Rank 3 - Lesser Threat Exotic plant species that spread into or around disturbed areas, and are presently considered a low threat to native plant communities in NC.

See also Scrophulariaceae

201709xxv Cut the plant all the way back. Had found flowering seedlings in meadow/septic area.

20170602 flower spikes formed with purple buds
2017012x cut back the butterfly bush
20161011 still blooming
20160615: Started blooming at the very beginning of June: grape purple, hint of blue outside petal of spent flowers, red orange center. Plant has broken, sad trunk.



Buddleia (pronounced BUD-lee-ah), a genus that includes over 100 species and cultivars
  • Since they bloom on new wood, even if there is no die-back, cut them back to the ground every spring. Even where winters are mild enough for the stems to survive, prune severely to stimulate abundant growth on which flowers are borne. http://www.almanac.com/plant/butterfly-bush


Some Buddleia species, like B. alternifolia, B. asiatica, B. colvilei and B. globosa, bloom on last year's wood. They provide nectar for spring and early-summer butterflies, and they shouldn't be pruned until after blossoming.

This tendency to be a weedy colonizer, along with its exotic (non-native) status in North America, is now making Buddleia politically incorrect. It's included in the recently published Invasive Plants [Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Handbook #149, 1996, $7.95]. Buddleia davidii has spread from gardens along the Eastern seaboard and the West coast, to roadsides and riparian (streamside) zones. It's not yet considered a serious problem, but it's spreading rapidly.

So what's a responsible gardener to do? Sarah Reichard, who has been monitoring invasive plants at the University of Washington, says she's less concerned about Buddleia's use in urban areas. But if you're growing it near a natural area, watch for volunteer seedlings. Remove them and get rid of the plant if necessary (dig out the roots, which will resprout).