Mid-Atlantic Invaders Tool

Description

Appearance

Nandina domestica invades forests throughout the Southeast United States. It is a small, erect shrub that grows up to 8 ft. (2.4 m) tall.

Foliage

Leaves are alternate, large, bi- or tri-pinnately compound with small, 1-2 in. (2.5-5.1 cm) long leaflets. The older stems have bark with long, linear furrows. The overlapping leaf sheaths give the main stem the appearance of bamboo, hence the name.

Flowers

Flowering occurs in the spring, when small, white flowers develop in large panicles at the ends of the stems. Flowers have 3-6 reflexed petals.

Fruit

Fruits are green berries that mature to a bright red and are very attractive to birds.

Ecological Threat

Nandina domestica is shade tolerant, which allows it to invade forest edges and interiors. It is native to eastern Asia and India and was first introduced to North America in the early 1800s. It has been planted widely as an ornamental and often escapes from old plantings.

Uses

Landscape Ornamental Use (GRIN): Yes

All Uses (GRIN): Ornamental

Distribution Map (EDDMapS)

Wetland Indicator

Summary: sacred bamboo (Nandina domestica) is a Terrestrial species.

Legend (data from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

OBL (Obligate wetland): Almost always occurs in wetlands (estimated probability > 99%) under natural conditions

FACW (Facultative wetland): Usually occurs in wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in non-wetlands

FAC (Facultative): Equally likely to occur in wetlands (estimated probability 34% - 66%) or non-wetlands

FACU (Facultative upland): Usually occur in non-wetlands (estimated probability 67% - 99%), but occasionally found in wetlands (estimated probability 1% - 33%)

UPL (Obligate upland): Occur almost always (estimated probability > 99%) in non-wetlands under natural conditions

Taxonomic Rank

Resources

• Images, Video and Information - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
• Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
• A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests - USDA Forest Service
• Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida
• Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service