CITY OF SAUGATUCK'S INVASIVE SPECIES
asian bittersweet
Asian Bittersweet
Vines grow rapidly. Root suckers, or new stems created in the roots, form large patches that can completely cover existing vegetation and displace native plants. As it climbs a tree, oriental bittersweet winds around and choke trees, eventually killing them or causing breakage from the weight of the vines.
Remedy
For young vines, hand pulling can work. When large vines have grown into trees, cut the vines when the leaves aren't present, and apply a systemic herbicide to the freshly cut stems, another way is to make your initial cut around 1' to waist height off of the ground to allow recutting in subsequent years. When the plant regrows, take pruners or a hand saw and remove all new growth as soon as you see it. This will eventually starve the roots, killing the plant.
Disposal
Bag up all plant material, especially if it has seeds, and dispose of it with your regular trash.
Vines grow rapidly. Root suckers, or new stems created in the roots, form large patches that can completely cover existing vegetation and displace native plants. As it climbs a tree, oriental bittersweet winds around and choke trees, eventually killing them or causing breakage from the weight of the vines.
Remedy
For young vines, hand pulling can work. When large vines have grown into trees, cut the vines when the leaves aren't present, and apply a systemic herbicide to the freshly cut stems, another way is to make your initial cut around 1' to waist height off of the ground to allow recutting in subsequent years. When the plant regrows, take pruners or a hand saw and remove all new growth as soon as you see it. This will eventually starve the roots, killing the plant.
Disposal
Bag up all plant material, especially if it has seeds, and dispose of it with your regular trash.
Baby's breath
Baby's Breath
Vines grow rapidly. Root suckers, or new stems created in the roots, form large patches that can completely cover existing vegetation and displace native plants. As it climbs a tree, oriental bittersweet winds around and choke trees, eventually killing them or causing breakage from the weight of the vines.
Remedy
For young vines, hand pulling can work. When large vines have grown into trees, cut the vines when the leaves aren't present, and apply a systemic herbicide to the freshly cut stems, another way is to make your initial cut around 1' to waist height off of the ground to allow recutting in subsequent years. When the plant regrows, take pruners or a hand saw and remove all new growth as soon as you see it. This will eventually starve the roots, killing the plant.
Disposal
Bag up all plant material, especially if it has seeds, and dispose of it with your regular trash.
Vines grow rapidly. Root suckers, or new stems created in the roots, form large patches that can completely cover existing vegetation and displace native plants. As it climbs a tree, oriental bittersweet winds around and choke trees, eventually killing them or causing breakage from the weight of the vines.
Remedy
For young vines, hand pulling can work. When large vines have grown into trees, cut the vines when the leaves aren't present, and apply a systemic herbicide to the freshly cut stems, another way is to make your initial cut around 1' to waist height off of the ground to allow recutting in subsequent years. When the plant regrows, take pruners or a hand saw and remove all new growth as soon as you see it. This will eventually starve the roots, killing the plant.
Disposal
Bag up all plant material, especially if it has seeds, and dispose of it with your regular trash.
Garlic mustard
Garlic Mustard
Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant. It's a biennial herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years, and it invades forests and woodland areas, outcompeting native plants.
Remedy
Hand pulling is most effective on small infestations and first-year plants. Ensure you remove the entire root system, including the taproot, to prevent regrowth. Pulling is best done in the spring or early summer before seeds mature. Dispose of pulled plants in garbage bags, not compost, as they will continue to produce seeds.
Disposal
After removing garlic mustard plants, whether by pulling or cutting, properly dispose of them. Do not compost garlic mustard; it will continue to mature seeds even when pulled. Bag and dispose of plants with regular garbage.
Garlic Mustard is an invasive plant. It's a biennial herb, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years, and it invades forests and woodland areas, outcompeting native plants.
Remedy
Hand pulling is most effective on small infestations and first-year plants. Ensure you remove the entire root system, including the taproot, to prevent regrowth. Pulling is best done in the spring or early summer before seeds mature. Dispose of pulled plants in garbage bags, not compost, as they will continue to produce seeds.
