Ground covers are often the go-to plants for filling in garden spaces, controlling erosion, and adding lush greenery to landscapes. However, not all ground covers are easygoing. Some are incredibly aggressive, spreading rapidly and outcompeting other plants. These ground covers, while effective for quick coverage, can become invasive, posing significant challenges to gardeners and natural ecosystems. In this article, we will explore the ten most aggressive ground covers in the world, delving into their characteristics, growth habits, and the reasons behind their rampant spread. This exploration will be backed by scientific data and research, offering a comprehensive understanding of these resilient invaders.
Top 10 Most Aggressive Ground Covers in the World
1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is one of the most notorious ground covers, known for its aggressive growth and ability to dominate landscapes. Native to Europe, this evergreen vine has spread worldwide, particularly in North America, where it is considered invasive.
Growth Characteristics: English Ivy can grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) in length, climbing trees, walls, and fences. It spreads by rooting at nodes along its stems, creating a dense mat that smothers other plants.
Aggressiveness: Once established, English Ivy is difficult to control due to its rapid growth and ability to thrive in various conditions, from full sun to deep shade. It outcompetes native plants, reduces biodiversity, and can cause structural damage to buildings and trees by trapping moisture and harboring pests.
Data Support: According to the USDA, English Ivy is classified as invasive in several states, including Oregon, where it has been banned from sale due to its ecological impact.
2. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
Japanese Knotweed is another highly aggressive ground cover that has gained infamy for its invasive nature. Originally from East Asia, it has spread to Europe, North America, and other regions, where it is a significant ecological threat.
Growth Characteristics: Japanese Knotweed can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall, with extensive underground rhizomes that can spread up to 65 feet (20 meters) from the parent plant. These rhizomes make it incredibly difficult to eradicate.
Aggressiveness: This plant is known for its ability to colonize disturbed areas, such as roadsides and riverbanks, where it forms dense thickets that outcompete native vegetation. Its aggressive root system can damage infrastructure, including foundations, roads, and drainage systems.
Data Support: In the UK, Japanese Knotweed is so problematic that its presence can reduce property values and complicate real estate transactions. The plant is listed as a controlled waste under the UK’s Environmental Protection Act.
3. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
Creeping Charlie, also known as Ground Ivy, is a low-growing perennial native to Europe and Asia. It has become a common ground cover in North America, where it is often viewed as a weed due to its aggressive spreading nature.
Growth Characteristics: Creeping Charlie forms a dense mat of foliage that can quickly overtake lawns, gardens, and natural areas. It spreads through both seeds and creeping stems called stolons, which root at intervals.
Aggressiveness: This ground cover thrives in moist, shaded areas, but it can adapt to various conditions, making it difficult to control. Its ability to form a thick carpet of leaves smothers other plants, reducing biodiversity in the area.
Data Support: According to the University of Minnesota Extension, Creeping Charlie is a persistent weed that is difficult to eradicate, often requiring a combination of mechanical removal and herbicide treatments.
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4. Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna)
Lesser Celandine, also known as Fig Buttercup, is a spring-flowering perennial native to Europe and Asia. It has become invasive in parts of North America, where it aggressively spreads in woodlands and riparian areas.
Growth Characteristics: Lesser Celandine grows low to the ground, forming dense mats of foliage and bright yellow flowers. It spreads through both seeds and underground tubers, which make it difficult to control.
Aggressiveness: This plant is particularly problematic in early spring when it emerges before most native plants, giving it a competitive advantage. Its dense growth habit crowds out native wildflowers and disrupts natural plant communities.
Data Support: The National Park Service has identified Lesser Celandine as a significant threat to native ecosystems, particularly in the eastern United States, where it has rapidly spread in forested areas.
5. Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)
Bamboo, while beloved for its aesthetic appeal, is one of the most aggressive ground covers, particularly the running varieties. Native to Asia, bamboo has become a popular ornamental plant worldwide, but its invasive tendencies can quickly turn it into a nightmare for gardeners.
Growth Characteristics: Bamboo spreads through underground rhizomes that can travel several feet from the parent plant, sending up new shoots far from the original planting. Some species can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) per day under optimal conditions.
Aggressiveness: Once established, bamboo is extremely difficult to control. Its rhizomes can penetrate hardscapes, including sidewalks and foundations, causing structural damage. It also outcompetes other plants by forming dense thickets that are nearly impenetrable.
Data Support: The American Bamboo Society warns that running bamboo species, such as Phyllostachys aurea (Golden Bamboo), are particularly invasive and should be planted with caution, ideally with barriers to prevent uncontrolled spread.
6. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
Creeping Jenny is a low-growing perennial native to Europe that has become a popular ground cover in gardens due to its bright green leaves and yellow flowers. However, its aggressive growth habit can quickly make it a problem.
Growth Characteristics: Creeping Jenny spreads through creeping stems that root at nodes, forming a dense mat of foliage. It thrives in moist, shaded areas but can adapt to a wide range of conditions.
Aggressiveness: This plant’s rapid growth allows it to outcompete other ground covers and garden plants, particularly in moist environments. Its dense mat can smother other vegetation, making it difficult to eradicate once established.
Data Support: According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Creeping Jenny is considered invasive in some regions, particularly in the eastern United States, where it can escape cultivation and spread into natural areas.
7. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is a well-known herb with a reputation for its aggressive spreading habit. While prized for its culinary uses, mint can quickly become a garden nuisance if not carefully managed.
Growth Characteristics: Mint spreads primarily through underground rhizomes, which can travel long distances and send up new shoots far from the original plant. It can grow in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
Aggressiveness: Once established, mint can be very difficult to control. Its rhizomes allow it to spread rapidly, overtaking garden beds and even lawns. Gardeners often contain mint in pots to prevent its rampant spread.
Data Support: The University of Maryland Extension advises gardeners to plant mint in containers or use barriers to control its spread, as it can quickly dominate a garden if left unchecked.
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8. Vinca Minor (Vinca minor)
Vinca Minor, commonly known as Periwinkle or Myrtle, is a popular evergreen ground cover valued for its attractive foliage and purple flowers. However, its aggressive growth can make it a problematic invader.
Growth Characteristics: Vinca Minor spreads through trailing stems that root at intervals, forming a dense mat of evergreen foliage. It is highly adaptable, thriving in both sun and shade, and in a wide range of soil conditions.
Aggressiveness: This ground cover’s rapid growth allows it to outcompete native plants, particularly in forested areas where it can form thick carpets that prevent other vegetation from establishing. Its persistence and ability to regenerate from small fragments make it difficult to control.
Data Support: According to the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States, Vinca Minor is considered invasive in several states, particularly in the southeastern United States, where it has spread into natural areas.
9. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, is a low-growing perennial that is often used as a ground cover due to its attractive foliage and blue flowers. However, its aggressive growth habit can lead to problems in the garden.
Growth Characteristics: Ajuga spreads through runners that root at nodes, forming a dense mat of foliage that can quickly cover large areas. It thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
Aggressiveness: Once established, Ajuga can be difficult to control due to its rapid spread and ability to outcompete other plants. Its dense growth can smother other vegetation, making it a challenge to remove once it has taken hold.
Data Support: The University of Illinois Extension notes that while Ajuga is not listed as invasive, its aggressive nature can lead to it becoming problematic in some garden settings, particularly in moist, shaded areas.
10. Crown Vetch (Securigera varia)
Crown Vetch is a perennial ground cover native to Europe and Asia that was introduced to North America for erosion control. While effective in stabilizing soil, it has become invasive in many areas.
Growth Characteristics: Crown Vetch spreads through both seeds and creeping rhizomes, forming dense mats of foliage that can cover large areas. It is particularly aggressive in disturbed soils, such as roadsides and embankments.
Aggressiveness: This plant’s ability to spread rapidly and form dense cover makes it a threat to native plant communities. It outcompetes native vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity and disruption of local ecosystems.
Data Support: According to the U.S. Forest Service, Crown Vetch is considered invasive in several states, including Pennsylvania and Virginia. Its ability to displace native species and its aggressive growth make it a concern for land management and conservation efforts.
Conclusion
Aggressive ground covers can provide quick and effective coverage for garden spaces but come with significant risks. Understanding the characteristics and growth habits of these plants is crucial for effective management and control. The ten ground covers discussed—English Ivy, Japanese Knotweed, Creeping Charlie, Lesser Celandine, Bamboo, Creeping Jenny, Mint, Vinca Minor, Ajuga, and Crown Vetch—are notable for their ability to spread rapidly and dominate landscapes, often causing problems for both gardeners and natural ecosystems.
By employing a combination of physical, chemical, and cultural control methods, gardeners and land managers can mitigate the impact of these aggressive ground covers. Conservation efforts and informed management practices are essential to protect native biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems. As we continue to appreciate and utilize ground covers in our landscapes, it is crucial to remain vigilant about their potential for invasiveness and to adopt strategies that prevent their unchecked spread.
The knowledge and data presented in this article highlight the need for responsible gardening practices and the importance of addressing the challenges posed by these resilient and often invasive plants. By understanding and managing aggressive ground covers effectively, we can enjoy the benefits of ground cover plants while minimizing their impact on our natural environments.
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