Turkish Wartycabbage: An Invasive Plant You Should Avoid in Your Garden
If you’ve stumbled across the name Turkish wartycabbage while browsing plant catalogs or wandering through naturalized areas, you might be curious about this perennial with the rather unfortunate common name. While Bunias orientalis might catch your eye with its cheerful yellow flowers, this is one plant that deserves a firm no thank you from responsible gardeners.
What Is Turkish Wartycabbage?
Turkish wartycabbage (Bunias orientalis) is a perennial plant that originally hails from eastern Europe and western Asia. Despite its exotic origins, this plant has made itself far too comfortable in North America, establishing populations across numerous states and provinces without an invitation.
Where You’ll Find This Unwelcome Guest
This invasive species has spread throughout much of the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. You can currently find established populations in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Why Turkish Wartycabbage Is Bad News for Gardens
Here’s where things get serious: Turkish wartycabbage isn’t just a non-native plant—it’s officially classified as invasive. In Wisconsin, it carries a Prohibited/Restricted status, which means authorities take its spread very seriously indeed.
This plant reproduces spontaneously in the wild without human assistance and has a troubling tendency to persist and spread. Once established, it can outcompete native plants that our local wildlife depends on for food and habitat.
What Does It Look Like?
Turkish wartycabbage produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers with four petals each during its blooming period. The plant can grow quite tall and has somewhat coarse-textured foliage. While it might have a certain wild charm, its appearance certainly doesn’t justify the ecological damage it can cause.
Growing Conditions (That You Shouldn’t Provide)
Part of what makes Turkish wartycabbage so problematic is its adaptability. This hardy perennial thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and isn’t particularly fussy about:
- Soil types – it tolerates various conditions
- Light requirements – grows in full sun to partial shade
- Maintenance – requires little care once established (unfortunately)
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of risking the introduction of this invasive species, consider these native alternatives that offer similar benefits without the ecological concerns:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – attracts pollinators with fragrant flowers
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – bright yellow blooms that support native wildlife
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – late-season color and pollinator magnet
- Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) – delicate native beauty
The Bottom Line
While Turkish wartycabbage might seem like an interesting addition to a naturalized garden, its invasive nature makes it a poor choice for responsible gardeners. The potential ecological damage far outweighs any ornamental value it might provide.
If you encounter this plant growing wild on your property, consider contacting your local extension office or invasive species management program for guidance on removal. Your local ecosystem—and your gardening neighbors—will thank you for choosing native alternatives instead.
Remember: the best gardens work with nature, not against it. By selecting native plants, you’re creating habitat that supports local wildlife while avoiding the headaches that come with managing invasive species.
