Invasion of the Landscape Snatchers: Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina (Nandina domestica)

Nandina, or heavenly bamboo, started in the landscape and now appears throughout some of our natural areas. This evergreen shrub grows upright and produces bright red berry clusters, similar to Coral Ardisia. It reaches heights of six to eight feet with tri-pinnately compound leaves. The leaves start as a reddish color before turning green and then they turn red again in the fall. This plant primarily travels via commercial trade, but also from wildlife. The berries attract birds, who unintentionally disperse the seeds throughout the area. If you have Nandina in your landscape, remove all components of the plants (leaves too) and put them in the garbage or trash. Do not compost or put it with your yard waste.

Image of nandina berries and leaves — The Nandina has clusters of bright red fruit and the plant resembles bamboo, although it is not related. Introduced for ornamental purposes, Nandina quickly escaped landscapes and entered natural areas.

Control

Preventative

Limiting planting and removal of existing nandina stands prevents spread. Removal of Nandina will be most appropriate prior to fruiting of the plant – otherwise, Nandina can easily spread.

Cultural/Physical

Communicating with neighbors, friends, and family from purchasing and trading Nandina will tremendously help reduce its pressure in the landscape. In addition, planting the sterile, non-invasive Firepower Nandina, Nandina domestica ‘Firepower’ is a great alternative. Other alternatives include Chinese Fringeplant (Loropetalum spp.), Chinese Mahonia (Mahonia fotuneii), and Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora).

Mechanical

Mowing helps control infestations, but it may still spread from underground rhizomes. Therefore, manually removing plants and making sure to remove roots will reduce and eliminate the Nandina population in your landscape.

Biological

There are no known biological controls.

Chemical

There are limited control methods regarding chemical controls. Spot treatments of glyphosate or triclopyr serve as alternatives, but follow the label’s directions for application methods.

Conclusions

The showy, yet highly invasive plant spreads aggressively across the landscape. Therefore, if you or someone you know is having issues managing this invasive or any other invasive plants within your landscapes, reach out to your county extension office for more information. The invasion of the landscape snatchers has begun, but we can stop it!