Disposal
After removing garlic mustard plants, whether by pulling or cutting, properly dispose of them. Do not compost garlic mustard; it will continue to mature seeds even when pulled. Bag and dispose of plants with regular garbage.
japanese barberry
Japanese Barberry
A single plant may produce thousands of seeds with up to 90% germination rate, branches touching the ground will root and sprout new plants, forming impenetrable thickets. Thrives in deep shade to full sun, and from dry soils to wetlands. Its leaf litter can change soil acidity and nutrient cycles, often favoring more barberry and kill native species. Dense barberry thickets create humid microclimates that harbor high populations of black-legged ticks (deer ticks), which transmit Lyme disease.
Remedy
Hand-pulling works best (small plants and seedlings) in early spring or after rain when the soil is soft. Pull plants (wear gloves-plants have sharp spines) out by the roots—otherwise, they’ll re-sprout. Digging (larger shrubs). Use a shovel or weed wrench to remove roots. Be thorough—root fragments left behind can regrow. Cut-stump treatment. Cut the shrub close to the ground. Immediately paint or spray the cut stump with a systemic herbicide (e.g., glyphosate or triclopyr). This prevents regrowth from the roots. Spray, apply herbicide to leaves during the growing season (late spring to fall). Avoid spray drift.
Disposal
Bag up all plant material, especially if it has seeds, and dispose of it with your regular trash.
A single plant may produce thousands of seeds with up to 90% germination rate, branches touching the ground will root and sprout new plants, forming impenetrable thickets. Thrives in deep shade to full sun, and from dry soils to wetlands. Its leaf litter can change soil acidity and nutrient cycles, often favoring more barberry and kill native species. Dense barberry thickets create humid microclimates that harbor high populations of black-legged ticks (deer ticks), which transmit Lyme disease.
Remedy
Hand-pulling works best (small plants and seedlings) in early spring or after rain when the soil is soft. Pull plants (wear gloves-plants have sharp spines) out by the roots—otherwise, they’ll re-sprout. Digging (larger shrubs). Use a shovel or weed wrench to remove roots. Be thorough—root fragments left behind can regrow. Cut-stump treatment. Cut the shrub close to the ground. Immediately paint or spray the cut stump with a systemic herbicide (e.g., glyphosate or triclopyr). This prevents regrowth from the roots. Spray, apply herbicide to leaves during the growing season (late spring to fall). Avoid spray drift.
Disposal
Bag up all plant material, especially if it has seeds, and dispose of it with your regular trash.
japanese knotweed
Japanese Knotweed
This is is considered one of the most aggressive invasive plants in North America. It has rapid vegetative growth and spreads primarily by rhizomes (underground stems), not seeds which can extend up to 65 feet from the parent plant and grow 10+ feet deep underground. A piece of root or stem as small as ½ inch can start a new colony.
Remedy
An integrated Approach (Most Effective) Cut in spring/early summer to reduce biomass. Cut in spring/early summer to reduce biomass. Allow regrowth until late summer. Apply herbicide when the plant is moving energy back into its roots. Repeat annually. Eradication requires persistence, usually a multi-year plan combining cutting and herbicide treatments, followed by careful disposal and monitoring.
Disposal
Bag cut stems and rhizomes in heavy-duty contractor bags. Landfill them — never put in yard waste or compost.
This is is considered one of the most aggressive invasive plants in North America. It has rapid vegetative growth and spreads primarily by rhizomes (underground stems), not seeds which can extend up to 65 feet from the parent plant and grow 10+ feet deep underground. A piece of root or stem as small as ½ inch can start a new colony.
Remedy
An integrated Approach (Most Effective) Cut in spring/early summer to reduce biomass. Cut in spring/early summer to reduce biomass. Allow regrowth until late summer. Apply herbicide when the plant is moving energy back into its roots. Repeat annually. Eradication requires persistence, usually a multi-year plan combining cutting and herbicide treatments, followed by careful disposal and monitoring.
