Category: Native plants of NC

Be Your Own Plant Detective: Spot Invasives

On By durhammastergardenersIn container gardening, endemic plants, gardening NC, invasive plants, Invasive species, native plant list for Piedmont NC, native plants, Native plants of NC

By Lisa Nadler and Martha Keehner Engelke, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers of Durham County

Sometimes a plant becomes a rapid spreader working its way into places where you would rather it not go. Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is an example of this. It is a vigorous twining vine that is native to the eastern United States. It can grow 10-20 feet high in a season. It spreads aggressively. But, because it is native to our ecosystem, it doesn’t displace other native plants in the area. It is not invasive. In contrast, its “cousin” Japanese or Chinese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), a native of Asia, is capable of growing over plants and smothering them. It can displace native species by outcompeting them for light, space, water and nutrients.

“The term invasive applies only to non-native plants; invasive implies a negative effect on native plants and animals. On the other hand, native plants that establish quickly in your garden and spread readily are more appropriately termed “aggressive.”  Aggressive native plants generally are species adapted to recently disturbed sites where they establish and spread quickly but give way to other native plants within a few years”.1

So, how do you tell the difference?

Close-up of coral honeysuckle flowers, showcasing elongated yellow blooms surrounded by green foliage.
Close-up view of coral honeysuckle (_Lonicera sempervirens_) with green leaves and white-yellow tubular flowers growing on a tree.
Close-up of coral honeysuckle (_Lonicera sempervirens_) featuring white flowers and green leaves against a blurred green background.
Close-up of bright red and orange tubular flowers of Coral Honeysuckle (_Lonicera sempervirens_), surrounded by green leaves.

Two of the pictures above are Lonicera sempervirens (native) and two are Lonicera japonica (invasive). Can you tell the difference? Answers are at the end of the post. (Image credit: Top left: Debbie Roos; Top Right: Lucy Bradley, CC-BY 4.0; Bottom left: Hope Duckworth CC- BY 4.0; Bottom right: Chris Kreussing CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Lisa Nadler’s adventure to distinguish a native plant from an invasive plant is enlightening. It is an excellent illustration of how two plants that seem similar and are in the same family are vastly different in the impact they will have on your garden.

Plant Detective: Lisa Nadler

On a recent visit to Cocoa Cinnamon Container Garden2, Lisa Nadler made a discovery. Invasive Chinese or Sericea Lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) was in one of the painted pots. Lespedeza is in the Fabaceae, or bean family.

A close-up of a painted flower pot containing various plants, including invasive Chinese Lespedeza, with two arrows pointing to the identified invasive species. Background features blue and red patio chairs.
A woman wearing a colorful tank top holds a plant with roots in one hand and gives a thumbs down gesture with the other, standing in a garden setting with outdoor tables and chairs.

The picture on the left shows Lespedeza cuneata growing in a pot at Cocoa Cinnamon. In the photo on the right Deb Pilkington holds the plant after it is removed illustrating its long tap root (Image credit: Lisa Nadler)

So, what is Lespedeza and how did they know it is bad? There are both native and invasive Lespedeza plants and they can look similar. So, you need to know what to look for to know which ones to yank and which ones to leave.

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is a warm-season, perennial legume with many erect, leafy branches. It also goes by the name of Chinese Bush Clover. It was introduced from Asia in 1896 for erosion control, livestock forage and wildlife cover.  But, it has no natural diseases or insects to manage it here and it is now listed as a Rank 1-Severe Threat in NC.

According to the NC Plant Toolbox, it may be allelopathic, producing substances that chemically inhibit the growth of other plants. It forms extensive monocultures and develops an extensive seed bank in the soil, ensuring its long residence at a site. Its high tannin content makes it unpalatable to livestock and most native wildlife. So, not a very good addition for wildlife feed. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and once you know what it looks like, you’ll start seeing it everywhere, especially on road sides.

But how can you tell it from the native Bush clover species, Lespedeza virginica and Lespedeza capitata? Here are some clues.

Bloom Color (which wasn’t helpful in this case because it wasn’t in bloom.)

Lespedeza cuneata has white blooms with a touch of purple. The native Lespedeza virginica has purple flowers. But… (isn’t there always a but…) the other common native, Lespedeza capitata, has white flowers but with a redder touch.

Close-up of white and purple flowers of Lespedeza cuneata, a perennial legume with leafy branches.
Close-up of a pink flowering plant with small clusters of flowers, surrounded by green foliage in a natural setting.
Close-up view of clusters of white flowers with pink markings, with a blue butterfly perched on the blooms.

