Someplantsare better than others when you're planting your garden.
In fact, more than 100 invasive plants are prohibited inMassachusettsby theDepartment of Agricultural Resources(DAR) for their tendency to take over and harm the surrounding environment. Despite the fact they're banned, if you're not careful at the garden center or online shopping, they might still make their way into your cart.
"We do sometimes see (plants) for sale online and other places, but they are not allowed to be sold or imported into Massachusetts," said Jennifer Forman Orth, an environmental biologist with DAR. "They may be allowed in other states."
There are the top five plants Forman Orth saidgardenersshould be careful to avoid in Massachusetts:
Burning bush (Euonymus alata)
While its crimson leaves may be pleasing to the eye, the burning bush (Euonymus alatus) has been prohibited in Massachusetts, as well as in other states like New Hampshire, for a reason.
Mass Audubonsaid the shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and its proverbial wingspan (the spread of its branches and leaves, which also lend it the name of "Winged Euonymus") can cause multiple problems ecologically.
"It invades fields, field edges, and forests, and displaces native plants," Mass Audubon said. "Birds eat the fruit and disperse the seeds of winged euonymus."
Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creepy jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is kind of the opposite of the burning bush. Instead of growing tall, it slinks low and tends to cover whatever ground it can grab onto. It can look nice hanging off planters; however, the creepy jenny isn't called that for no reason.
A Massachusetts Natural Resources Collaborations blogabout pests said that the creepy jenny is an especially effective invader of natural wetland ecosystems, if given the chance.
"It is known to escape from cultivation into forested floodplains and other wetlands, where it often forms dense mats. It is also a prolific producer of seeds," the blog said. "For these reasons, creeping Jenny has been prohibited from sale in Massachusetts since 2009, after a review by the Mass. Invasive Plant Advisory Group (MIPAG)."
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Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Another invasive shrub, the Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) may look harmless at first, but it has been called invasive in over half the country, according to theNational Park Service.
"Dense thickets of barberry are virtual tick-borne disease incubation centers. They provide ideal habitat for both black-legged ticks, and a primary host for Lyme disease, white-footed mice," the park service said. "Thickly growing barberry shrubs keep light levels low and humidity high."
The Japanese barberry can also reduce available food sources for birds and other creatures, propagate invasive earthworms in the Northeast, and throws the balance of these delicate ecosystems into chaos, the park service said.
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
The Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) has an appealing name that hides the more sinister effects this invasive vine can have.
"It invades fields, field edges, and, to a lesser degree, forests, and out competes or strangles and smothers native vegetation," Mass Audubon said. "Birds and other wildlife are attracted to the fruit and spread the seeds."
It's very commonly found in southeastern Massachusetts, according to the Bay State nonprofit group.
"Note that there are some other honeysuckle vines that are sometimes called “Japanese honeysuckle” that are not on the invasive list and can be sold," Foreman Orth said. "It is always a good idea to check the scientific name before making a purchase."
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
This many-branched shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and was found to be most pervasive on Cape Cod and was banned in January of 2025.
"This is a recent addition to the Massachusetts Prohibited Plant List due to its ability to invade coastal and other sandy habitats," Foreman Orth said.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette:Massachusetts warns gardeners to avoid these 5 invasive plants
