It seemed harmless enough. A pretty vine from the garden center, adding a splash of color with its bright berries to brighten the backyard. But what the homeowner didn’t know was that this plant, though beautiful, was an invasive species. Within a few short years, the vine spread into the yard, strangling their trees, then made their way into nearby woods and fields, outcompeting native plants, damaging habitats, and altering the landscape for generations to come.
This isn’t a rare story. Across New York, invasive species often begin in home gardens—then spread into natural areas, forests, wetlands, and waterways, where their impact can last for generations.
The good news? The solution can start right where the problem begins.
What is Climate-Smart Gardening?
limate-smart gardening is a practical, eco-friendly approach to landscaping that helps protect local ecosystems while building resilience to a changing climate.
It focuses on:
- Choosing native plants that naturally support local wildlife.
- Replacing invasive ornamental plants with sustainable alternatives.
- Creating landscapes that adapt to extreme weather and climate shifts.
- Preventing the accidental spread of invasive seeds, roots, and pests.
Every choice you make in your yard or garden has a ripple effect. Choosing native plants helps restore natural balance, and removing invasive species protects habitats from further harm.
5 Easy Ways to Get Started
- Swap one invasive plant for a native alternative: Even one change helps reduce spread.
- Plant for pollinators: Choose species that provide food for bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Clean your tools and gear: Prevent spreading seeds or pests between locations.
- Avoid planting unknown species: Stick to verified native or non-invasive plants.
- Learn what’s growing in your yard: Awareness is the first step to action.
Whether you’re planting your first native garden or transforming an existing space, our Gardener Protector Toolkit is packed with free resources to help you garden smarter.
Top Toolkit Resources:
- New York Flora Atlas: Source information for the distribution of plants within New York, as well as information on plant habitats, associated ecological communities, and taxonomy.
- Gardening with Climate-Smart Native Plants in the Northeast: Native Plant Benefits and Northeastern Hardiness Plant List.
- PlantWise Brochure: Know before you grow, New York gardeners’ tipsheet showcasing native alternatives to common invasive garden plants.
Common Invasive Species to Watch For
Even the most well-meaning gardeners can unknowingly introduce invasive species to their landscapes. Some of the most persistent threats in the SLELO region are plants that were once sold (and in some cases, still are) as decorative ornamentals. Behind their beauty, however, lies the potential for serious ecological damage.
Invasive barberry (Berberis thunbergii), for example, is a popular landscaping shrub, but it forms dense, thorny thickets that crowd out native understory plants and create ideal habitat for ticks, mice, and chipmunks. A better alternative? Try winterberry (Llex verticillata) a native shrub that’s just as striking and far more ecologically supportive.
Invasive bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) might look charming with its twisting vines and bright
berries, but it aggressively climbs and strangles trees, shrubs, and fences. If you like the look, opt for American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), a native version that’s much less aggressive and better for native birds.
Wetland areas are especially vulnerable to species like yellow iris (Iris Pseudacorus) and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), which forms dense monotypic stands and expands quickly via rhizomes. It can easily replace and crowd out important riparian plants causing a loss of vital habitat. Additionally, the root systems of yellow-flag iris can narrow waterways and clog irrigation systems. Instead, grow native blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) can provide both beauty and biodiversity.
Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) may be beautiful but they can escape cultivation and invade natural areas, crowding out native plants. There are no native caterpillars that eat butterfly bush leaves.
Instead of butterfly bush, plant native summersweet (Clethra alnifolia), giant hyssop (Agastache urticifolia), and blazing star (Liatris spicata). These native plants will support pollinators and provide benefits to the natural ecosystem.
Don’t overlook multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), a thorny shrub that quickly forms impenetrable walls and displaces native wildflowers. Some great native alternatives are, ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin) which all offer habitat and food for pollinators without the risk of invasion.
By learning to recognize these species and choosing native alternatives, you can protect your landscape and be part of a broader effort to stop the spread of invasive plants in New York.
Take the Next Step
Plant by plant, we can protect New York’s stunning natural heritage. Every smart swap, every invasive species removed, and every native flower planted builds a stronger, healthier future.
The next step? Taking the Pledge to Protect! Join a growing community of New Yorkers taking simple, meaningful steps to protect the places they love. Visit iPledgeToProtect.org to take the pledge and access tools, tips, and resources to guide your journey.