The picture on the left is Lespedeza cuneata which is invasive. In the middle is Lespedeza virginica, a native and on the right is Lespedeza capitata, another native. (Image credit: Anita 363 CC-BY-NC 2.0; CC-BY-SA-2.0; CC-BY-SA 2.0)

Leaves

Okay, so now look at the leaves. The Lespedeza cuneata (the bad guy) has leaves that are more rounded at the end with a single tooth. Also, the veins are straight and easily visible. The leaves of the Lespedeza virginica and Lespedeza capitata (the good guys) are pointier at the end, usually have a less prominent tooth and the veins are curvier (I’m sure there is a specific botanical name for that…).

A close-up image of three leaves held by a finger, showcasing the different shapes and textures of the leaves for identification.
Close-up of elongated green leaves with droplets of water, surrounded by a small green plant, potentially illustrating the invasive Lespedeza cuneata.
A hand holding a sprig with three green leaves, displaying fine venation and elongated shapes, indicative of a Lespedeza plant.

Left to right: Lespedeza cuneata; Lespedeza virginica; Lespedeza capitata (Image credit: Hamilton Native Outpost; Bonnie Semmling CC-BY-4.0; Missouri plants. com).

There are other plant families that include both native and invasive species so it is important to always be on the lookout. The Poaceae family includes invasive and native grasses. The aquatic common reed (Phragmites australis), is native to Europe but very invasive in NC. It spreads rapidly and forms dense stands. Within the Rosaceae family we find native plants but also the highly invasive Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora). Plants in the Oleaceae Family are popular ornamentals and there are some natives but invasive species like Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) should not be planted. Autumn olive was introduced for wildlife habitat and ornamental purposes but has become invasive. Finally, we have the Fabaceae family. While Wisteria frutescens is a native, Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) are invasive vines in North Carolina. 

So be on the lookout and be your own plant detective!

Answers to quiz: The picture on the upper left and lower right are native (Lonicera sempervirens) the other two are Invasive (Lonicera japonica).

Note 1: This article by Christoper Moorman and Dr. Lucy Bradley, summarizes the differences between aggressive and invasive plants. https://gardening.ces.ncsu.edu/how-to-create-wildlife-friendly-landscapes/why-landscapes-for-wildlife/invasive-species/

Note 2: Cocoa Cinnamon is a demonstration garden located at 420 West Geer Street, Durham, NC 2770. The Durham EMGs provide oversight and it has been an amazing source of information on best practices for growing plants in containers. Here are a few examples of previous posts inspired by the Cocoa Cinnamon project:

Winter pruning of “Little Miss Figgy”: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-5Xr

“Little Miss Figgy in the City” https://wp.me/p2nIr1-50Z

Give a thought to the pot: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-4sZ

Pot Luck: Adventures in Urban Container Gardening: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-2jZ

Pot Luck: A Wildlife Ecosystem in the Middle of a City? : https://wp.me/p2nIr1-2tn

Another series on invasive plants and alternatives by Jeanne Arnts, was recently published on the blog:

From Beloved to Invasive: How does it happen? https://wp.me/p2nIr1-5l3

Replacing Invasive Plants: Suggestions for Beneficial Alternatives https://wp.me/p2nIr1-5CJ

Additional Reading and Resources

For more information on plant diversity check out this article from the NC Botanical Gardens. https://ncbg.unc.edu/2025/03/06/what-are-the-most-diverse-plant-families-and-why-part-one-the-asters

The NC Native Plant Society has good information on identifying native vs. invasive plants. https://ncwildflower.org/invasive-exotic-species-list/

How do invasive plants affect our forests? Here is the answer: ttps://content.ces.ncsu.edu/invasive-plants-and-your-forests

Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-68z

Meet Your New Favorite Plant at the Plant Sale on April 5

On By durhammastergardenersIn Backyard Treasures Plant Sale 2025, Downtown Durham, NC, easy to grow plants, Native plants of NC, Plant sale, Uncategorized

By Lissa Lutz, NC State Extension Master GardenerSM volunteer of Durham County

(Image credit: Allie Mullin)

It’s that time of year again. The sun is warm and friendly, mosquitoes are still snoozing, daffodils are perky amidst a flush of green, and that urge to work the soil begins anew. Though our rational minds know that fall is the better time for planting, there is something about spring that makes us want to contribute to its burst of verdant growth. We find joy in creating new garden spaces, starting the vegetable garden, converting lawn to habitat-friendly meadow, designing container displays, or just tucking a new plant or two into any available remaining space.

