Suggested Native Replacements:
- Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa)
- Black haw, Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium)
- Highbush blueberry, Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
- Ninebark, Common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius var. opulifolius)
- Southern wild raisin, Possum-haw (Viburnum nudum)
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Common Name
Autumn olive
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Considered Invasive by the State of Virginia?
Yes
Threat Level
High
Additional Info
Notes: This shrub has been commonly cultivated for wildlife habitat and planted along roadsides for erosion control. Its high seed production, as well as its adverse effect on the nitrogen cycle, now threaten native plant communities in many national parks in Virginia. Both Arlington and Alexandria list the plant as invasive.
Method of removal: Cut down at base and paint the stump. Easiest when leaves are off the shrub.
Attention! DO NOT COMPOST; Resprouts
Additional links
Native Look-alikes
iNaturalist Research-grade Observations