Invasive Coral Ardisia

BEAUTIFUL CORAL ARDISIA – AN INVADER TO OUR NATIVE FORESTS

By Deborah Lawson, Retired Master Gardener

To restore the native forest that is the Hickory Preserve and Red Hills Cemetery, it will be necessary to eradicate invasive exotics including coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata), Chinese privet, Japanese climbing fern and heavenly bamboo (nandina domestica).  Let’s start with discussing coral ardisia as its germination rate is 86-98 percent, meaning almost every berry you see will be another plant.  Eradicating it is critical as it takes over and chokes out native plants that native wildlife rely upon.  The effort to eradicate this plant will take a number of years because the fallen berries will continue over time to germinate and spread.  Bottom line, coral ardisia should have been left in Southeast Asia where it came from in the early 19th century, as it has taken over woodlands throughout the Southeastern United States.

In addition to its invasive nature, although significant scientific studies have not documented it, the leaves and berries of coral ardisia are believed to be toxic to humans, livestock, domestic pets and some birds.

Ardisia is easily identifiable when the berries turn red around the holidays, but also by its shiny, somewhat waxy leaves with scalloped edges and its upright form.  Small plants can be pulled easily by the roots but more mature plants must either be dug up or carefully treated with an herbicide such as Garlon 3A or Triclopyre.

I can’t wait to see this preserve restored to its native, natural beauty, and to know that we have done a small part to keep the ardisia berries from being spread to other natural areas by birds and other wildlife.