Backyard gardening is a beloved American hobby. But not all plants are friendly guests. Some species—no matter how beautiful or useful—can become invasive, toxic, or downright destructive. Choosing the wrong plants can lead to damaged foundations, allergic reactions, or even environmental issues. This guide explores top plants that not to grow in backyard gardens and offers safe alternatives, helping you keep your outdoor space beautiful and safe.
Bamboo – Fast-Growing But Invasive
Why It’s a Problem: Bamboo is known for spreading uncontrollably through underground rhizomes. It can crack sidewalks, invade neighbors’ yards, and choke out native plants.
Better Options: Clumping varieties or native ornamental grasses that don’t spread aggressively.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Bamboo
- Clumping bamboo (non-invasive)
- Switchgrass
- Native ornamental grasses
English Ivy – Pretty But Destructive
How It Damages Your Home and Garden
English Ivy can strangle trees, damage brickwork, and even harbor pests. Its vines cling to surfaces, trapping moisture and speeding up rot and decay.
Better Ground Cover Options
- Creeping thyme
- Ajuga
- Native sedges
Why English Ivy is dangerous
English Ivy is dangerous because it’s an aggressive, fast-growing vine that causes extensive damage to trees, buildings, and local ecosystems. It climbs and strangles trees, blocks sunlight, traps moisture against bark, and can even cause structural harm by breaking into walls and siding. Its dense coverage also provides shelter for pests like rats and mosquitoes.
In addition to being invasive, English Ivy is mildly toxic to humans and pets, causing skin irritation or digestive issues if ingested. Once established, it’s notoriously difficult to remove and often requires years of management to fully eliminate. For a safer and eco-friendlier garden, it’s best to avoid planting it altogether.
Mint – A Culinary Herb That Spreads Like Fire
Containment Is Key, But Not Always Easy
Mint grows like wildfire and quickly overruns nearby plants. Even with containers, its roots sneak out and multiply.
Herbs to Grow Instead of Mint
- Lemon balm
- Basil
- Rosemary
Wisteria – Beautiful But Aggressive
Root Damage and Structural Risks
Though wisteria’s blooms are stunning, it wraps around trees, fences, and homes—crushing them over time. Its roots dig deep and wide, making it hard to remove.
Controlled Vining Plant Alternatives
- Honeysuckle (native types)
- Clematis
- Passionflower
Poison Ivy – Obvious for a Reason
Health Hazards and Legal Liabilities
“Leaves of three, let it be.” Poison ivy causes itchy rashes and allergic reactions. It’s easy to miss during early growth stages, making it risky in family yards.
How to Spot and Safely Remove It
- Wear gloves and long sleeves
- Use herbicide cautiously
- Avoid burning—it releases toxic fumes
Oleander – Toxic Beauty
Why It’s Deadly for Pets and Children
Oleander’s sweet scent hides a toxic secret: every part of the plant is poisonous. Ingesting even a few leaves can be fatal for pets and young children.
Safer Flowering Shrubs
- Azalea (with care)
- Hydrangea
- Spirea
Castor Bean Plant – A Hidden Killer
The Risk of Ricin and Curious Kids
The seeds of this tropical-looking plant contain ricin, one of the deadliest natural toxins. It’s best avoided in any family-friendly garden.
Non-Toxic Tropical Alternatives
- Banana plants (ornamental)
- Cannas
- Bird of Paradise
Tree of Heaven – A Tree That Kills Others
Allelopathic Effects on Nearby Plants
Tree of Heaven releases chemicals into the soil, killing native species. It grows rapidly and is hard to remove once established.
Safer Shade Tree Options
- Red Maple
- River Birch
- Dogwood
Pampas Grass – A Fire Hazard in Waiting
Sharp Edges and Wildfire Risk
Those fluffy plumes may look soft, but pampas grass has razor-sharp leaves and becomes a dry fire hazard in summer.
Ornamental Grasses That Are Safer
- Fountain grass
- Blue fescue
- Little bluestem
Tansy – Toxic and Tough to Eradicate
What Makes Tansy Unfriendly to Gardens
Tansy contains toxic compounds that are harmful if ingested. It also self-seeds aggressively, making it hard to control.
Safer Insect-Repelling Plants
- Marigold
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
Butterfly Bush – Invasive Despite Its Name
Threat to Native Pollinators
While it attracts butterflies, butterfly bush outcompetes native nectar plants, reducing food sources for other insects.
Real Pollinator-Friendly Plants
- Milkweed
- Bee balm
- Coneflower
Autumn Olive – Unwanted Shrubbery
Soil Disruption and Fast Spreading
Autumn olive fixes nitrogen in the soil, disrupting local ecosystems. Birds eat its berries and spread seeds far and wide.
Native Shrubs to Grow Instead
- Viburnum
- Ninebark
- Serviceberry
Wild Garlic – Impossible to Eliminate
From Kitchen to Nuisance in No Time
This weed multiplies through bulbs and seeds. Pulling it rarely works—pieces left behind regrow quickly.
Easier-to-Control Kitchen Garden Plants
- Chives
- Leeks
- Green onions
Yellow Flag Iris – Pretty But Poisonous
Waterway Invasion and Pet Toxicity
Though stunning near ponds, this iris spreads into waterways and poisons wildlife. It’s also toxic to pets.
Water Garden Alternatives
- Pickerelweed
- Water lilies
- Arrowhead plant
Think Before You Plant
A healthy backyard starts with smart plant choices. While many plants offer beauty or function, some come with hidden risks. From invasiveness to toxicity, the plants on this list could turn your dream garden into a nightmare. Always research before planting and choose eco-friendly, native, or non-invasive species. Your yard—and your neighbors—will thank you.
FAQs: What You Should Know About Backyard Planting
What are the most invasive backyard plants in the USA?
Bamboo, English Ivy, and Kudzu top the list of fast-spreading invasives across U.S. zones.
Are there any laws against planting invasive species?
Yes, some states ban specific plants. Check your local USDA or extension office regulations.
Can invasive plants be removed safely?
Yes, but it often requires persistent effort. Use safe herbicides or hire a professional for tough removals.
What’s a good rule of thumb for backyard planting?
Choose native plants, avoid fast spreaders, and always check for toxicity if you have pets or children.
