Black Jetbead

Black jetbead flower and fruit. Photo Credit:Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
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Common Name: Black Jetbead
Scientific Name: Rhodotypos scandens
Origin: Asia
Description
Black jetbead is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It has bright green leaves that are opposite and doubly serrate with a rough leaf surface. It produces small, white flowers with four-petals that grow in terminal clusters. These flowers develop into shiny, black fruit that mature in the fall and can persist over winter.
Habitat
Black jetbead is most commonly found in disturbed areas with degraded soils. It grows in either full sun or full shade but prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is commonly found along roadsides, forest edges and forest understories.
Threat
This plant can form a dense shrub layer that shades out native species and restricts the establishment of tree seedlings.
Management
Smaller shrubs and infestations can be pulled by hand. Larger shrubs and infestations can be treated with herbicide using cut-stump, foliar or basal bark applications.
Distribution
Early Detection
WNY PRISM Priority
Tier 2 – Eradication
NYS Invasive Species Tiers Chart – Tier Definitions
Pathways
Black jetbead was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. It spreads primarily through root suckers and seeds that are moved by wildlife.
Native Alternatives
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melancarpa)
Additional Resources:
Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources
USDA Forest Service, Forest Health
This map shows confirmed observations (green points) submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. Absence of data does not necessarily mean absence of the species at that site, but that it has not been reported there. For more information, please visit iMapInvasives.