Garden Q&A: Should I avoid cut Nandina berry decor?

Q: Are Nandina berries OK to use in holiday decor? I love their bright color and long-lasting berries, but I heard they may be invasive.

I would not use them, since yes, Nandina domestica is invasive in our region. While observations of the species growing in natural areas suggest it hasn’t run as rampant as other invasive shrubs (multiflora rose, various honeysuckle species, autumn olive, etc.), we should not assume it will stay that way as the climate changes. For example, a decade ago, I didn’t notice mahonia seedlings to the extent that I do now. They are easy to see in deciduous woodlands in winter, with their evergreen, holly-like leaves on shrubs that are short enough for deer to ravage if they were actually willing to eat them.

For colorful berries in winter holiday arrangements,