Smoke bush (Buddleja madagascariensis)
(Buddleiaceae)
Smoke bush, known also as butterfly bush, is an aggressive shrub that is on the Hawaii Department of Forestry and Wildlife's list, "Most Invasive Horticultural Plants". This species is rated "HIGH RISK" for invasiveness, with a score of "7" by the Weed Risk Assessment for Hawaii and Pacific Islands. Smoke bush is recognized as an invasive species in Florida, Australia, South Africa, and in the Caribbean.
Description:
- Viney shrub with dense, sprawling habit
- Clusters of small, orange, attractive, fragrant flowers
- Gray-green leaves 3-5" long
- Seeds born in pulpy fruits on terminal clusters
- Native to Madagascar, introduced to Hawaii as an ornamental plant
Harm:
- Aggressive invader of disturbed areas at mid to low elevations, including open range, stream beds, and gulches
- Forms dense stands that crowd out and compete with native plants
- Plant produces numerous fruit that are attractive to birds, which disperse the seeds.
- Mechanical and chemical control of this species is difficult.
In Hawaii:
- Kauai: Spreading in Kokee, encroaching on native ecosystems. On Kauai Landscaping Industry Council's "Don't
Sell" list as part of the Landscapers' Voluntary Codes of Conduct.
- Oahu: Present, but only in few locations, including East Range, Mililani Mauka, on Army property. Monitored and targeted by Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC). Please report all sightings by calling 286-4616.
- Maui: Serious invader in mid-elevation sites, especially Kula, and lowland moist to wet sites, such as
near Puaa Kaa Wayside on the road to Hana
- Molokai: None known
- Lanai: None known
- Kahoolawe: None known
- Big Island: Infestations in Volcano. Targeted for control by the Big Island
Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)
For more information, see:
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