Planting for
the Planet
Alternative Plant Species
We know it can be hard to part with any beloved plant, especially one selected for specific characteristsics. We hope to make the transition easier, by providing native alternatives with physical traits as similar to the invasive species as possible.
Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Virginia Creeper is an ideal alternative to English Ivy in terms of looks as the foliage is much more pronounced than the blooms, while still achieving that vining and trialing look​ given by Ivy. This species also offers erosion control when planted as ground cover
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Mature size: 30-50ft
Sun exposure: shade to full sun
Soil type: sand, loam, clay
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(Beaulieu , 2022)
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Buy Here:
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Photo Retrieved From: The Spruce
Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
While not a vibrant red year round, this alternative to the burning bush does treat viewer to red, orange and purple leaves in the fall season. In the spring, instead enjoy the yellow flowers produced on the branch tips, and in the summer, take delight the uniquely soft red berries that have a lemony scent!
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Mature size: up to 6ft height
Sun exposure: part shade to full sun
Soil type: sand-loam, loam
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(Ontario Native Plants, n.d.-a)
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Buy Here:
https://onplants.ca/shop/rhus-aromatica/
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Photo Retrieved From: Ontario Native Plants
Solomon's Seal
Polygonatum odoratum
This deer resistant plant is similar in appearance to Lily of the Valley, with its downturned miniature blooms. Although also poisonous to humans, this alternative plant provides nutrition to a wider range of local fauna.
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Mature size: 2-3ft
Sun exposure: shade to partial shade
Soil type: high humus, sand, loam, clay or combination
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(Texas Wildflower Center, n.d.)
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Photo Retrieved From: Wikipedia
Woodland Phlox
Phlox divaricata
Woodland Phlox is a native, creeping ground cover, speckled with purplish- blue flowers, much like those of periwinkle - a commonly planted invasive species. This species also serves as source of nectar for a variety of local butterfly species.
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Mature size: 9-12in hight and spread
Sun exposure: shade to partial shade
Soil type: sandy preferred, clay tolerated
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(Beaulieu, 2024)
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Photo Retrieved From: The Spruce
Canadian Wild Ginger
Asarum canadense
If looking for a high - foliage low - bloom ground cover similar to that of winter-creeper, Canadian Wild Ginger is a suitable replacement. While less colourful than the variegated winter creeper, this plant produces beautiful and interestingly shaped purple blooms, hidden under the its leaves.
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Mature size: .5ft height, 1ft spread
Sun exposure: full shade
Soil type: loam, sand
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(Ontario Native Plants, n.d.-b)
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Buy Here:
https://onplants.ca/shop/asarum-canadense/
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Photo Retrieved From: Ontario Native Plants
Virginia Water-Leaf
Hydrophyllum virginianum
With pointed toothed leaves, Virginia Water-Leaf mimics the appearance of Goutweed. Similar still, is the production of small white flowers, and the variegation appearance present in the early season. Like Goutweed, Virginia Water-Leaf is a quick spreading ground cover.
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Mature size: 1.5ft height
Sun exposure: partial to full shade
Soil type: loam, organic
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(Origin Native Plants, n.d.)
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Buy Here:
https://www.originnativeplants.com/product-page/hydrophyllum-virginianum
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Photo Retrieved From: iNaturalist
Fly Honeysuckle
Lonicera canadensis
Not only is this species a suitable alternative to Japanese Honeysuckle, this native plant also attracts butterflies bumblebees and hummingbirds with its fragrant flowers, as well as a variety of birds with the produced berries.
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Mature size: 1.5m height
Sun exposure: part to full sun for fruiting
Soil type: any
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(Northern Ontario Plant Database, 2024)
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Buy Here:
https://nurseryfortheearth.com/products/lonicera-canadensis
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Photo Retrieved From: iNaturalist
Wood Lily
Lilium philadelphicum
Strikingly similar to the invasive Daylily, the wood lily provides a pop of orange colour, with the blooms standing tall and upright. While visually appealing, the flowers also attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.
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Mature height: 18-36in height, 9-12in spread
Sun exposure: partial to full sun
Soil type: sandy to loam
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(Skinner, n.d.)
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Buy Here:
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Photo Retrieved From: VPlants
References
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Beaulieu , D. (2022, March 20). Virginia Creeper Plant: Care and Growing Guide. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/taxonomy-of-virginia-creeper-2132897
Beaulieu, D. (2024, March 5). How to Grow and Care for Woodland Phlox. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/woodland-phlox-profile-4125739#:~:text=Woodland%20phlox%20is%20known%20to
iNaturalist. (n.d.-a). American Fly-Honeysuckle (Lonicera canadensis). INaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/119807-Lonicera-canadensis
iNaturalist. (n.d.-b). Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum var. virginianum) (Wildflowers and Ferns of Kettle River SNA) · iNaturalist. INaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/1168023
Northern Ontario Plant Database. (2024, March 8). Lonicera canadensis . NorthernOntarioFlora. http://www.northernontarioflora.ca/description.cfm?speciesid=1000688
Ontario Native Plants. (n.d.-a). Fragrant Sumac - Shop - Ontario Native Plants. Onplants.ca. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://onplants.ca/shop/rhus-aromatica/
Ontario Native Plants. (n.d.-b). Wild Ginger - Shop - Ontario Native Plants. Onplants.ca. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://onplants.ca/shop/asarum-canadense/
Origin Native Plants. (n.d.). Virginia Water-leaf. Origin Native Plants. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://www.originnativeplants.com/product-page/hydrophyllum-virginianum
Skinner, M. (n.d.). Lilium philadelphicum. Vplants.org. Retrieved March 9, 2024, from https://vplants.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=18384&clid=3507
Texas Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. Www.wildflower.org. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pobi2
Wikipedia. (2024, January 10). Polygonatum biflorum. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygonatum_biflorum