If you are lucky enough to live in the Triangle area, you may already know about the Friends of Durham County Extension Master Gardener annual spring plant sale. For a whirlwind few hours, shoppers peruse and take home the roughly 3,000 plants that have been lovingly seeded, divided, propagated, rooted and potted up by a dedicated team of Master Gardener volunteers. Despite the sale’s objective as sole fundraiser for the EMGV program, most team members participate because of their passion for growing and sharing the plants they love. Prices are competitive so everyone can take home a plant. In fact, at the Plant Festival that precedes the sale (March 22 this year), 250 people can take home a free plant.

This year, we asked Master Gardener volunteers who are plant sale team members to tell us about their favorite plants that are in the sale this year. Their picks may inspire you to try a new plant this year. If you cannot be at the April 5 sale in Durham (721 Foster St, 10am until sold out), look for these plants at your local nurseries and enjoy contributing to spring’s display!

Philodendrons

As I think about my favorite houseplant and why it is, so many thoughts and plants come to mind. But rather than being species-specific, philodendrons are one of my favorites that will be plentiful at this year’s sale. There are over 450 named philodendron varieties in the world. The diversity of form, habit, and coloring makes them versatile and desirable. Some of our offerings this year will be the ever-popular heartleaf to the more exotic-Blushing Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens). —Wanda

Philodendron erubescens is a climbing tropical herbaceous perennial in the arum family (Araceae). The leaves, petioles, and spathe of this plant all exhibit the “blush” coloring. The leaves are glossy, deep green on the upper surface, and have a reddish or copper coloring on the underside. (Image credit: Dinesh Valke CC-BY-SA 2.0)

Gomphrena

It’s hard to believe that this little Gomphrena globosa ‘Fireworks’ seedling will grow up to be this vibrant spectacular plant on the right! Gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ has a hot pink flower with yellow tips, hence its name. It is an annual plant that thrives in sunny, hot, dry conditions, so is perfect in the Master Gardener Container Demonstration Gardens at Cocoa Cinnamon. It is a spectacular yet tough plant that will grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide, is a favorite of pollinators, and looks great in cut flower arrangements. —Deborah

Gomphrena globosa ‘Fireworks’ starts small but becomes a beautiful plant that is easy to grow and it is pollinator friendly. (Image credit: Deborah Pilkington)

Buckeye

I love the Painted Buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica) because it is such a harbinger of spring. One of the first trees to leaf out, this small understory tree is easy to spot in moist rich woods everywhere. The leaves are followed by a display of showy, creamy-yellow flowers. Buckeye has naturalized in my yard and the deer have ignored it. In the fall, the leathery seed capsules split open to reveal several shiny, smooth brown “buckeyes.” They are irresistible to touch; just don’t eat them as they contain toxic compounds. —Lissa

The Painted Buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica) is native to the Southeastern United States. It does best in sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil. (Image credit: Dcrjsr CC BY 3.0, Suzanne Cadwell CC BY-NC 4.0)

Cherokee Sedge

Carex cherokeensis (Cherokee sedge) is a work horse in my garden. It’s a versatile plant that can be used as ground cover, edging, and as a companion plant for contrasting texture. I love the contrasting grassy texture in between my blooming flowers. It prefers moist conditions, so it can be used in the rain garden, but it is adaptable to various growing conditions. It thrives in my dry, full sun garden. It’s low maintenance and shade tolerant. If that’s not enough, it’s deer resistant and green all winter long. —Tram

Cherokee sedge is a native sedge. It blooms in spring and is followed by attractive drooping seedheads. The arching evergreen to semi-evergreen grass-like foliage is attractive all season. (Image credit: K Andre CC BY 2.0)

Sweet Prince Tomato

While I love all of our tomato varieties, I have a serious soft spot for ‘Sweet Prince.’ I’ve grown this variety the past two years in big pots, and by mid-season the plants have absolutely exploded with growth. They produce almost too many great little tomatoes right up until frost, and seem overall unbothered by disease. They’re actually a product of the NCSU tomato breeding program — I’m sure part of the reason they have such great disease resistance! —Ashley

The tomato breeding program, located at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center develops parental breeding lines and F1 hybrids with superior genetics such as the ‘Sweet Prince’. (Image credit: NCSU Plant Breeding Consortium)

