A small group of Ventura County Master Gardeners have received additional training which allows them to survey nurseries and provide information to nursery owners. This program is part of a statewide UCCE effort designed to help reduce the spread of invasive plant species.
Currently many nurseries unknowingly sell invasive plant species. Consumers many not realize the plants they are purchasing are invasive and are likely to cause harm to our local ecosystems. The Master Gardener volunteers talk to the nursery owners and provide suggestions to nursery owners for replacement plants, which have similar characteristics to the invasive species as alternatives for their customers.
Many resources are available to help consumers avoid planting invasive species. The UC Davis Arboretum has an extensive database of recommended plants for California gardens. The California Invasive Plant Council has a Don’t Plant a Pest page on their website; in addition to recommending alternatives, photos of commonly seen invasive species are provided. You can also contact our Master Gardener helpline at 645-1455 or by email at mgventura@ucdavis.edu.
Chinese fringe tree Chionanthus retusus
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
Pigsqueak Bergenia crassifolia
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens
California pipevine Aristolochia californica
UC Davis Arboretum recommended plant for California gardens