Want to find out about invasive trees that shouldn't grow in any garden? Then you've come to the right place! Good hobby gardeners learn over time which plants are ecologically valuable and which have only been introduced, are worthless for nature and even cause great damage. Of course, special attention should be paid to invasive tree species, some of which are still openly advertised and sold in garden centers.
The biggest problem with some of these introduced neophytes is that they spread so much in new environments that they displace native plant species, which in turn are important for countless insect and bird species. In order not to disturb the ecological balance and to protect the Slowing down species extinctioneach of us should be aware of these invasive, alien trees and not let them grow in the garden.
In this article, I will therefore introduce you to invasive trees and large shrubs that unfortunately grow in Germany. Avoid planting them in your garden and remove them if they have already spread. Let's go!
Good to know: Neophytes are all plants that did not occur in Central Europe before 1492. There are an incredible number of neophytes, but not all of them find ideal conditions here and are automatically invasive. However, a few of them do so well here that they spread massively and drive out native species.
1. common lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
Many people enjoy the lilac-colored, fragrant flowers of the common lilac (also known as wild lilac) and plant the from Southeast Europe (Balkan countries) This is why we keep the large shrub in the garden - or at least simply let it grow there.
However, it is considered an invasive tree due to its wide distribution, the long germination period of its seeds and its rapid growth. The tree also take up plenty of light and space and thus displaces native plant species. This is why the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) has also placed it on the blacklist of invasive species.
2. tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Originally from China, the tree of the gods (now often called the "ghetto palm") is not without reason on the EU list of invasive tree species since 2019.
It spreads extremely quickly, as it spreads rapidly and even on piles of rubble and sealed urban areas grows. It therefore represents a massive threat to biodiversity in Germany and should definitely not be in your garden.
3. common Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
The common Douglas fir is also not native here. It has also been on the blacklist of invasive species since 2013 of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation.
The evergreen conifer of North American origin is quite climate-resistant and also an important butterfly plant - but unfortunately it also has the Potential to endanger biodiversity in Germany. For this reason, you should not use it as a garden tree, but switch to natural alternatives that occur here in nature (e.g. the common spruce).
4. cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
The cherry laurel (also known as laurel cherry), which originates from south-eastern Europe, has evergreen leaves and is therefore particularly popular as a dense privacy hedge.
However, it is an extremely invasive species that spreads rapidly (also via birds) and, above all shades local plant species on the forest floor and repressed.
The Hornbeam is a good alternative. It is native and is also suitable as a dense privacy hedge when planted close together, as it does not shed its leaves in winter. It is also an important bird protection wood and attracts many insect species.
Certainly useful for you: Planting invasive plants is one of the most most common mistakes in the natural gardenfrom which I have also learned personally. In the linked article, I show you which other sources of error await young gardeners, but which can be easily avoided.
5. canadian poplar (Populus canadensis)
The Canadian poplar is also known as the bastard black poplar, an invasive hybrid of the Canadian black poplar and the European black poplar. The deciduous tree grows up to 30 meters high but grows very quickly and is now displacing the black poplar, which is native to Germany.
The latter (Populus nigra), on the other hand, is the ideal alternativewhich you can plant in the garden with a clear conscience. It is valuable for many caterpillars, beetles and wild bees - and birds can also use its seeds to build their nests.
6. late weeping cherry (Prunus serotina)
With the introduced from America (from Canada to Guatemala) I have had my very own experiences with late bird cherry (also known as late flowering bird cherry) in our garden. For a long time, I simply didn't know that it was an invasive tree species.
It grows extremely quickly, forms dense stands and crowds out native plants. Its Seeds are widely spread by birds, among otherswhich causes the tree to spread even more rapidly. So refrain from planting it. And a good piece of advice from me: if the late weeping cherry is already growing in your area, remove it as quickly as possible. The massive, sprawling root system becomes harder to get rid of with each additional day.
7. red ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)
The original originating from North America Red ash (also known as green ash, Pennsylvanian ash or swamp ash) has made it onto the BfN's "management list" of invasive species.
The reason is that the neophyte already fructifies as a young tree, forms hundreds of thousands of seeds and reproduces vegetatively. It particularly likes wetlands, where it competes aggressively with native tree species.
Even if the deciduous tree is available in the plant trade, you should give it a wide berth. Native, species-friendly and comparable alternatives are, for example, the Common ash or also the Pointed maple.
My please: It is important that other hobby gardeners also refrain from allowing the trees mentioned here to grow on their own green spaces, as they compete with ecologically valuable native trees for water, space, light and soil nutrients and can damage the local environment. Biodiversity threaten. So please share the article with the people around you who should definitely read it. Thank you very much!
8. common robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia)
The common robinia (also known as false acacia) also joins the list of non-native, invasive trees. The deciduous tree originates from North America and is probably the most common neophyte in German forests.
Although its creamy white flowers provide insects with plenty of nectar, the problem with the tree is also to be found underground. The bacteria at its roots enrich the soil with atmospheric nitrogen and thus displace native dry and nutrient-poor grassland species. This is a good reason not to plant or allow the beautiful but species-threatening tree to grow.
9. ash maple (Acer negundo)
The The area of origin of the ash maple, which is foreign to Germany, is Canada. However, the immigrant deciduous tree is considered invasive because it germinates quickly, grows rapidly and subsequently displaces native trees.
Even if at first glance it seems to provide food for bees and other insects and is even deliberately planted as a street tree or in parking lots, it is better not to let the tree grow in the garden. Instead, switch to native Alternatives such as the rowan berry (is available here*) or the field maple (is available here*) off.
10. vinegar tree (Rhus typhina)
The vinegar tree (also known as cob sumac) stands out with its striking red autumn coloring and its felty drupes. Unfortunately, it is one of the invasive neophytes among the trees, as it originates from the eastern North America and spreads very quickly, especially along railroad embankments.
With its underground root system and the fast, tall growth it displaces the native vegetation. Therefore, please do not plant it in your garden and remove it even if it is already growing there.
Know and avoid invasive tree species and plant native trees!
If you have a species-rich, Create sustainable garden then you now know which trees should not grow there under any circumstances. But be aware that the list could be much longer, as there are several other non-native, invasive neophytes. For example, I can think of the Weymouth pine (Pinus strobus) and also about the invasiveness of the Red oak (Quercus rubra) is often disputed.
The first, important step is to inform yourself about invasive trees in Germany - you have already done that with this article. The second step should then be to never buy them and plant them in your own garden. And the third step is to plant native trees instead. For example Bird-friendly trees like the Bilberry and bird cherry - or woody plants for insects, such as the Blackthorn and the Sal willow.
"Any stupid boy can crush a beetle. But all the professors in the world can't make one."
Arthur Schopenhauer (more at Environmental protection quotes)
I hope that this article has helped you. Please feel free to share it with others. Do you have any questions, suggestions or can you think of any other invasive neophytes from the tree world? Then I look forward to your comment!
Stay environmentally conscious and act responsibly,
PS: If, apart from choosing the right trees for your garden, you want to tackle ecological challenges such as the Stop insect mortality I have compiled the relevant tips for you in the next linked article. Be sure to take a look!