Disposal
Bag cut stems and rhizomes in heavy-duty contractor bags. Landfill them — never put in yard waste or compost.
spotted knapweed
Spotted Knapweed
Has an aggressive reproduction with up to 25,000 seeds per plant per year, which can remain viable in the soil for up to 8 years. Seeds spread easily by wind, water, animals, vehicles. Colonizes disturbed areas quickly (roadsides, trails, pastures, dunes, clearings). It conducts a form of chemical warfare from its roots into the soil which starves out native species and reduces biodiversity. Creates monocultures that reduce habitat and food availability for pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
Remedy
Hand-pulling is effective for small patches; remove as much root as possible. Best after rain when soil is soft. Cutting/mowing, this prevents seed production if done before flowering (typically June–July). Herbicide for spot treatment, Glyphosate works but will also kill grasses.
Disposal
Place pulled or cut plants (especially if flowering or with seed heads) into heavy-duty trash bags. Dispose of them with your municipal trash — not in yard waste or compost.
Has an aggressive reproduction with up to 25,000 seeds per plant per year, which can remain viable in the soil for up to 8 years. Seeds spread easily by wind, water, animals, vehicles. Colonizes disturbed areas quickly (roadsides, trails, pastures, dunes, clearings). It conducts a form of chemical warfare from its roots into the soil which starves out native species and reduces biodiversity. Creates monocultures that reduce habitat and food availability for pollinators, birds, and wildlife.
Remedy
Hand-pulling is effective for small patches; remove as much root as possible. Best after rain when soil is soft. Cutting/mowing, this prevents seed production if done before flowering (typically June–July). Herbicide for spot treatment, Glyphosate works but will also kill grasses.
Disposal
Place pulled or cut plants (especially if flowering or with seed heads) into heavy-duty trash bags. Dispose of them with your municipal trash — not in yard waste or compost.
Autumn olive
Autumn Olive
Has a rapid growth and spread which produces thousands of seeds eaten and spread by birds and other wildlife. It resprouts aggressively if cut or mowed. Alters soil by fixing nitrogen which changes the nutrient balance and favors other invasive species. It forms dense thickets, shading out and displacing native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Though birds eat the berries, the fruits are low in nutritional value compared to native berries, reducing overall habitat quality.
Remedy
Cut the shrub close to the ground and immediately apply a systemic herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to the fresh stump. Pulling, Effective for young plants or seedlings; remove as much root as possible. Foliar spray for dense thickets, foliar spraying in late summer can help, but requires caution to avoid harming non-target plants. It can require repeated follow-up for several years to control regrowth.
Disposal
Bag and landfill fruits or branches with berries. Brush without berries can be chipped or burned.
Has a rapid growth and spread which produces thousands of seeds eaten and spread by birds and other wildlife. It resprouts aggressively if cut or mowed. Alters soil by fixing nitrogen which changes the nutrient balance and favors other invasive species. It forms dense thickets, shading out and displacing native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Though birds eat the berries, the fruits are low in nutritional value compared to native berries, reducing overall habitat quality.
Remedy
Cut the shrub close to the ground and immediately apply a systemic herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to the fresh stump. Pulling, Effective for young plants or seedlings; remove as much root as possible. Foliar spray for dense thickets, foliar spraying in late summer can help, but requires caution to avoid harming non-target plants. It can require repeated follow-up for several years to control regrowth.
Disposal
Bag and landfill fruits or branches with berries. Brush without berries can be chipped or burned.
phragmites or common reed
Phragmites or Common Reed
Has an aggressive spread which reproduces by seed and underground rhizomes. These can extend 30+ feet, creating dense monocultures which displaces native wetland plants like cattails and sedges causing habitat takeover and reducing biodiversity by shading out native species. Provides poor habitat for many wetland birds, fish, and insects that rely on native plants. Alters hydrology and soil chemistry, making it harder for native plants to return. Increases fire risk due to dense, dry stems.
Remedy
On riverbanks, cutting stalks below water level can drown plants in some wetlands. On land, systemic herbicides (glyphosate or imazapyr) are commonly applied in late summer to early fall when plants are storing energy in roots. Follow-up treatments are usually needed for several years.
Disposal
Bag and send to landfill – do not compost.
Has an aggressive spread which reproduces by seed and underground rhizomes. These can extend 30+ feet, creating dense monocultures which displaces native wetland plants like cattails and sedges causing habitat takeover and reducing biodiversity by shading out native species. Provides poor habitat for many wetland birds, fish, and insects that rely on native plants. Alters hydrology and soil chemistry, making it harder for native plants to return. Increases fire risk due to dense, dry stems.
