Don't Plant a Pest

Ground covers of the Sierra Foothills region

Invasive plants are listed in red boxes. Alternatives are listed below in green.
Invasive plants that are also a fire hazard are identified by this symbol: 

Invasive! Do Not Plant! Invasive!

More/larger photos English ivy or Algerian ivy Hedera helix or Hedera caneriensis Some ivy species in the Hedera genus are a problem in California. They can smother understory vegetation, kill trees, and harbor non-native rats and snails. It's difficult to distinguish problem species from less invasive ones. Do not plant ivy near natural areas, never dispose of ivy cuttings in natural areas, and maintain ivy so it never goes to fruit. Researchers hope to determine which ivies can be planted safely.

Invasive!   Do Not Plant!   Invasive!
More/larger photos periwinkle Vinca major This aggressive grower has trailing stems that root wherever they touch the soil. Their ability to resprout from stem fragments enables periwinkle to spread rapidly in shady creeks and drainages, smothering the native plant community.

Try these plants instead
More/larger photos pachysandra Pachysandra terminalis Grows more slowly than Vinca spp. and Hedera spp., but has a crisp, neat growth form. New foliage is bright green, changing to dark green with age. Small white flowers on 1-2 inch spikes. Withstands shade and is widely used under trees. Variegated cultivars are available. Deer resistant.

More/larger photos common yarrow Achillea millefolium Native perennial groundcover from one to four feet high. Can be used as a lawn substitute. Produces white flowers. Should be pruned or mowed annually. Blooms can be prolonged by cutting back old flower stalks or mowing.

More/larger photos carpet bugle or ajuga Ajuga reptans This popular ground cover spreads quickly by runners, making a mat of dark green leaves. Blue flowers appear in spring and early summer.

More/larger photos star jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides Evergreen, vining groundcover with glossy, dark green leaves and pale yellow, pinwheel-shaped flowers wiht a jasmine scent.

More/larger photos creeping mahonia Mahonia repens Prickly leaves, short clusters of flowers in mid- to late spring followed by blue berries; good winter color.

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