Native Plant Alternatives to Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)

Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo, is considered an invasive species in several regions, primarily in the southeastern United States, due to its ability to easily escape cultivation and establish itself in natural areas. Despite its beauty and use as an ornamental plant, Nandina poses environmental concerns due to its invasiveness.

The plant produces numerous seeds that are easily spread by birds and other wildlife. Once established, Nandina forms dense thickets that outcompete and displace native plant species, disrupting biodiversity. It is particularly invasive in forests and riparian areas, where it can alter the ecosystem.

Moreover, the berries of Nandina domestica are toxic to some wildlife species, notably birds such as cedar waxwings, which have been known to die from eating the berries.

Nandina domestica (Heavenly Bamboo) 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 to 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.