Trick or Treat: Native Plant Alternatives to Invasives in New Jersey Gardens

When Halloween rolls around, we’re all accustomed to the age-old question: trick or treat? But what if we applied that same concept to our gardens? Choosing between invasive plants and native species can feel a lot like deciding between a trick and a treat. While invasives may seem appealing at first with their fast growth and colorful flowers, they can play nasty tricks on local ecosystems by crowding out native plants and reducing biodiversity. The true treat? Opting for native plants that not only beautify your garden but also support local wildlife and ecosystems.

 Here are some easy "treat" swaps you can make in your New Jersey garden to avoid invasive "tricks":

1. Instead of Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii), Try Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)

While the Butterfly Bush is beloved for attracting pollinators, it's an invasive plant that can spread rapidly and outcompete native species. The good news? Clethra alnifolia is a native alternative that offers just as much charm. Also known as Summersweet, this shrub blooms in mid to late summer with fragrant, white or pink flowers that attract bees and butterflies. As a bonus, it’s a magnet for hummingbirds and adds a sweet, spicy fragrance to your garden.

2. Instead of Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii), Try Ilex glabra (Inkberry Holly)

Japanese Barberry is widely used for its compact shape and bright red berries, but it’s a notorious invader, spreading aggressively into wild areas. For a more environmentally friendly choice, try Ilex glabra. This evergreen shrub offers a similar size and shape, along with glossy, dark green leaves. Its black berries provide food for birds, and it’s a tough plant that tolerates both sun and shade, making it a versatile addition to your landscape.

3. Instead of Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus), Try Aronia arbutifolia (Red Chokeberry)

Burning Bush is often planted for its brilliant red fall foliage, but this flashy shrub has a darker side—its ability to escape cultivation and crowd out native plants. A great alternative is Aronia arbutifolia, or Red Chokeberry. It’s just as vibrant in fall with bright red foliage, and it also produces clusters of red berries that provide food for birds well into winter. Red Chokeberry thrives in a variety of conditions and can be used in both formal and naturalistic garden designs.

4. Instead of Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis), Try Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)

Miscanthus, a non-native ornamental grass, has become invasive in many regions. Swap it out for Little Bluestem, a native grass that thrives in New Jersey’s climate and soils. It offers similar vertical interest in your garden, and in the fall, its blue-green foliage turns shades of bronze, copper, and red. Little Bluestem is also highly beneficial for wildlife, providing habitat for insects and birds.

5. Instead of Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), Try Acer rubrum (Red Maple)

Norway Maple is a common choice for shade trees, but it’s invasive, spreading quickly and shading out native understory plants. For a beautiful and ecological swap, plant a Red Maple (Acer rubrum). It’s native to New Jersey, fast-growing, and just as capable of providing shade. Red Maple's fall foliage is a stunning display of bright red, yellow, or orange hues. Plus, its nectar attracts pollinators in the spring, and its seeds provide food for birds.

 Why Choose Native Plants?

The switch from invasive to native plants is more than just a cosmetic change—it's a critical choice for the health of your garden and the local environment. Native plants are adapted to New Jersey’s climate and soils, meaning they require less water, fertilizer, and care. They also support the full spectrum of local wildlife, from pollinators to birds to small mammals. By planting native species, you’re giving a treat not just to yourself, but to the entire ecosystem.

 This Halloween, when you’re planning your next gardening project, ask yourself: Will you choose a trick or a treat? With these native plant alternatives, you can enjoy a beautiful, resilient garden that supports New Jersey’s natural beauty—and that’s the sweetest treat of all.