Remedy
On riverbanks, cutting stalks below water level can drown plants in some wetlands. On land, systemic herbicides (glyphosate or imazapyr) are commonly applied in late summer to early fall when plants are storing energy in roots. Follow-up treatments are usually needed for several years.
Disposal
Bag and send to landfill – do not compost.
tree of heaven
Tree of Heaven
Is a fast and aggressive growing tree, up to 6 feet per year. It spreads by seeds and aggressive root suckers, creating dense colonies. It releases chemicals into the soil that inhibit native plant growth. It cracks pavement, damages foundations, and takes over vacant lots. Spreads rapidly in forests, fields, dunes, and disturbed soils. Serves as a primary host for the spotted lanternfly, another invasive species that threatens crops and native trees.
Remedy
Cut trees and immediately apply a systemic herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to prevent root suckering. Root removal is effective for seedlings and saplings; remove as much root as possible.
Persistence is required. Repeat treatments are often needed for several years due to vigorous resprouting. Recommend using a certified tree service for Large tree removal.
Disposal
Bag and landfill seeds and small branches. Larger wood can be chipped, burned (where permitted), or taken to a landfill — but do not move it to other sites where seeds or root fragments could take hold.
Is a fast and aggressive growing tree, up to 6 feet per year. It spreads by seeds and aggressive root suckers, creating dense colonies. It releases chemicals into the soil that inhibit native plant growth. It cracks pavement, damages foundations, and takes over vacant lots. Spreads rapidly in forests, fields, dunes, and disturbed soils. Serves as a primary host for the spotted lanternfly, another invasive species that threatens crops and native trees.
Remedy
Cut trees and immediately apply a systemic herbicide (glyphosate or triclopyr) to prevent root suckering. Root removal is effective for seedlings and saplings; remove as much root as possible.
Persistence is required. Repeat treatments are often needed for several years due to vigorous resprouting. Recommend using a certified tree service for Large tree removal.
Disposal
Bag and landfill seeds and small branches. Larger wood can be chipped, burned (where permitted), or taken to a landfill — but do not move it to other sites where seeds or root fragments could take hold.
purple loosestrife
Purple Loosestrife
Has a rapid spread which produces up to 2.7 million seeds per plant each year. These seeds spread easily through water, soil, or by sticking to animals and equipment. It creates a monoculture which forms dense stands that choke out native wetland plants like cattails, sedges, and bulrushes. Has a wildlife impact by providing little food or habitat value for birds, fish, and insects compared to native wetland species. Ecosystem alteration the hydrology and nutrient cycling, reducing wetland biodiversity.
Remedy
Manual removal is effective for small infestations by pulling plants before they set seed, removing as much root as possible. Systemic herbicides (like glyphosate for aquatic use) are applied in late summer for larger infestations. Biological Control can be used by utilizing leaf-eating beetles (Galerucella species) which have been released across Michigan wetlands and are proving effective at reducing large populations.
Disposal
Bag and landfill all plant parts, especially flowers and seed heads. Never compost or dump in natural areas — seeds remain viable for years. Clean boots, tools, and equipment after working in infested areas to prevent spread.
Has a rapid spread which produces up to 2.7 million seeds per plant each year. These seeds spread easily through water, soil, or by sticking to animals and equipment. It creates a monoculture which forms dense stands that choke out native wetland plants like cattails, sedges, and bulrushes. Has a wildlife impact by providing little food or habitat value for birds, fish, and insects compared to native wetland species. Ecosystem alteration the hydrology and nutrient cycling, reducing wetland biodiversity.
Remedy
Manual removal is effective for small infestations by pulling plants before they set seed, removing as much root as possible. Systemic herbicides (like glyphosate for aquatic use) are applied in late summer for larger infestations. Biological Control can be used by utilizing leaf-eating beetles (Galerucella species) which have been released across Michigan wetlands and are proving effective at reducing large populations.
