Black Jetbead

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.