The most accurate answer is not that every butterfly bush is invasive everywhere. The better answer is that invasive risk depends on the variety, the region, and whether the plant can produce viable seed. Fertile butterfly bushes can spread by seed in regions where seedlings survive easily. Newer sterile or low-seed varieties are bred to greatly reduce that risk and are usually the best choice for gardeners who still want to grow butterfly bushes responsibly. Our expert recommendation: If you want a butterfly bush, choose sterile or low-seed varieties first, especially if you live near natural areas, waterways, roadsides, woodland edges, or anywhere butterfly bush is listed as invasive or regulated. In states where butterfly bush is restricted, always follow local rules before planting. Jump To Butterfly Bush Invasive Topics Some butterfly bushes are invasive, but not all butterfly bushes carry the same risk. The main concern is with fertile forms of Buddleja davidii, which can produce viable seed and spread into disturbed sunny habitats. Newer sterile and low-fertility butterfly bushes produce little to no viable seed and are a better choice in many gardens where butterfly bush is permitted. Fertile butterfly bushes can become invasive because they produce seed that spreads beyond the garden. In the right conditions, seedlings can establish in open, sunny, disturbed places such as roadsides, gravel bars, streambanks, woodland edges, fields, and construction sites. Once seedlings establish outside cultivation, they can compete with native plants that provide food and habitat for local insects, birds, and wildlife. This is why butterfly bush is treated differently from region to region. A plant that behaves politely in one dry, cold, or heavily managed garden may become a problem in a moist mild-climate region with disturbed natural areas nearby. Butterfly bush should be discussed regionally. Invasive behavior is most likely where fertile plants produce seed and the local climate allows seedlings to survive and spread. This is why the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Mid-Atlantic have treated butterfly bush more seriously than many colder or drier areas. Important: Plant rules change and can be state-specific. Before planting butterfly bush in Oregon, Washington, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, or any state where it appears on invasive plant lists, check your state department of agriculture, invasive plant council, or local Extension office. The difference between sterile and non-sterile butterfly bushes is seed viability. Fertile butterfly bushes can produce viable seed. Sterile or low-fertility butterfly bushes are bred to produce little to no viable seed, which reduces the chance of unwanted seedlings appearing outside the garden. This is why modern breeding has focused so heavily on compact, sterile, and low-seed cultivars. These newer varieties allow gardeners to enjoy the flowers and pollinator activity of butterfly bush while lowering the risk of spread. Keep in mind that “sterile” does not always mean completely seedless. Some low-fertility butterfly bushes can still produce a small amount of viable seed, and some may still exchange pollen with fertile plants nearby. In Oregon and Washington, approved sterile butterfly bush cultivars are defined as producing 2% or less viable seed. Because butterfly bush can produce very large numbers of seeds, even a 2% fertility rate can yield up to 60,000 viable seeds annually. For gardeners who want butterfly bush but want to reduce invasive risk, sterile varieties are the first place to start. The Lo and Behold series and Miss series are two of the most important groups to consider because they were bred with reduced fertility in mind while still providing the long bloom time, fragrance, and pollinator appeal people expect from butterfly bush. Lo and Behold butterfly bushes are compact, sterile selections that are especially useful for small gardens, containers, low hedges, foundation plantings, and areas where reduced seed production matters. Miss series butterfly bushes offer strong color, a refined garden habit, and reduced fertility compared to older fertile butterfly bush types. They are good choices for sunny borders, pollinator beds, and gardeners who want a showier shrub with less reseeding concern. Shopping tip: If invasive risk is a concern in your region, start with sterile series first. These are the varieties most aligned with responsible butterfly bush planting where butterfly bush is still permitted. If butterfly bush is permitted in your area and you choose to plant one, there are ways to reduce risk. The most important step is selecting a sterile or low-seed variety. The second is managing flowers before they set seed, especially on any fertile varieties already in the landscape. If butterfly bush is restricted in your area, or if you prefer a native-first pollinator garden, there are many excellent alternatives. Some provide nectar for adult butterflies, while others serve as host plants for caterpillars. A strong butterfly garden should include both. No. The main concern is with fertile butterfly bushes that produce viable seed. Sterile and low-seed varieties have a much lower risk of spreading, but they should be planted only where butterfly bush is allowed. Sterile butterfly bushes are a lower-risk option because they produce little to no viable seed. However, “sterile” does not always mean completely seedless, and some cultivars may still produce a small amount of viable seed. They are usually the best choice where butterfly bush is allowed, and gardeners should follow state and local regulations. Restrictions and invasive listings vary. Oregon and Washington have specific rules related to butterfly bush and sterile cultivars. Other states, including parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, may list butterfly bush as invasive or discourage planting. Always check your state or local Extension guidance before planting. Butterfly bush provides nectar for adult butterflies, but it does not support the full butterfly life cycle for most native butterflies because it is not a caterpillar host plant. Fertile varieties can also spread into natural areas and compete with native plants that support more wildlife. Lo and Behold butterfly bushes are sterile or very low seed-producing varieties, so they have a much lower chance of spreading by seed compared to older fertile butterfly bushes. Miss series butterfly bushes were bred for reduced fertility and are generally considered sterile or low-seed selections compared to older fertile butterfly bush varieties. If butterfly bush is allowed in your area, you can reduce spread by deadheading flowers before seed forms and removing volunteer seedlings. If you live where butterfly bush is restricted or spreading nearby, replacing older fertile plants with sterile varieties or native alternatives is the better long-term option. Good alternatives include milkweed, buttonbush, summersweet, Joe-Pye weed, blazing star, native asters, goldenrod, mountain-mint, bee balm, and other regionally native pollinator plants. The best choice depends on your location, sun, soil, and available space. Butterfly bushes can be invasive, but the risk is not equal everywhere and not equal across all varieties. Fertile Buddleja davidii types are the biggest concern because they can produce viable seed and spread in regions where seedlings survive easily. Sterile and low-seed varieties greatly reduce that risk and are the best option where butterfly bush is permitted. If you want to grow butterfly bush responsibly, choose sterile series such as Lo and Behold or Miss varieties and avoid planting near natural area. If you have a fertile plant, deadhead it before seeds form, remove seedlings quickly, and add native host plants to make your butterfly garden truly beneficial.Are Butterfly Bushes Invasive?
