Invasive shrubs can become long-term problems

The Associated Press

Shrubs are a great choice for gardeners looking for the best return on their investment, but you can get too much of a good thing, such as aggressive varieties that don't play well with native plants.

"The degree of invasiveness depends upon the area in which you live, of course, but even with the many good qualities gained from shrubs, there are plants to be avoided," said Lee Buttala, a shrub aficionado who does his gardening in Bridgeport, Conn., and Richmond, Va.

Here is Buttala's list of some of the most troublesome shrubs:

-Berberis (Barberry). "Seeds heavily and crowds native plants. A range of hues makes many cultivars of this plant appealing, and it still can be found at many nurseries," Buttala said.

-Ligustrum sinense or privet. Common hedging material that has been spreading into the wild.

-Elaeaganus angustifolia (Russian-olive). "Silver-leafed shrub or small tree, with berries that are eaten by small birds, and spreads quickly on disturbed sites." Banned in several states where it's on noxious weed lists.

-Euonymus alatus or burning bush. "Noted for its red color and often planted. This plant is an aggressive self-sower."

-Euonymus fortunei (winter creeper). "Spreads quickly and is hard to deter. Often used in commercial plantings due to its evergreen nature and durability."

-Buddleja davidii (orange eye butterfly bush). "Butterfly bush can be grown as a die-back shrub for those in colder climates but has been known to be invasive in (the) Pacific Northwest."

-Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom). "With yellow pea-like flowers and soft green foliage, this plant has overgrown wild areas of the Pacific Northwest."

-Cotoneaster. "Aggressive shrub to be avoided in most areas."

On the net:

USDA Plants Database: http://plants.usda.gov.