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Native Plant Alternatives to Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush)

Native Plants, Invasive Plants, Buddleja davidii, Butterfly Bush, Summer Lilac, Orange eye Butterflybush

Buddleja davidii, commonly known as butterfly bush, is a popular ornamental plant native to central China. However, in several regions across the world, it has become an invasive species. It spreads rapidly and can colonize a wide variety of disturbed habitats, such as railroad tracks, roadsides, and recently logged or burned forests.

This plant’s invasiveness is due to its prolific seed production and fast growth rate. It is able to outcompete native vegetation, alter ecosystems, and negatively impact biodiversity. Its ability to grow in poor soils and its resistance to pests and diseases further enhance its invasive potential.

Butterfly Bush is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits in growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Buddleia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Native Plants United States

U.S. Native Plant Alternatives to Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush)

Aesculus parviflora (Bottlebrush Buckeye)
Amorpha canescens (Lead Plant)
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens (Creeping Blue Blossom)
Cephalanthus occidentalis (Button Bush)
Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow)
Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)
Ericameria nauseosa (Rubber Rabbitbrush)
Philadelphus lewisii (Wild Mock Orange)
Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry)
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Blue Blossom)
Cyrilla racemiflora (Titi)
Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)
Spiraea alba (White Meadowsweet)
Lindera benzoin (Spice Bush)

 

 

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Plant Type Shrubs
Genus Buddleia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Native Plants United States
Compare All Buddleja (Butterfly Bush)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Buddleja (Butterfly Bush)
Guides with
United States

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