Disposal
Bag and landfill all plant parts, especially flowers and seed heads. Never compost or dump in natural areas — seeds remain viable for years. Clean boots, tools, and equipment after working in infested areas to prevent spread.
DEER RESISTANT, POLLINATORS AND SUGGESTED PLANTINGS FOR RESIDENTS IN SAUGATUCK, MI
Deer dislike many plants, particularly those with strong smells, fuzzy foliage, or
poisonous properties. Some examples include daffodils, foxgloves, poppies, certain
herbs like sage, lavender, and rosemary, and some perennials like peonies and bearded
irises. There’s no single plant that deer universally hate, as their preferences can vary
based on location, availability of other food sources, and individual deer.
poisonous properties. Some examples include daffodils, foxgloves, poppies, certain
herbs like sage, lavender, and rosemary, and some perennials like peonies and bearded
irises. There’s no single plant that deer universally hate, as their preferences can vary
based on location, availability of other food sources, and individual deer.
PLANTS
NATIVE PLANTS
Native plants typically benefit pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
Many bird species enjoy their seeds so there are multiple reasons to plant deer resistant
natives.
Many bird species enjoy their seeds so there are multiple reasons to plant deer resistant
natives.
BEE BALM
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These vibrant perennials attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds but repel deer with its minty aroma.
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MINTS
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There are many varieties of native mints that deer tend to avoid including Common Mountain Mint, Slender Mountain Mint, and Hairy Wood Mint.
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MILKWEED
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Butterfly weed has long-lasting orange flowers. Swamp Milkweed is also a good choice as both a nectar source and larval host for monarch butterflies.
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PEARLY EVERLASTING
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This is an easily grown native with lovely white flowers that also serves as the host plant for America Lady and Painted Lady butterflies.
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Wild Senna
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This is a legume that adds nitrogen to the soil and also has lovely yellow flowers frequented bees.
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STRONGLY SCENTED PLANTS
HERBS
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Deer tend to avoid plants with strong, aromatic scents like Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Mint, and Oregano.
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oRNAMENTAL PLANTS
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Many ornamental plants with strong fragrances, such as Salvias and Bearded Irises, are also less appealing to deer.
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ALLIUMS
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Bulbs like Onions, Garlic, and Hyacinths are generally avoided due to their strong smell.
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POISONOUS PLANTS
DAFFODILS
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These bulbs contain toxins that deter deer.
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FOXGLOVES
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Like Daffodils, Foxgloves are poisonous and deer tend to avoid them.
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POPPIES
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Some types of poppies, like oriental poppies, have a fragrance and a bitter taste that deer find unappetizing.
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OTHER DEER RESISTANT PLANTS
BLEEDING HEART
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This delicate-looking plant is generally not bothered by deer.
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BARRENWORT (EPIDMEDIUM)
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This shade-loving plant is also a good choice for deer-resistant gardens.
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LAVENDER
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Deer dislike the potent fragrance of lavender’s aromatic leaves. In addition to being deer-resistant, this perennial is also drought-tolerant once established and provides soothing aromas in the garden.
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SALVIA
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The fragrant foliage of salvia is a turn-off for deer, while its colorful blooms are a favorite of bees and butterflies. This plant is known for being drought-tolerant and easy to grow in full sun.
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ASTILBE
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With its coarse texture and feathery plumes of flowers, astilbe is a shade-loving
perennial that deer tend to leave alone. Its bitter flavor is also unappealing to them. |
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JUNIPER
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This evergreen conifer comes in many varieties and offers year-round interest. Deer are repelled by the strong scent of the volatile oils in its needles.
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PEONY
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Peonies are a beautiful, long-lived perennial that produces large, showy flowers in the spring. They are reliably deer-resistant and attract butterflies.
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LUNGWORT
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This shade perennial has fuzzy foliage that deer find unappetizing. It is one of the first
perennials to bloom in the spring and offers interesting, silver-spotted leaves. |
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TIPS FOR DETERRING DEER
rotate repellents
To prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a specific deterrent, rotate scented or taste-based repellents.
install physical barriers
If deer pressure is high, consider installing netting, wraps, or fencing around vulnerable plants, especially when they are young.
vary your plantings
Mixing deer-resistant plants with other plants can help mask the scent of more palatable species.
