LIISMA Tier 5: Monitor
History and introduction
Likely for its attractive white flowers that bloom in the spring, black jetbead was introduced into the ornamental trade from China, Korea, and Japan, with its first recorded introduction to the US occurring in 1866. Now present in many areas of the eastern United States, its adaptability helps it to thrive in disturbed habitats.
Identification
Black jetbead is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It has bright green opposite, serrated leaves that persist late into the fall. Its white, four-petaled flowers on the ends of branches (terminal) form clusters that give way to small black fruits in the fall and winter.
Habitat
This shrub does well in a variety of habitats, soils, and sun conditions, preferring full sun. It is adaptable to disturbed, urban areas with compacted soils, and shady areas such as forest understories.
Dispersal and Impact
Fruits can be dispersed by birds over long distances, and the shrub can spread from areas of intentional planting. In forested areas, jetbead may compete with native understory herbs and shrubs.
Control
This shrub can be controlled manually by hand-pulling and digging, or mechanically by cutting. Be careful not to attempt control once the fruits are present on the plant, as this could unintentionally spread seeds. Chemical control can be considered, applied on the cut surface of the shrub in the fall. For more information on chemical control of this species, see recommendations from the Lower Hudson PRISM.
Native Alternatives
Southern arrowwood (Viburnum dentatum) and spicebush (Lindera benzoin) are shrubs native to Long Island that provide ecological benefits to birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Like jetbead, southern arrowwood has serrated leaves and an opposite leaf arrangement, however the flower inflorescence and fruit arrangement are distinct from jetbead.
