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Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica

Summary 6

Nandina domestica (/nænˈdiːnə dəˈmɛstɨkə/ nan-DEE-nuh) commonly known as nandina, heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo, is a species of flowering plant in the family Berberidaceae, native to eastern Asia from the Himalayas to Japan. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Nandina.

Status as an invasive species 7

Nandina is considered invasive in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. It was placed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s invasive list as a Category I species, the highest listing. It has been observed in the wild in Florida in Gadsden, Leon, Jackson, Alachua and Citrus counties, in conservation areas, woodlands and floodplains. In general, the purchase or continued cultivation of non-sterile varieties in the southeastern United States is discouraged.

Although grown extensively in Texas because of its tolerance for dry conditions, fruiting varieties of Nandina are considered invasive there. This is primarily due to birds spreading seeds into natural areas where Nandina proliferates and crowds out native species, both through seeding and by the growth of rhizomatous underground stems.

Toxicity 7

All parts of the plant are poisonous, containing compounds that decompose to produce hydrogen cyanide, and could potentially be fatal if ingested. The plant is placed in Toxicity Category 4, the category "generally considered non-toxic to humans," but the berries are considered toxic to cats and grazing animals. The berries also contain alkaloids such as nantenine, which is used in scientific research as an antidote to MDMA. Birds are generally not affected by these toxins and will disperse the seeds through their droppings. However, excessive consumption of the berries will kill birds such as Cedar Waxwings.

Impacts and control 8

More info for the terms: density, fire management, invasive species, natural, prescribed fire

Impacts: Several sources report that sacred bamboo may replace native species ([12,55], reviews by [34,39,45,65], personal communications [3,43,59,64]), though some managers report that native plant exclusion has not occurred as of 2009 ([21], personal communications [33,54,59,66]).

Sacred bamboo may impact several species of concern, particularly in Florida. In upland mixed forest plant communities at Florida Caverns State Park, sacred bamboo poses a threat to species listed as endangered in Florida, including spoonshape Barbara's buttons (Marshallia obovata), Flyr's nemesis (Brickellia cordifolia), cream ticktrefoil (Desmodium ochroleucum), and spiked crested coralroot (Hexalectris spicata). In calcareous bluff plant communities in Florida, sacred bamboo may potentially exclude the state-endangered red columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), eastern false rue anemone (Enemion biternatum), Allegheny-spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), and the rare oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) (personal communication [3]). In Tom Brown Park, Florida, sacred bamboo may prevent regeneration and growth of the state-endangered October lady's tresses (Spiranthes ovalis var. ovalis) orchid, which prefers open understory conditions [12]. Sacred bamboo also occurs around limestone outcroppings in Florida, where it competes with and may shade out rare natives such as the Marianna columbine (A. canadensis var. australis) and eastern false rue anemone (personal communication [43]). In Tennessee, sacred bamboo occurred in a late-successional ravine plant community with the federally threatened largeflower skullcap (Scutellaria montana), though as of 2009, sacred bamboo was not established to an extent that it was excluding other understory plants (personal communication [21]).

Control: In all cases where invasive species are targeted for control, no matter what method is employed, the potential for other invasive species to fill their void must be considered [7]. Control of biotic invasions is most effective when it employs a long-term, ecosystem-wide strategy rather than a tactical approach focused on battling individual invaders [46].

Sacred bamboo exhibits several characteristics that may complicate control efforts. A manual to woody landscaping plants reports that "once established they are forever, possibly one of the most durable broadleaf evergreens" [18]. Extensive root systems (review by [65], personal communications [24,44,64]) may make removal difficult, particularly as sacred bamboo may sprout following damage or treatment ([15,18], review by [5], personal communications [24,49,59]), with sprouting potentially delayed as long as a year (personal communication [49]). Sacred bamboo also produces abundant seed crops (personal communication [41]), and seeds may remain on plants for several months (review by [45]) or remain dormant in the soil for at least a year ([12], review by [39]). Seedlings may also be abundant (personal communication [33]). Individual plants may be difficult to locate amidst other vegetation or topographical features (personal communications [3,33,43,64]). Consequently, some managers recommend that search efforts take place in winter, when the evergreen leaves and bright berries of sacred bamboo are readily visible (personal communications [3,43]).

One manager suggested that control measures are temporary and may even promote sacred bamboo, as sprouting from extensive root systems may allow it to "rebound" more quickly than surrounding native vegetation (personal communication [44]). Managers suggest that revisitation and follow-up treatments are often necessary to effectively control sacred bamboo (personal communications [24,33,41,49,59,64]).

Fire: For information on the use of prescribed fire to control this species, see Fire Management Considerations.