SHRUBS
EVERGREEN SHRUBS
JUNIPER
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Deer avoid junipers because of their prickly texture and strong-smelling foliage. They are low-maintenance and come in many sizes and forms, from ground covers to upright screens.
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FALSE CYPRESS
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Dwarf varieties like Soft Serve® offer year-round interest with their feathery, cedar-like foliage. The texture and scent help deter deer.
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SIBERIAN CYPRESS
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A low-growing, deer-resistant ground cover with feathery, rich green foliage that turns bronze in the winter.
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FLOWERING SHRUBS
BLUEBEARD
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This deciduous shrub blooms in late summer and early fall when other shrubs are fading. Its rich blue flowers attract pollinators but repel deer.
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WEIGELA
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An easy-care, old-fashioned favorite that blooms with clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in the spring. Deer typically avoid its foliage, and reblooming varieties like Spilled Wine® provide color all season
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LILAC
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The intensely fragrant flowers of lilac are a major deterrent for deer. Many varieties are available, including reblooming options for a long season of scent and color.
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SPIREA
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A hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that is known for its brightly colored foliage and clusters of spring and summer flowers. Deer find its taste unappealing.
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NATIVE AND DECIDUOUS SHRUBS
RED-OSIER DOGWOOD
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Native to North America, this dogwood features vibrant red stems that provide striking color in the winter landscape. Its fragrance and taste are unappetizing to deer, which tend to leave the fruit, flowers, and twigs alone.
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NINEBARK
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This fast-growing shrub is highly adaptable and features beautiful spring and summer blooms and exfoliating bark. It is generally ignored by deer.
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TREES
EVERGREEN TREES
tHUJA gREEN gIANT
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This is a fast-growing, evergreen hybrid that is highly resistant to deer and forms a dense, pyramidal shape, making it an excellent privacy screen or windbreak.
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bLUE pOINT JUNIPER
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This dense, pyramidal evergreen has attractive blue-green foliage that deer find unappealing. It is very adaptable and requires little pruning to maintain its shape.
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BLUE ICE CYPRESS
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A striking evergreen with silvery-blue foliage and a strong vertical form. Its textured foliage and aromatic quality make it very deer-resistant.
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CAROLINA SAPPHIRE CYPRESS
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With beautiful, feathery blue-gray foliage, this fast-growing cypress is both drought tolerant and deer-resistant.
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EASTERN RED CEDAR
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A hardy native conifer that grows well in poor soils. Its prickly, scale-like foliage deters deer and provides excellent cover and food for birds.
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DECIDUOUS AND FLOWERING TREES
WHITE DOGWOOD
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A beautiful native flowering tree that deer generally avoid. It offers four seasons of interest: white spring flowers, dark green summer leaves, red fall foliage, and winter berries.
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THORNLESS HONEYLOCUS
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This adaptable and fast-growing tree provides dappled shade with delicate, fern-like foliage. The thornless variety is popular for residential landscapes, and its small leaves don't require much raking.
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QUAKING ASPEN
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Known for its shimmering, heart-shaped leaves that blow in the breeze, this fast-growing native tree is known for its fall yellow color and white bark. Deer typically ignore it, though they will browse it if other options are scarce.
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SHADBLOW SERVICEBERRY
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This small, native tree offers beautiful white flowers in the spring, edible berries in the summer that are loved by birds, and brilliant fall colors. It is generally resistant to deer browsing.
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NINEBARK
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While often grown as a shrub, ninebark can be pruned into a small, attractive tree form. It is a very tough, adaptable, and deer-resistant native plant with peeling bark and clusters of white flowers.
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Source material from the internet: State Of Michigan, Michigan DNR, Michigan Invasive's, Michigan Wild flower farm, University of Michigan, Lawn Love, Plant Native, Michigan Gardener, Green Packs. The research was done by members of the Saugatuck Parks and Public Works Committee. Images from Trees.com website, plantaddicts.com website, fastgrowingtrees.com website, thetreecenter.com website, mortonarb.org website, arborday.org, gardenia.net website, gardenerspath.com website, keystonewildflowers.com website, transagra.com website.