|
Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred
Bamboo
Nandina
domestica
Identification
Medium evergreen shrub; possesses several erect bushy stems
resembling bamboo. Nandina grows up to 10 feet tall. The leaves are
bi-pinnately compound and the leaflets are small, oval shaped and
glossy. New growth often has a bright reddish-green color for a
short time. Terminal clusters of pinkish white flowers appear in
summer, followed by round shiny red berries in fall and persisting
into winter.
Origin
China, Japan and India
Habitat
Prefers reasonably rich soil; Nandina does not thrive as well in
overly sandy soil. It can grow in full sun, and also thrives in
shade. It invades forest understories and forest edges. Also moves
into riparian areas near median or landscaping plantings.
Ecological Threat
Nandina is a threat to natural habitats because of its
ability to naturalize and spread into natural areas by way of
underground root sprouts and wildlife-dispersed seed. It colonizes
natural areas and immediately begins to compete with and push out
native vegetation. A Nandina seedling can remain small for many
years, until a forest disturbance opens up the canopy and causes it
to begin growing again, at which time it quickly matures and sets
seed.
Recommended Native Alternatives
-
Spicebush (Lindera
benzoin)
-
Dog hobble (Leucothoe
fontanesiana)
-
American
Holly (Ilex Opaca)
These pages are designed to give the
layperson a general overview of non-native invasive plants commonly
found in the upper Hiwassee River watershed. For more comprehensive
and technical information about a particular species, visit one of
the web sites from our
Links
page. |