Prevention: One of the easiest ways to prevent future establishment and spread of sacred bamboo is to avoid planting it. Sacred bamboo is 1 of the 3 most commercially valuable plants to nursery operators in Florida [4]. In 2004, the maximum annual sales of sacred bamboo reported by a single grower was $30,000, while the mean annual sales for 141 Florida nurseries was $3,200 [77]. Sacred bamboo cultivars that do not produce seed (review by [45]), viable seed [12], or bird-dispersed fruit (review by [39]) may be suitable alternatives for ornamental growers. In Texas, suggested alternatives to sacred bamboo include Texas barometer bush (Leucophyllum frutescens), wild crapemyrtle (Malpighia glabra), autumn sage (Salvia greggi), and doctorbush (Plumbago scandens) (review by [65]).

It is commonly argued that the most cost-efficient and effective method of managing invasive species is to prevent their establishment and spread by maintaining "healthy" natural communities 46,58 and by monitoring several times each year [32]). Managing to maintain the integrity of the native plant community and mitigate the factors enhancing ecosystem invasibility is likely to be more effective than managing solely to control the invader [31].

Weed prevention and control can be incorporated into many types of management plans, including those for logging and site preparation, grazing allotments, recreation management, research projects, road building and maintenance, and fire management [69]. See the Guide to noxious weed prevention practices [69] for specific guidelines in preventing the spread of weed seeds and propagules under different management conditions.

Cultural control:No information is available on this topic (2009).

Physical or mechanical control: Several sources suggest hand-pulling may be effective for controlling sacred bamboo seedlings ([12], review by [34], personal communication [54]) or small populations (review by [45]). In northern Florida, there was no sign of growth or sprouting 360 days after seedlings were hand-pulled [12]. At Three Rivers State Park in the north-central Florida panhandle, hand-pulling was considered the best method for controlling sacred bamboo (personal communication [33]). Digging out large plants may be difficult because of deep taproots (review by [34]), and physical control may be hampered by the potential sprouting of root fragments (reviews by [45,65]). Frequent mowing may be effective at controlling sacred bamboo, though plants may continue to spread rhizomatously (review by [45]).

Because sacred bamboo produces abundant seed crops (personal communication [41]) and seeds remain on the plant for several months, care must be exercised to prevent seed spread and dispersal during the removal process (review by [45]). Ideally, physical or mechanical control should occur before seeds are produced. To prevent spread, seeds should be collected and destroyed (reviews by [38,65]).

Biological control: Biological control of invasive species has a long history that indicates many factors must be considered before using biological controls. Refer to these sources: [71,76] and the Weed control methods handbook [67] for background information and important considerations for developing and implementing biological control programs.

As of this writing (2009) there were no biological control programs identified for the control of sacred bamboo. Sacred bamboo plants are susceptible to scale and mites. Leaf spot diseases often cause lower leaves to drop in humid areas. Such diseases are most severe on plants grown in partial shade where foliage is consistently damp (review by [65]).

Chemical control: Herbicides are effective in gaining initial control of a new invasion or a severe infestation, but they are rarely a complete or long-term solution to weed management [10]. See the Weed control methods handbook [67] for considerations on the use of herbicides in natural areas and detailed information on specific chemicals.

Several sources report that sacred bamboo may be controlled using herbicides ([12], reviews by [5,38], personal communications [3,24,29,41,43,49,59]), though direct application may be time consuming and labor intensive (personal communication [43]). Repeated applications may be necessary in areas with high density (review by [65]) and to prevent sprouting following treatment (personal communications [24,49,59,64]). At Three Rivers State Park, Florida, 1 manager noted that while sacred bamboo stems died back as a result of herbicide application, the root systems were large from many years of past growth and often sent up new stems in the growing season following treatment (personal communication [64]). One year after basal bark herbicide application to sacred bamboo in northern Florida, there was no evidence of sprouting or production of new rhizomes [12].

Several sources recommend herbicide application to cut stems of sacred bamboo (reviews by [34,65], personal communications [24,29,33]), though follow-up treatment may be necessary due to root sprouting following control efforts (personal communication [24]).

Integrated management: No information is available on this topic.

Sources and Credits

  1. (c) Kenpei, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6c/Nandina_domestica1.jpg/460px-Nandina_domestica1.jpg
  2. (c) Kai Yan, Joseph Wong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/33623636@N08/5757525209
  3. (c) Jon Sullivan, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.flickr.com/photos/mollivan_jon/18069749482/
  4. (c) Dalgial, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Nandina_domestica2.JPG/460px-Nandina_domestica2.JPG
  5. (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick
  6. Adapted by Kate Wagner from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandina_domestica
  7. (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nandina
  8. Public Domain, http://eol.org/data_objects/24637389

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