The Nandina plant – also known as Heavenly Bamboo – hails from Asia, growing there in all kinds of soil, light and temperatures.
“And that’s why it’s heavily favored by landscapers, because they’re going to put it in your yard, and it’s not going to die,” says Rivanna Master Gardener Leonora Crane.
But, she adds, it can kill birds, because its bright red berries contain cyanide.
“Researchers are the University of Georgia found a flock of cedar waxwings that were dead on the side of the road, and when they conducted an autopsy, they found damage to the internal organs consistent with cyanide poisoning.”
Nandina can also spread to Virginia forests, where Crane says it competes aggressively with native plants for nutrients and sunlight. If you see it, she says, pull it out, and replace it with something native.
“Even in small patches, every little bit helps, and especially with wildflowers that is something our native pollinators can use.”
And, of course, some of those plants will feed native birds or those migrating through Virginia.
