It seemed harmless enough. A pretty vine at the garden center, a splash of color to brighten the backyard. But what the homeowner didn’t know was that this plant, though beautiful, was an invasive species. Within a few short years, it spread beyond the yard into nearby woods and fields, outcompeting native plants, damaging habitats, and altering the landscape for generations to come.
Stories like this are all too common across New York state. Invasive species often start small but have big, lasting impacts. Luckily, there’s a solution that begins right in our own gardens: climate-smart gardening.
What is Climate-Smart Gardening?
Climate-smart gardening is a strategic, eco-friendly approach that:
- Prioritizes native plants that naturally support local wildlife
- Replaces invasive ornamental plants with sustainable alternatives
- Builds landscapes that are resilient to climate change
- Prevents the accidental spread of invasive seeds, roots, and pests.
Every choice you make in your yard or garden has a ripple effect. Choosing native plants helps restore natural balance, while removing invasive species protects habitats from further harm.
Invasive Plants to Watch for and Native Alternatives
Even the most well-meaning gardeners can unknowingly introduce invasive species to their landscapes. Some of the most persistent threats in the SLELO region are plants that were once sold (and in some cases, still are) as decorative ornamentals. Behind their beauty, however, lies the potential for serious ecological damage. Luckily, these invasive species have several native alternatives that look just as beautiful and support ecological growth! The New York Flora Atlas is a great resource to learn what plants are native to New York and specific ecoregions.
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), for example, is a popular landscaping shrub, but it forms dense, thorny thickets that crowd out native understory plants and create ideal habitat for ticks, mice, and chipmunks. A better alternative? Try winterberry (llex verticillata) a native shrub that’s just as striking and far more ecologically supportive.
Invasive bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) might look charming with its twisting vines and bright berries, but it aggressively climbs and strangles trees, shrubs, and fences. Virgin’s bower (Clematis virginiana) or Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) would be good alternatives.
Wetland areas are especially vulnerable to species like Yellow iris (Iris Pseudacorus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), which form dense monotypic stands and expand quickly via rhizomes. It can easily replace and crowd out important riparian plants , causing a loss of vital habitat. Additionally, the root systems of yellow-flag iris can narrow waterways and clog irrigation systems.
Instead, grow native blue flag iris (Iris versicolor), Blue vervain (Verbena hastata), and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) that provide both beauty and biodiversity!
Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) may be beautiful but they can escape cultivation and invade natural areas, crowding out native plants. There are no native caterpillars that eat butterfly bush leaves.
Instead of butterfly bush, plant sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), and New England blazing star (Liatris cylindracea). These plants are native to New York State and will support pollinators and benefit natural ecosystems.
Don’t overlook multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), a thorny shrub that quickly forms impenetrable walls and displaces native wildflowers. A great alternative is Carolina rose (Rosa carolina), which offers habitat and food for pollinators without the risk of invasion.
By learning to recognize these species and choosing native alternatives, you can protect your landscape and be part of a broader effort to stop the spread of invasive plants in New York.
Plant by plant, we can protect New York’s stunning natural heritage. Every smart swap, every invasive species removed, and every native flower planted builds a stronger, healthier future. The first step? Taking the Pledge to Protect!
Tools to Help You Get Started!
Whether you’re planting your first native garden or transforming an existing space, our Gardener Protector Toolbox is packed with free resources to help you garden smarter.
New York Flora Atlas
Source information for the distribution of plants within New York, as well as information on plant habitats, associated ecological communities, and taxonomy.
Native Plant Finder
Discover native plants suited to your ZIP code that will thrive in your soil and support local wildlife.
Native Plants for Your Landscape (NYS DEC)
Get easy-to-use lists of trees, shrubs, and flowers that are beautiful, hardy, and non-invasive.
Alternatives to Invasive Ornamentals (Cornell CALS)
See which popular garden plants have eco-friendly native substitutes—keep the beauty without the damage.
Native Plant Shopping Guide
Find native plants sold by several Central New York native plant nurseries.
Visit the Protector’s Virtual Toolboxes below to access resources themed for each category, and to learn more about how to protect your favorite outdoor spaces from invasive species.
Virtual Toolboxes
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