A staggering 100 million pounds of herbicides are used on lawns in the United States each year.1 While it’s tempting to reach for quick and easy solutions to achieve a picture-perfect garden, some plants can quickly turn from beautiful additions to invasive nightmares.
Before you head to the nursery, take a moment to know the 15 plants you might regret planting in your yard.
1. Snow-on-the-Mountain (Aegopodium podagraria)

Also known as Bishop’s Weed or Gout Weed, this variegated ground cover may seem like a charming addition to your shade garden. However, Snow-on-the-Mountain is incredibly invasive, with underground runners that can take over a small garden in a single growing season.
Eradicating this plant can be a multi-year battle, so it’s best to steer clear altogether.
2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Dating back to the early 1700s, English ivy has become one of the most widespread invasive plants in the United States. This aggressive vine can slowly kill trees by restricting light and its enthusiastic roots can penetrate cracks in mortar, prying stones and bricks apart.
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Instead of ivy, opt for native groundcover plants like wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) or Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
3. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Purple loosestrife, once valued for its ornamental and medicinal uses, now grows invasively in most states since its introduction in the early 1800s. A single plant can produce up to 2 million wind-dispersed seeds per year, allowing it to quickly dominate wetlands.
For a native alternative, consider blazing star (Liatris spicata) or New York ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis).
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4. Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata ‘Tricolor’)
This colorful ground cover has earned the nickname “spawn of Satan” for its ability to spread out of control almost immediately upon touching soil. Even after months of digging and herbicide application, the Chameleon Plant can snake its way under concrete and invade lawns.
Save yourself the headache and choose a less aggressive option.
5. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
As one of the most prolific invasive plant species in the United States, Japanese honeysuckle can completely engulf small trees and shrubs, shading out native species. Birds consume and spread the seeds, making it difficult to control.
For a fragrant, non-invasive alternative, consider native honeysuckle species like coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).
6. Ostrich Ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
Ostrich ferns may seem like a gorgeous addition to your shade garden, but beware of their ability to quickly take over, especially in moist soil. Spreading by underground runners, these ferns are difficult to eradicate once established. For a more manageable option, try maidenhair fern or Japanese painted fern.
7. Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata)
Kudzu, a Japanese import from 1876, was initially promoted as an ornamental plant and later as a forage crop in the Southeast. Once established, this vigorous vine can grow up to 1 foot per day and 60 feet annually, smothering plants and toppling trees.
Native alternatives include Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia).
8. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Pampas grass may look pretty from a distance, but its razor-sharp leaf edges can slice through skin. Removing this plant requires metal mesh gloves and careful protection of all exposed skin. Consider a less dangerous ornamental grass for your landscape.
9. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
The Norway maple, a European import from 1756, quickly became a popular shade tree. However, this adaptable species can dominate landscapes, displacing native maples and shading out wildflowers with its dense canopy.
Stick with native alternatives like sugar maple (Acer saccharum) or red maple (Acer rubrum).
10. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint may be a beginner gardener’s best friend, but it can quickly become their worst enemy. This herb thrives even under neglect and can spread rapidly, taking over gardens and lawns. To avoid a minty takeover, consider growing mint in containers or opt for less aggressive herbs.
11. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, Japanese barberry has become a significant invasive species in the United States. This thorny shrub can form dense thickets, crowding out native plants and altering soil pH.
For a native alternative, consider American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) or inkberry (Ilex glabra).
12. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
The purple variety of morning glory has a reputation for escaping gardens and naturalizing where it’s not wanted. Growing up to 15 feet in a single season, this vine requires aggressive deadheading and removal to prevent unwanted spread. Consider less invasive annual vines for your garden.
13. Wisteria (Wisteria spp.)
Two species of Wisteria, W. sinensis and W. floribunda, while undeniably beautiful, can be “thugs” that want to conquer the world. Keeping these vines in check requires frequent pruning during the growing season and diligent cleanup of seed pods to prevent unwanted germination.
For a more manageable flowering vine, consider native species like American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens).
14. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus aethiopicus)
Asparagus fern, despite its delicate appearance, has sharp thorns and is toxic to dogs and cats. Considered an invasive weed in some parts of North America and New Zealand, this plant spreads by seed and can invade yards even when not intentionally planted.
Opt for true ferns or pet-friendly houseplants instead.
15. Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)
Tansy, with its ferny foliage and bright yellow flowers, may charm at first glance, but don’t be deceived. In addition to being invasive, the oils in tansy are highly toxic, requiring gloves when handling.
For a safer, less aggressive option, consider native perennials like black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) or purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
Source:
1. Scientific American
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.