A gardening expert has raised concerns after discovering several invasive plants mixed in with native flowers at a nursery, potentially confusing customers looking for healthy, local options.
Jessie Dickson, known on TikTok as @sacramentofoodforest, spotted plants like morning glories, Russian sage, and lantanas labeled as California natives — but warned that some of these species can quickly take over gardens and harm local ecosystems. Morning glories, in particular, are notorious for spreading rapidly and being difficult to remove once established.
While some varieties of these plants are indeed native in certain regions, others become invasive outside their natural range. This mix-up at the nursery could lead gardeners to unknowingly introduce aggressive plants that threaten the balance of their outdoor spaces.
Invasive species such as Japanese knotweed are especially destructive, capable of choking trees and damaging structures. Removing invasives often requires pulling roots and improving soil health with compost and mulch, while planting native groundcovers and grasses can help block their regrowth.
Native plants offer multiple benefits: they adapt well to local climates, need less water, and provide food and shelter for essential pollinators like butterflies and bees. Popular California natives include moonshine yarrow, coast aster, and milkweed — the latter being a critical food source for monarch butterflies. Groundcovers like emerald carpet and grasses such as canyon prince help prevent erosion while adding beauty.
As climate change brings more extreme weather, nurturing native plants at home supports biodiversity and strengthens local ecosystems, offering a vital defense against droughts, wildfires, and flooding.
After Dickson’s post, nursery staff promised to relocate invasive species from the native plant section to prevent further confusion. Gardeners are encouraged to carefully select plants and prioritize natives to cultivate resilient, thriving gardens.
