Pretty, isn't it? FALSE! If you have any concern whatsoever for the environment, you would not purchase this noxious weed vine this fall or ever again. The showy red seeds and yellow capsule may look pretty hanging on the front door but once a bird carries the seed off and it roots, many native species are in jeopardy of being out competed by this noxious, ultra-aggressive plant. Please understand that...It is a NC registered noxious weed! However, for some crazy reason, it is allowed to be bought and sold all over town. I can show you a number of areas around Highlands that are inundated with this. Several areas are on the golf course. Once it is established, the only effective way to control it is to clear the land in the infested area...meaning all rhododendron and laurel would need to be cut to the ground. During the last 10 years, we've cleaned out numerous areas on the golf course because of this very vine.
There are other noxious weeds that present a challenge to Highlands. Specifically, Knotweed is becoming more common and we are even starting to see Kudzu in Highlands! Other less common invasive species include English Ivy and believe it or not, Burning bush (Winged Euonymus). Granted, not all invasive species are comparable in aggressiveness. In my opinion, Oriental Bittersweet ranks towards the top.