Look Out For These Invasive Plants in Iowa
Be on the lookout for buckthorn and honeysuckle – two of Iowa's most common and invasive plants.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
From buckthorn to honeysuckle and multiflora rose, these are Iowa's top ten most invasive plants.
Homeowners in Iowa have their share of natural problems to contend with, from harsh winters to strong summer storms. But if you’re an Iowa homeowner, you also need to be on the lookout for invasive plant species that can take over your yard and even destroy your property value!
That’s why
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and give you tips on how to get rid of them for good. We’ll even help you save money on your Iowa home insurance
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The top 10 invasive plant species in Iowa
1. Buckthorn
Scientific name:Rhamnus cathartica
What it looks like: small tree or dense shrub with rounded or oval leaves that have a pointed tip
Why it’s a problem: Both common and glossy buckthorn varieties have long growing seasons and produce dense foliage, making it nearly impossible for native plant species to compete with the buckthorn for natural resources. Unfortunately, the buckthorn is also a host plant for soybean aphids which pose a significant danger to crops throughout the state.
What to do: Removing young plants before they produce berries is best to prevent repeat infestations. However, if you’re dealing with more established plants, controlled burning once a year for two or three years can clear the plants.
2. Burning bush
Scientific name: Euonymus alatus
What it looks like: a large (up to 20’) shrub with small elliptical leaves that turn bright orange or red in the fall
Why it’s a problem: Exotic burning bush is widely used as a landscaping shrub throughout Iowa. Unfortunately, the shrub has spread from its landscaping plantings into native habitats, where its dense foliage crowds out native species and steals valuable natural resources.
What to do: Don’t use exotic burning bush plants for your landscaping. If some are already planted, dig them up and dispose of them. Well-established plants may need to be cut and then treated with herbicide to avoid further regrowth.
3. Garlic mustard
Scientific name: Alliaria petiolata
What it looks like: 1-6” groundcover plant with stalks that shoot up to 1-4 feet. Heart-shaped leaves that smell like garlic when crushed
Why it’s a problem: Garlic mustard spreads very quickly and suppresses or completely eliminates the growth of small native plants, including tree seedlings. One plant can produce hundreds of seeds that are easily spread and can remain viable for up to five years, making it extremely hard to eliminate.
What to do: Hand-pulling garlic mustard is most effective between April and June. Controlled burns can be used in early spring to eliminate plants before they drop seeds. Stay away from garlic mustard plants between July and October to prevent the spreading of any new seeds.
4. Honeysuckle
Scientific name:Lonicera
What it looks like: 6-18 foot viney shrub that produces tubular flowers in spring and summer months
Why it’s a problem: Several varieties of honeysuckle are in Iowa, and they all spread and grow rapidly. Honeysuckle quickly drains the area of resources and forces out native plant species. As a result, the quality of native forest habitats is extremely reduced.
What to do: Small and medium-sized plants can be pulled up before late summer to prevent regrowth. Larger plants will need to be cut and treated with herbicide to ensure they do not cause another infestation.
5. Japanese barberry
Scientific name: Berberis thunbergii
What it looks like: Small, dense shrub with oval leaves that turn yellow, orange, red or purplish in the fall
Why it’s a problem: Japanese barberry was initially introduced as a landscaping plant, but it quickly spread to native habitats. It can change the soil composition where it grows in order to make conditions hostile for native plants and discourage any competition. Its early spring growth can also shade out smaller native plants.
What to do: Avoid using Japanese barberry in your landscaping. If you already have some established barberry, you’ll have to dig out the plant and the entire root system to keep it from regrowing. Treating with chemical herbicides may also be necessary.
6. Multiflora rose
Scientific name:Rosa multiflora
What it looks like: Shrub with long arching stems that produce clusters of white or pink fragrant flowers in early summer
Why it’s a problem: Multiflora rose was widely used as a method of soil erosion control and living fences in the 1800s. It was valued for its fragrant pink and white flowers, but it quickly became apparent that it could easily take over its surroundings. The plant forms dense thickets that will kill all nearby plants. In addition, each plant can produce thousands of seeds per year and the seeds remain viable for 10-20 years.
What to do: Plants and root systems can be dug up, but wear gloves as the stems have thorns. Mowing is also effective if repeated three or four times throughout the growing season.
7. Oriental bittersweet
Scientific name:Celastrus orbiculatus
What it looks like: Vine that can be up to 60 feet long and 5 inches in diameter. Can appear shrub-like as it spreads
Why it’s a problem: Oriental bittersweet can completely cover and shade out nearby native plants. The vine can also wrap around trees so tightly that it will kill them or make them unstable enough to blow over in high winds.
What to do: Plants can be pulled before they produce fruit to prevent the reintroduction of seeds. Plants and roots should be put into bags and left out in the sun to kill the plant completely.
8. Reed canary grass
Scientific name:Phalaris arundinacea
What it looks like: Flat, tapering grass stalks that grow up to 4 feet long
Why it’s a problem: Reed canary grass primarily invades fragile wetland areas and quickly creates enough dense growth to force out all other native plants. It can even eliminate tree seedlings that are crucial for floodplain erosion control.
What to do: Reed canary grass is tough to get rid of, so a combination of methods is best. Elimination methods have to target the grass as well as the root system to be effective. Any combination of livestock grazing, mowing, and chemical herbicide treatments will need to be applied for three years or more in order to eliminate the plant completely.
9. Tree of heaven
Scientific name:Ailanthus altissima
What it looks like: This tree typically grows between 40 and 60 feet tall. The tree produces large clusters of seeds in summer that give off a foul odor
Why it’s a problem: Besides the nasty smell produced by the seeds, the tree of heaven grows quickly and can out-compete other native plants. The tree also makes chemicals that ensure nothing can grow around it.
What to do: Do not cut a tree of heaven down! When cut, the trees produce sucker plants that can actually make an infestation worse. The most effective way to get rid of them is with chemical herbicides.
10. Autumn olive
Scientific name:Elaeagnus umbellata
What it looks like: A shrub or small tree with dark green leaves and whitish scales underneath. The shrub produces small reddish or pink fruits in the summer
Why it’s a problem: Autumn olive grows and spreads rapidly and can survive in even the worst soil conditions. Its enduring nature makes it nearly impossible to eradicate. In addition, the shrub creates dense patches of shade that kills any native plants that require sunlight.
What to do: Plants must be pulled or dug up, including the entire root system. Do not cut or burn autumn olives – this just encourages aggressive regrowth!
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Several of the invasive plants on this list threaten Iowa homeowners since they’re often used for landscaping purposes. While your
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policy doesn't protect your home from the damage invasive plants cause, it will provide limited coverage for the trees and shrubs on your property from certain named perils
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