During the spring, the urge to plant flowers, trees and shrubs is high.  For those of us that are trying to enhance our yards for wildlife we are on the lookout for plants that are attractive and benefit wildlife.  With that in mind, sometimes you find a plant that is beautiful and provides food for wildlife.

       A plant that appears to fit the bill is nandina.  It has dark green, evergreen foliage and bears a crop of shiny red berries. As such, the plant seems to add a touch of beauty in the winter.  In truth, you should avoid it.

       One reason why it should keep out of your yard is that it is on the Georgia Invasive Plant List.  That means it spreads across the countryside and thereby threatens native plants.

       The second reason is that its berries are toxic to birds. It seems the berries contain cyanide compounds that produce hydrogen cyanide.  Typically, when a bird eats a small amount (1-2 berries) of the berries it will not die.  The berries, however, pose a greater threat to cedar waxwings.  The reason for this is they often gorge themselves on the red berries.  This is especially true when other food sources are scarce.

       Keep this in mind when you are considering possibly adding nandina to your landscape.  This is a case of where what you do not plant is as important as what you do not.