Invasive Shade-Tolerant Garden Plants in Michigan

Michigan’s diverse landscapes, including its forests, wetlands, and shaded gardens, are at risk from invasive plant species that thrive in low-light environments. These invasive plants, often introduced for their ornamental value, can spread rapidly, outcompeting native species and disrupting local ecosystems. Identifying these plants and choosing native alternatives is crucial for preserving Michigan’s natural beauty and biodiversity.

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

List of Invasive Shade-Tolerant Garden Plants in Michigan

1. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

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

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

• Garden Alternative: Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) - A native shrub with vibrant red berries that supports local wildlife and thrives in shaded areas.

2. Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

• Description: A biennial herb with heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers, emitting 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.

3. Oriental Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)

• Description: A climbing vine with bright orange berries and glossy green leaves, often used for decorative purposes.

• Impact: Oriental Bittersweet quickly covers and smothers native trees and shrubs, leading to significant ecological disruption in shaded environments.

• Garden Alternative: American Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) - A native vine with similar ornamental value but without invasive characteristics.

4. Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartic)

• Description: A deciduous shrub or small tree with dark green leaves and small black berries. Initially introduced as a hedge plant, it 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.

5. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)

• Description: A large deciduous tree with broad, dark green leaves, often planted for its dense shade and fall color.

• Impact: Produces dense shade that suppresses native undergrowth, leading to reduced biodiversity in forested and shaded areas.

• Garden Alternative: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) - A native tree that provides similar shade while supporting a diverse understory of native plants.

6. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

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

• 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 conditions.

7. Periwinkle (Vinca minor)

• Description: A low-growing evergreen ground cover with glossy leaves and blue or purple flowers, commonly used in shaded gardens.

• Impact: Periwinkle’s aggressive growth can overshadow and outcompete native ground covers, leading to reduced biodiversity in shaded areas.

• Garden Alternative: Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) - A native ground cover that offers year-round appeal and supports local wildlife in shaded environments.

8. 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: Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor) - A native perennial with striking blue flowers that thrives in wet, shaded areas and supports pollinators.

9. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortune)

• Description: An evergreen vine or ground cover with glossy, dark green leaves, often 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 Geranium (Geranium maculatum) - A native perennial that offers attractive flowers and foliage, thriving in shaded environments without invasive tendencies.

Conclusion

Invasive shade-tolerant plants can significantly impact Michigan’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 Michigan’s landscapes.

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