Nandina is not invasive here in the Seattle area. As a landscaper, the berry toxicity was news to me, although it appears that the pulp may not be toxic but the seeds are. (Lots of seeds, even apple core seeds, have cyanide). Usually I don't like this plant due to it's gangly habit, but I plant the dwarf varieties Gulf Stream, Firepower, and Moon Bay, all of which have the colorful foliage without (at least that I've seen here) producing berries, as they are vegetative clones. But if you have some full-sized nandina, (Purple Passion is a common selection of the species as well, and not a dwarf clone), do the web research and decide for yourself. Those with small children, berry-eating pets, or livestock apparently should be advised. The berries are awfully pretty! I will keep this in mind!

Mark Tomboulian

Seattle, WA

From: G M ARCHAMBAULT
Sent: Monday, February 12, 2018 7:03 PM
To: Linda Phillips ; tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Re Nandina

"nandina is a non-domestic, noxious and highly invasive weed that displaces the non-toxic, native plants on which local birds would thrive. Nandina has been imported from China and Japan and has invaded many natural areas. ... "By working together, we can eliminate this toxic and noxious invasive plant."
Dear Washington State birders, PLEASE take a moment to research the dangers of Nandina online before you plant any! Too many people like the red color or the red berries, but this plant is HIGHLY invasive, and one established it is extremely difficult to extirpate, with tough runner-roots that go under fences and spread over time.

The commercial plant nurseries and retailers like Walmart, Lowe's and Home Depot push this plant because it is so easy to propagate and the profit margins are quite healthy. The sellers are part of the problem in the proliferation of non-native plants throughout our country and around the world.


How any thinking person could rationalize the purchase or planting of this noxious weed is beyond me. I've personally seen Waxwings and White-crowned Sparrows die from eating the cyanide-laced berries of Nandina. Please eradicate Nandina.
-Ken Archambault, Birmingham, Alabama







On Monday, February 12, 2018 5:57 PM, Linda Phillips <linda_phillips1252 at msn.com> wrote:




I learned about Nandina's poisonous berries JUST after I planted mine. Rather than dispose of the plant, I just cut the flowers off. The bright red berries are one of the things that make Nandina so attractive but I like the bush itself too and now I know I'm not harming wildlife.
Linda Phillips
Kenmore

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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