UGA Extension-Paulding County

Invasive Plant Spotlight: "Periwinkle" usually refers to either invasive ground-cover plants (Vinca minor and Vinca major), the disease-resistant Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) bred for summer gardening. Vinca minor has escaped cultivation and is invading natural areas throughout the eastern U.S. It inhabits open to shady sites including forests and often escapes from old homesites. Vinca minor grows vigorously and forms dense and extensive mats along the forest floor, displacing native herbaceous and woody plant species.

common periwinkle (Vinca minor L.) - EDDMapS Flowers Flowers are blue, lavender, or white, about 1 in. (2.5 cm) across, five petals blunt at tip, arranged in a spiral; blooms in springtime.

Paulding County Georgia Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the Independence Day Holiday.

People often contact our office when they think they have spotted an invasive plant or animal. We want everyone to know that the best place to report invasives in Georgia is the EddMapS site. The basic information required: Who collected the data, Description of invasive species infestation, When and Where you collected the data and Images of the invasive species. You can learn more about reporting at

EDDMapS Step By Step - EDDMapS The basic information required: Who collected the data, Description of invasive species infestation, When and Where you collected the data and Images of the invasive species.

Invasive plant spotlight: Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei) is a widely planted evergreen shrub in Georgia, but it is officially listed as an emerging invasive threat. Because its berries are eaten and spread by birds, it easily escapes cultivation into local woodlands and chokes out native plants.

leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei (Fortune) Carr.) - EDDMapS Foliage Leaves are pinnately compound, 18 in. (46 cm) long, with 9-13 holly-like leaflets. Leaflets are 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) long and 1-2 in. (2.5-5.1 cm) wide.

Paulding County Georgia Master Gardener Extension and Master Naturalist, Phillip Prichard, and Paulding County Extension Agent, Mary Carol Sheffield, recently chatted with WSB-TV about invasive plants in Georgia. Mimosa seems to be getting a lot of attention right now, since it is blooming around the state. We want folks to know that there are many non-native invasive plant species that you can combat in your landscape including privet, English ivy, eleagnus, trifoliate orange, chinaberry, and others. These plants affect us by degrading our soil, leading to erosion that can lower the quality of our water. They crowd out and can kill important tree species that provide shade, carbon storage, and habitats for native wildlife. They can even increase the risk of wildfire. We’ll be posting more about invasive plants this week so that you can learn how to help combat this problem in your landscape.

Tree with pretty pink flowers is pretty bad, UGA extension agents say Beautiful but deadly. Georgia's mimosa tree is highly invasive.

Tomorrow is the day! Family Garden Party with Paulding County Georgia Master Gardener Extension Volunteers from 10 am to 12 pm, rain or shine! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BTB98DHtj/

This is your sign: Family Garden Party is happening THIS Saturday 5/30/26 RAIN OR SHINE! Come join us, learn in the garden, pick up some great giveaways and maybe dance in the rain! Come out 10am-12pm 530 West Memorial Dr Dallas. Make a day of it and stop by The Dallas Georgia Farmers Market too!