Firepower Nandina - invasive or not? - Ask Extension
I just purchased 5 Firepower Nandina from a Bowie nursery to install at a rental property. I seem to recall that firepower was not invasive, which is ...
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Firepower Nandina - invasive or not? #854813
Asked November 06, 2023, 2:39 PM EST
I just purchased 5 Firepower Nandina from a Bowie nursery to install at a rental property. I seem to recall that firepower was not invasive, which is why I bought them, and now I'm finding conflicting information at various, seemingly credible websites as to whether or not firepower is invasive. The plants are full and compact; attached photos (1)the plant tag; (2) leaves.
Thank You.
Charles County Maryland
Expert Response
To our knowledge, the Maryland Department of Agriculture [MDA], the agency regulating invasive species for sale in the state, does not grant exceptions to their tiered invasive plant list with regards to cultivars. Still, Nandina domestica is considered a Tier 2 plant -- allowed to be sold or installed by landscapers, but with cautionary signage at nurseries or informing clients before planting -- and that would apply to every cultivar available, whether it produces seed or not.
'Firepower' is not known to produce any flowers or berries (it can't fruit without blooming, and we have never seen it flower). Therefore, based on our experience and the lack of study data demonstrating that it is actually fertile, 'Firepower' is not expected to be invasive by itself. Most other Nandina cultivars do fruit, and therefore might produce fertile seeds that can spread into natural areas.
Miri
'Firepower' is not known to produce any flowers or berries (it can't fruit without blooming, and we have never seen it flower). Therefore, based on our experience and the lack of study data demonstrating that it is actually fertile, 'Firepower' is not expected to be invasive by itself. Most other Nandina cultivars do fruit, and therefore might produce fertile seeds that can spread into natural areas.
Miri
