12 Groundcovers to avoid: protecting your yard & local ecosystem

The hidden threat of aggressive groundcovers

As Ashley White, I’ve always championed creating harmonious living spaces that celebrate the beauty of nature. While groundcovers offer fantastic benefits – weed suppression, soil erosion control, and a lush aesthetic – some varieties can quickly turn into a landscaping nightmare. Rapid growth, usually a desirable trait, can backfire spectacularly when these plants become invasive, choking out other plants and disrupting the natural ecosystem. Let’s explore 12 groundcovers to steer clear of, and why they pose such a threat.

Why invasive groundcovers matter

Beyond your own garden, these aggressive plants escape into natural lands, outcompeting native plants and altering the delicate balance of the ecosystem. They're often classified as invasive at local, state, or even federal levels. Choosing non-invasive alternatives is crucial for responsible gardening and protecting our Environment. It's a small change that makes a big difference!

1. Beach vitex (vitex rotundifolia) – the coastal invader

Initially introduced to North America from Korea to protect beaches from erosion, beach vitex quickly spiraled out of control. This low-growing, woody shrub thrives in harsh dune conditions. Its small, round leaves and leathery texture are easily recognizable. It produces clusters of purple flowers in May, but its aggressive spreading makes it a problem.

2. Bishop’s weed (aegopodium podagraria) – the goutweed menace

Also known as goutweed, bishop’s weed forms a dense mat of variegated green and white foliage. While it effectively prevents weeds, its rapid spread is unacceptable. It displaces native species and inhibits the growth of conifers and other trees, making it a significant threat to woodland ecosystems.

3. Chameleon plant (houttuynia cordata) – nearly impossible to eradicate

Originating from Southeast Asia, the chameleon plant boasts variegated, heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in shade and moist soil, practically growing anywhere. Once established, it’s incredibly difficult to remove; even the smallest root fragment will quickly resprout.

4. Creeping jenny (lysimachia nummularia) – an ecological threat

Native to Europe and Asia, creeping jenny was introduced as an ornamental groundcover, but it quickly escaped into native areas, becoming an ecological threat. Its slender stems branch out and root wherever the leaf nodes touch the soil, leading to incredibly rapid and uncontrolled spread.

5. English ivy (hedera helix) – the tree-climbing conqueror

English ivy forms a thick blanket of foliage and aggressively overtakes nearby plants, including trees. It climbs and engulfs branches, shading and slowly killing the host plant. Its waxy leaves repel herbicides, and any root fragment will resprout, making it a persistent problem.

6. Ice plant (carpobrotus edulis) – california’s coastal challenge

Confusingly, there’s a well-behaved hardy ice plant (Delosperma cooperi) and a highly problematic one. Ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis) is a particular issue in California, displacing native species. Birds readily carry its seeds, leading to dense mats of foliage in natural areas.

7. Japanese bloodgrass (imperata cylindrica) – a world-class weed

The striking red foliage of Japanese bloodgrass has captivated many gardeners, but it’s a dangerous temptation. Listed on the USDA’s Noxious Weed List, it’s considered one of the world's worst weeds. While the 'Rubra' cultivar is less invasive, it often reverts to the highly aggressive green form.

8. Ribbon grass (phalaris arundinacea) – root system nightmare

Similar to Japanese bloodgrass, ribbon grass grows out of control rapidly. Often planted for erosion control, its fine and dense root system makes it nearly impossible to eradicate once established.

9. Vinca (vinca minor) – choking out wildflowers

Also known as periwinkle, vinca has glossy foliage and attractive flowers. However, it escapes into natural areas, choking out wildflowers and other native plants. Even if it seems well-behaved in your garden, the risk isn't worth it.

10. Wintercreeper (euonymus fortunei) – the problem solver that creates problems

Wintercreeper is deceptively appealing, growing in various soil conditions and light levels. However, it quickly forms a dense mat, destroying everything in its path and climbing trees with abandon. Eradication is exceptionally difficult.

11. Yellow archangel (lamium galeobdolon) – a mint family menace

A member of the mint family, yellow archangel spreads rapidly with yellow flower spikes. Stems root wherever they touch the ground, making it an aggressive weed that chokes out native species, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

12. Japanese pachysandra (pachysandra terminalis) – ecosystem disruptor

While Japanese pachysandra thrives in shade and dry soil, it spreads far beyond the planting bed, disrupting the ecosystem. Consider clump-forming native sedge grasses (Carex spp.) as a much better, sustainable alternative.

Non-invasive groundcover alternatives

Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic, non-invasive groundcover options! From low-growing perennials to short shrubs, you can achieve a beautiful and functional landscape without the risks. Consider wintergreen, golden star (Chrysogonum virginianum), and barren strawberry. Let’s embrace responsible gardening for a healthier planet!