Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants C. Colston Burrell Many exotic plants were invited into our gardens as guests, but they have turned on us by invading our natural areas and crowding out our native species — This book should be in the hands of every conscientious landscaper and home gardener: It does matter what we plant in our own backyard! The book answers questions such as What is an invasive species? What is a native plant? What is local provenance, and why is it important? Colston Burrell tells us some of the commonly used trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous plants and grasses that have become invasive. Best of all, he offers a wealth of native species to use as alternatives, providing such information as ornamental attributes, landscape uses, growing tips, hardiness range, and native habitat and range. Brooklyn Botanic Garden.