This invasive shrub is toxic to pets and wildlife. Learn how to identify it and add it to your “to-do-away-with” list.
The bright red berries and evergreen leaves of heavenly bamboo may stand out against many native species, but it quickly loses its luster when you consider that the berries and leaves contain a compound that’s toxic to pets, wildlife and even some birds.
Not only that, but heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) — aka sacred bamboo — can be holy terror to eradicate because it spreads easily and tolerates a wide range of soils.
While it has been a popular landscape plant because of its low maintenance, bright red berries and evergreen foliage, heavenly bamboo crowds out native plants and is considered invasive in Texas.
It has a deep taproot, so if a small piece is left in the soil it can resprout. Cutting back to the base is often ineffective, resulting in regrowth from the stump, and the seeds can remain dormant in the soil for at least a year, while seedlings can persist for several years.
The seeds ripen in late winter and need two cold periods before they germinate the following fall. Removing the plant before the seeds ripen and germinate is the best way to prevent new seedlings from spreading.
Full removal of existing plants will depend on size. Non-chemical methods include pulling, digging, cutting and sheet mulching. Smaller plants and recent plantings can be hand-pulled, making sure to completely remove the entire root. For larger plants, stems should be cut back to the ground and treated with a water-based herbicide.
Treatments are most effective in late summer, early fall or winter.
An important note: Toss ALL invasive plants into the trash bin (for the landfill) — NOT the green compost bin — since the seeds, berries, roots and stem fragments can regrow.
Once you’re rid of it, try these lovely native, non-invasive options: Texas barberry (Berberis swaseyi), Barbados cherry (Malpighia glabra), autumn sage (Salvia greggii) and American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana).
Dylan J. Garibaldi is an intern with SAWS Conservation.
