All of these plants are listed as exotic invasive species on the South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council List.
SEVERE THREAT-known to pose a severe threat to the natural areas of SC.
SIGNIFICANT THREAT-invasive exotic species are established in natural areas; but may not be as widespread or difficult to manage as Severe Threat species.
EMERGING THREAT-invasive exotic species found in SC or adjacent states, in limited infestations that can be managed.
ALERT-exotic plant species known to pose a severe threat to natural areas in adjacent states with a limited distribution in South Carolina.
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Tree of Heaven produces an abundance of seeds, which are then blown by the wind. SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Chinese or Japanese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis or Wisteria floribunda)
Chinese Wisteria-SEVERE THREAT Japanese Wisteria-EMERGING THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)
SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Sweet Autumn Clematis Seeds (Clematis terniflora)
SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Wild Calllery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Bradford pears cross with other Callery pears to create these wild pears. Please don't plant Bradford pears or other Callery pear cultivars. SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Wild Callery Pear Thorns (Pyrus calleryana) (1)
The four inch thorns can puncture tractor tires. SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Wild Callery Pear in flower (Pyrus calleryana)
Wild Callery pears taking over a field. SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Pampas grass has become highly invasive on the West Coast and is becoming a threat here in South Carolina. ALERT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Variegated Privet reverting back to the green form (Ligustrum sinense).
Variegated privet is sterile, but has the capability to convert back to the green parent. The green form is able to reproduce. SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Chinese Privet berries (Ligustrum sinense)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Chinese privet taking over a wooded area. SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Royal Princess Tree flowers (Paulowinia tomentosa)
This invasive tree flowers in the spring and is followed by an abundance of seed pods that will reseed everywhere. SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Royal Princess Tree seed pods (Paulowinia tomentosa)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Nandina (Nandina domestica)
Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo is commonly planted as an ornamental shrub. SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Mimosa (Albizia julibrissen)
SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Leatherleaf Mahonia (Mahonia bealei)
ALERT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Kudzu (Pueraria montana)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Fig Buttercup (Ficaria verna)
If you suspect you have fig buttercup, please contact the Clemson's Department of Plant Industry to report a sighting 864-646-2134. Clemson DPI is in charge of eradicating any fig buttercup found in South Carolina. EMERGING THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Cogon Grass (Imperata cylindrica)
If you suspect you have cogongrass, please contact the Clemson's Department of Plant Industry to report a sighting 864-646-2134. This grass is considered one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. Clemson DPI is in charge of eradicating any cogongrass found in South Carolina. SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Chinese Parasol Tree (Firminia simplex)
SIGNIFICANT THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Chinaberry Tree (Melia azedarach)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Burning Bush Seeds (Euonymus alatus)
ALERT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
ALERT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Breath of Spring (Lonicera fragrantissima)
EMERGING THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Autumn Olive flowers (Elaeagnus species)
There are several species of Elaeagnus on the invasive list. SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Autumn Olive fruit (Elaeagnus species)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus species)
SEVERE THREAT Barbara H. Smith, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
