Nandina, heavenly bamboo, and sacred bamboo are common names for the plant scientifically known as Nandina domestica. Popular as an ornamental shrub in Southern landscapes, nandina has escaped areas of intentional planting over the years and spread to forested and natural areas across Alabama. In fact, the Alabama Invasive Plant Council lists nandina as an invasive species, and most states discourage further intentional planting. This plant is spread through seeds and rhizomes (underground stems), and birds help disperse its berries. This makes nandina a tough competitor to native species.

Characteristics

Despite its name, nandina is not a true bamboo but a member of the barberry family. As an ornamental, it is valued for its evergreen foliage, seasonal color changes, and clusters of bright-red berries. In natural habitats, nandina is commonly found displacing native species and disrupting plant communities along roadsides and in forested areas. Also, the berries contain compounds that can be toxic to birds when eaten in large quantities. Cedar waxwings are especially vulnerable, due to a diet primarily consisting of berries. The following are other plant characteristics of nandina:

Height and spread: 4 to 8 feet tall, 2 to 4 feet wide

Growth habit: Upright, cane-like stems with compound leaves

Foliage: Green in summer, red or burgundy in fall and winter

Flowers: Small, white blooms in late spring

Fruit: Bright-red berries in fall and winter

Hardiness: US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Zones 6 to 9

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral

Management

Cultural Methods

Avoid planting standard nandina. Instead, choose sterile cultivars—such as ‘Firepower’ or ‘Harbor Belle’—that do not produce viable seeds. These plants could still spread via rhizomes, so it is ideal to only plant them in containers. Alternatively, there are many native shrub species that provide similar beauty and ecological benefits:

• Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata)
• Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
• Red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)
• American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

For other common alternatives, see “Native Replacements for Commonly Sold Invasive Plants” on the Alabama Extension website.

Physical Methods

Simply cutting and removing nandina plants without the use of an herbicide is highly likely to produce resprouts and will require follow-up control until the plant’s energy reserves are depleted. To avoid resprouting after cutting, dig the roots and rhizomes out and hand pull sprouts and seedlings.

Pruning the plant’s flowers and berries is another physical control method. If you decide to keep an existing nandina plant, remove the berries before winter to prevent wildlife poisoning and plant dispersal.

Chemical Methods

Residential

There are a limited number of herbicides that can be used for chemical control in residential settings (table 1). These include products that contain the active ingredients glyphosate and triclopyr. For foliar or cut stump and stem treatments, these herbicides must be carefully used according to label directions. This will help prevent potential damage to nearby desirable vegetation, including trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and vegetables. Also be careful when treating plants along property lines. Clearly communicate with your neighbors in these situations.

Triclopyr ester as a ready-to-use product or added to a penetrating oil carrier can also be used to treat the lower 12 to 18 inches of stems that are less than 6 inches in diameter. For more information on basal bark treatments, see “Basal Bark Herbicide Treatment for Invasive Plants in Pastures, Natural Areas & Forests” on the Alabama Extension website.

Nonresidential

There are several products that may effectively treat nandina in forested or other nonresidential settings. Like with the residential control options above, herbicides containing glyphosate and triclopyr are effective at controlling these plants. Other herbicides—such as those containing the active ingredient imazapyr—may be used in areas where damage to nearby plants is tolerated. These are not typically recommended in residential landscapes due to potential movement of the herbicide through the soil. Concentrated formulations of products typically used outside of residential applications may require additional personal protection equipment and caution when handling. For example, use extreme caution when mixing and loading products containing triclopyr amine, as it can cause irreversible eye damage. For specific herbicide recommendations, contact your county Extension office.

Methods such as foliar individual plant treatments, cut stump, and basal bark applications are common ways to treat infestations of nandina in nonresidential areas. Foliar applications are best made during the growing season, when environmental conditions are suitable and plants are actively growing. However, always consult the label for specific application instructions.

Resources

• Cut Stump Herbicide Treatments for Woody Plant Control, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
• Basal Bark Herbicide Treatment for Invasive Plants in Pastures, Natural Areas & Forests, Alabama Cooperative Extension System
• Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests: A Field Guide for Identification and Control, US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service