Scotch Broom spreads rapidly, forming dense stands that outcompete native plants, especially in shaded areas.

• Garden Alternative: Red-flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) - A native shrub with clusters of pink flowers that supports pollinators and thrives in shaded environments.

9. Spurge Laurel (Daphne laureola)

• Description: An evergreen shrub with leathery, dark green leaves and small, yellowish-green flowers, often found in shaded forests.

• Impact: Spurge Laurel spreads aggressively, forming dense thickets that outcompete native plants, particularly in shaded woodlands.

• Garden Alternative: Salal (Gaultheria shallon) - A native evergreen shrub with dark green leaves and white flowers that supports wildlife and thrives in similar shaded environments.

Conclusion

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

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