This submerged, rooted plant is native to the southeastern United States, but can now be found in many northeastern and northwestern states. Stems that can be up to six feet long are covered in fan-like leaves, and small, white, six-petaled flowers appear on the surface of the ponds, lakes and […] Read more »
Myrtle (Myrtus)
Also known as common periwinkle (and thus where the color of the same name comes from), this sub-shrub is native to central-southern Europe and was brought to the United States as an ornamental ground cover. It is an evergreen ground cover that is rarely seen over 6 inches in height, […] Read more »
Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria Floribunda)
As suggested by the name, this plant originated in Japan and was introduced to North America in the 19th century. It is a deciduous woody vine that will climb upwards; vines are brown and older specimens can be 15 inches in diameter. Leaves are up to a foot long with […] Read more »
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English ivy was introduced to the US by European settlers as early as 1727, and it was widely planted to provide year-round ground cover. The native of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa is still sold commercially in this country, despite its known status as a dangerous weed of natural […] Read more »
Black Swallow-wort (Cynanchum Louiseae)
Originating in southwestern Europe, this plant made its way to America due to preference as an ornamental plant. It was noted to be escaping from gardens in the late 19th century, and is now widespread in the northeast US and southeast Canada, with some presence in the Midwest. An herbaceous […] Read more »
Porcelain Berry (Ampelopsis Brevipedunculata)
Very abundant along the coast of MA currently, Porcelain Berry’s origins are in eastern Asia. Despite its invasive status it is still promoted as a bedding or landscape plant. This has contributed to its distribution in much of the eastern United States south to Virginia. It is a woody vine, […] Read more »
Japanese “Vine” Honeysuckle (Lonicera Japonica)
Its name reveals its Japanese origin, but it also is known to grow naturally in the Koreas. It was likely brought to the U.S. for ornamental purposes. However, it has quickly earned the reputation of an invasive plant in many states from Connecticut south and even into the Midwest, recently […] Read more »
Asiatic Bittersweet (Celastrus Orbiculatus)
As the name suggests, this plant is native to East Asia. It is thought that it was brought to America in the 1800’s as an ornamental plant, but by now it has spread to much of eastern North America. Asiatic bittersweet is a light to dark brown woody vine, with […] Read more »
