BLOGGER QUESTIONS USE OF BUTTERFLY BUSH

Mar3

      Recently I posted a blog advising that this is a good time to prune butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii). In response a The blogger’s posted a response that simply stated that since butterfly bush has the reputation of sometimes being invasive, gardeners should plant native plants as an alternative to this non-native. I am glad the blogger brought up this important issue.

       Butterfly bush is native to China.  It is one of the many ornamentals that have been brought to North America throughout our history.  Unfortunately, some of these plants have proven to be invasive and usurp habitats populated by native species and cause problems for native wildlife.

       In the case of butterfly bush, several states have placed it on their invasive species list.  However, to date, the Georgia Invasive Plant Council has not done so in the Peach State. This does not mean it is not a problem in some areas in the state. If it has, I am not aware of it.  My wife and I live in Middle Georgia and have planted butterfly bush for years.  To date, we have never found any evidence that butterfly bush has escaped confines of our yard.

    It is true that an exotic such as butterfly bush can occupy a spot where a native plant can grow.  In fact, many Georgia homeowners are converting their property to strictly natives.  I think this is a great idea.  Others, on the other hand, are just beginning to realize the value of native plants and are methodically adding more natives to their yard each year.  In the meantime, they can continue to enjoy the beauty of zinnias, glossy abelia, and non-natives that are not invasive.

       There are a number of native plants that you can crow instead of butterfly bush.  This list includes joe-pye-weed, goldenrod, blazing star, purple coneflower, buttonbush, and Georgia mint.

       If you harbor any concern that butterfly bush is an invasive in your part of the state, contact your County University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office.  They can advise you whether butterfly bush is a problem in your locale. If you find that it is, please let me know.

       I want to thank the blogger that brought up this issue.  Deciding what we plant on our property can have huge implications on our environment.  When it comes to invasive plants, we do not want to be part of the problem.

7 thoughts on “BLOGGER QUESTIONS USE OF BUTTERFLY BUSH”

  1. I’ve said for years that I’ve never seen a volunteer butterfly bush… until January when I found TWO in my own ITP Atlanta yard feet from my butterfly bush. The volunteers were quickly dispatched and I’m now focused on cutting off all the seed heads going forward.

    Reply

  2. We, too, have enjoyed buddleia for decades and haven’t noticed it being invasive. But I do know that some Northwestern states have restrictions on them.

    We do not care much for the newer, short versions, however.

    On another subject, our neighbor saw their first hummer on 1 March. Hope it will show up here soon.

    Reply

    • Nudicale,

      Thanks for the hummingbird account–it was the first I have received this year. I would appreciate it if you could let me know in what county was the bird seen.

      Reply

  3. In my yard in the sandhills, these things won’t even grow.
    A better choice is the chaste tree.
    In Macon, There was a planting of buddleia in the clay which continues to produce seedlings years after original shrubs were destroyed.
    Anyone near a wetland area probably should consider avoiding this known invader.

    Reply

  4. I live in west central Georgia and have had one butterfly bush for 10yrs. It has not propagated any other place. The butterflies do love it. I didn’t realize it was invasive. Thanks for that info.

    Reply

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