Aromatic Aster

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium is a favorite native plant of mine.  In the fall, it anchors this perennial garden in front of my barn, staying in bloom for a full two months at a time of year when most plants are shutting down.  Known as aromatic aster, it prefers poor soil, full sun, and is drought tolerant once established.  Spreading both by seed and stolons, it can try to take over, but is easily divided when needed.  Notice the color difference in the closeup photograph.  The darker reddish flower centers mean an older bloom that most likely has been pollinated, while the yellow center means a bloom that is younger and most likely not yet pollinated. —Peter

Aromatic aster is a native perennial wildflower in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. This plant was selected as the 2000 NC Wildflower of the Year. (Image credit: Peter Gilmer)

Anise Hyssop

I appreciate a plant that is self-sufficient, and Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is that. Its needs are minor. A little water every now and then and a trim in early spring, and it does the rest. Its purple inflorescences start blooming in mid-summer and don’t stop until sometime in October. The spiky flower heads sway heavily with the weight of so many bees. I’ve paired it with goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), swamp sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius), and purple cone flower (Echinacea purpurea). Together they create a stunning display. I call them my “State Fair flowers” because they’re in full bloom when the Raleigh State Fair is in town. —Marcia

Anise Hyssop, (Agastache foeniculum) attracts bees, butterflies and birds to the garden and is resistant to deer and rabbits. (Image credit: Guettarda CC BY SA 4.)

Fish Pepper

I have been a little obsessed with the fish pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annum). This plant is a recent addition to my garden, but it is now a permanent fixture. I first heard about the fish pepper in an article in a cooking magazine in early 2021. The plant, prominent in the Black community, nearly disappeared but was lovingly resurrected by seed savers and food historians. By happenstance, I first encountered the actual pepper during my Master Gardener training class at Briggs’ Community Garden. I saved the seeds from the pepper I was given and have been growing them ever since. I use them as an unexpected and subtle new flavor in the Caribbean meals that I have learned from my mother. —Deandra

Debra Freeman explains the history and legacy of the fish pepper in the African American garden. You can read about it at this site: https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/fish-peppers-african-american-garden-article (Image credit: Epicurious)

Spotted Bee Balm and Rattlesnake Master

I love plants that come back year after year, and of the perennials I grow I especially love Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) for its absolutely strange shape and color. This plant throws out flower spikes that look like they belong on an alien planet and defy an easy description. This plant loves sun, is easy to grow, doesn’t creep much beyond where you plant it, and is beloved by pollinators. I already have it in my garden and plan to put it absolutely everywhere. It looks especially good next to the demure flowers of Blue Sage (which we sold last year!) and the wackier Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium), which we have available again this year, which adds a fantastic counterpoint of a blue-ish green leaf and tall, spiky, beautiful white flower “balls.” All three are perennial and complement each other with their looks and with what they provide for our local pollinators. —Ali

Spotted Bee Balm (Monarda punctata) and Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium) are available at the plant sale and are an excellent choice for a sunny pollinator garden. (Image credit: Susan Strine CC BY 2.0; Eleanor CC BY NC 4.0)

Peppers

Attempting to pick one favorite vegetable was difficult at best.  I realized I couldn’t pick just one…. So I decided to focus generally on the versatile pepper. Growing a variety of sweet and hot peppers offers so many options. I’m well known for my pepper casserole (just ask my neighbors). The dish I have adapted is the standard stuffed pepper recipe with ground meat, tomato, onions and rice, but I add corn and extra spices like good chili powder. Instead of stuffing the peppers, I cut up a variety of hot and sweet peppers into bite size pieces, quickly blanch them and then stir them into the casserole. Top it with cheese and bake until bubbly. Delish! (Note: Don’t eat meat? Replace it with black beans.)

And of course, I love to eat sweet lunchbox peppers right off the vine. The larger sweet Carmen (red) and Escamillo (yellow) are also great fresh, sliced into salads or stuffed. Grilled shishitos are a great touch to any meal; just don’t mix them up with your green cayenne peppers, as I have done. I grow the cute little Peach Wasp for the sole purpose of drying and grinding into pepper flakes. They are just a bit hotter than the ripe, red cayenne peppers and add a fruity taste. I haven’t even mentioned the Poblano! The possibilities are endless so try a few new peppers this year and experiment yourself. I would love to hear what you discover. —Bev

Peppers can be sweet, hot, large, or small and used in many culinary creations! (Image credit: Oregon State University, James Meyers)

To see all the plants that will be available for sale at the 2025 Plant Sale, see our website https://www.backyardtreasuresplantsale.org.

Article Short Link: https://wp.me/p2nIr1-5Lf