Butterfly bushes, also called Buddleia or Buddleja, are loved for their fragrant flower spikes and ability to attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. But they also come with an important warning: some butterfly bushes can be invasive in certain regions of the United States, especially older fertile varieties of Buddleja davidii.
Quick Answer: Are Butterfly Bushes Invasive?
Butterfly Bush Type
Invasive Risk
Best Use
Older fertile Buddleja davidii types
Highest risk in regions where seedlings establish easily.
Avoid in invasive-risk regions; deadhead before seed forms if already planted and allowed.
Sterile or seedless cultivars
Much lower risk because they produce little to no viable seed.
Best choice where butterfly bush is allowed but reseeding is a concern.
Native pollinator shrubs and perennials
Lowest ecological risk when matched to your region.
Best alternative where butterfly bush is restricted or discouraged.
Why Some Butterfly Bushes Become Invasive
Conditions that increase butterfly bush spread
Regional Nuance: Where Butterfly Bush Is More Likely To Be A Problem
Region
Risk Level
What Gardeners Should Know
Pacific Northwest
High concern
Oregon and Washington have specific restrictions tied to fertile butterfly bush. Use only approved sterile cultivars where allowed and follow state rules.
Mid-Atlantic
Moderate to high concern
Butterfly bush is listed or discouraged by several regional invasive-plant and Extension sources. Check state rules before planting, especially in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey, and nearby states.
Southeast
Varies by state and region
Risk can vary by elevation, moisture, and habitat. North Carolina lists Buddleja davidii as invasive in the Mountain and Piedmont regions.
Northeast and Upper Midwest
Variable concern
Cold winters may reduce survival in some gardens, but local microclimates may allow fertile plants to spread. Sterile varieties are the safer choice where butterfly bush is allowed.
Interior West and dry climates
Often lower, but not zero
Dry conditions may limit seedling survival, but irrigated landscapes, ditches, and riparian corridors can still provide opportunities for spread.
Sterile vs. Non-Sterile Butterfly Bush Varieties
Type
Seed Production
Recommendation
Sterile butterfly bush
Produces little to no viable seed.
Best choice where butterfly bush is allowed but reseeding is a concern.
Low-fertility butterfly bush
Produces low amounts of weakly germinating seeds.
Good option in many gardens if locally permitted.
Non-sterile or fertile butterfly bush
Can produce large amounts of viable seed.
Avoid in invasive-risk regions; deadhead before seed forms if already planted and allowed.
Sterile Butterfly Bush Varieties We Offer
Lo and Behold Series Butterfly Bushes (Sterile)
Miss Series Butterfly Bushes (Sterile)
How To Grow Butterfly Bush More Responsibly
Native Alternatives To Butterfly Bush
Alternative Plant
Best Use
Why It Helps Pollinators
Milkweed
Sunny pollinator gardens and monarch plantings.
Host plant for monarch caterpillars and nectar source for many insects.
Buttonbush
Moist soil, rain gardens, pond edges, and native shrub borders.
Round fragrant flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Summersweet
Part sun, moist soil, woodland edges, and foundation plantings.
Fragrant summer flowers support bees and butterflies.
Joe-Pye Weed
Large sunny borders, moist meadows, and native pollinator gardens.
Late-season nectar for butterflies and many native bees.
Blazing Star
Sunny perennial beds, prairie gardens, and cut flower plantings.
Tall flower spikes attract butterflies and bees.
Native Asters and Goldenrod
Late-season pollinator gardens and naturalized borders.
Critical fall nectar and pollen sources for migrating and overwintering pollinators.
Butterfly Bush Invasive Questions
Are all butterfly bushes invasive?
Are sterile butterfly bushes safe to plant?
What states restrict butterfly bush?
Why is butterfly bush considered bad if it attracts butterflies?
Do Lo and Behold butterfly bushes spread?
Are Miss series butterfly bushes sterile?
Can I keep an older butterfly bush I already have?
What should I plant instead of butterfly bush?
Bottom Line
Sources
About The Author
Written by Teresa Odle
Teresa Odle is a freelance writer and gardener who writes about plants, gardening, drought-tolerant plants, and waterwise gardening for Plant Addicts.
Originally published August 28, 2019. Last updated May 28, 2026.
