Northern CA Invasive Plants & Alternatives

Description Periwinkle (Vinca major), also known as bigleaf periwinkle, greater periwinkle, or large periwinkle, is a spreading, perennial vine with blue-purple flowers, originally from southern Europe and northern Africa. The non-flowering stems of periwinkle grow along the ground, while the flowering stems stand upright.

Protecting California's wildlands through research, restoration and education: the California Invasive Plant Council works to educate the public, landowners, land managers and policy makers about the problem of invasive plants, and works with them to stop the spread of invasive plants and restore California's natural landscape.

Protecting California's wildlands through research, restoration and education: the California Invasive Plant Council works to educate the public, landowners, land managers and policy makers about the problem of invasive plants, and works with them to stop the spread of invasive plants and restore California's natural landscape.

Protecting California's wildlands through research, restoration and education: the California Invasive Plant Council works to educate the public, landowners, land managers and policy makers about the problem of invasive plants, and works with them to stop the spread of invasive plants and restore California's natural landscape.

Protecting California's wildlands through research, restoration and education: the California Invasive Plant Council works to educate the public, landowners, land managers and policy makers about the problem of invasive plants, and works with them to stop the spread of invasive plants and restore California's natural landscape.

Don't plant a pest brochure

CA - Don't plant a pest - aquatic plants

A list of garden plants that are invasive in California and what we recommend using in their place.

Recommended alternative plant details Have a gorgeous garden and a successful business — all with non-invasive plants! Below are recommended alternatives to the invaders in your region that are beautiful, vigorous, and appropriate for your climate. If you are a home gardener, ask your nursery professional for even more ideas.

Description Water hyacinth is a floating aquatic plant with bright green, waxy leaves and attractive, violet flowers that have yellow stripes on the banner petals. It is reputed to be the fastest-growing plant in the world, doubling in size in a week during hot weather.

Recommended alternative plant details Have a gorgeous garden and a successful business — all with non-invasive plants! Below are recommended alternatives to the invaders in your region that are beautiful, vigorous, and appropriate for your climate. If you are a home gardener, ask your nursery professional for even more ideas.

Description Iris pseudacorus is a fast-growing and rapidly-spreading invasive plant that can out-compete other wetland plants, forming almost impenetrable thickets, in much the same way as cattails do. It grows to 5 feet tall and has yellow, showy flowers.

Description Deceptively beautiful, the emerging invasive Mexican feathergrass is a graceful, delicate and fine textured ornamental grass. It grows in a dense fountain like clump with slender leaves that roll tightly inward so that they appear wiry.

Recommended alternative plant details Have a gorgeous garden and a successful business — all with non-invasive plants! Below are recommended alternatives to the invaders in your region that are beautiful, vigorous, and appropriate for your climate.