This semi-evergreen shrub from China is commonly planted, but rarely escapes in North Carolina to waste places and other disturbed areas. In Virginia it has escaped to stream banks. Buddleja davidii is reported to be invasive in Europe and New Zealand; its usual habitats are urban areas, waste ground, limestone quarries, and masonry walls. This one is growing on a limestone cliff next to the French Broad River.

Madison Co., NC 7/29/2012.

Madison Co., NC 7/29/2012.

The genus Buddleja is frequently misspelled "Buddleia" in horticultural catalogs. Alternate common names include Summer-Lilac and Buddleia.

The butterfly-bush photographed here is a planted specimen.

Carroll Co., VA 7/3/06.

The very fragrant flowers vary in color, but usually have an orange "eye". The flowers are very attractive to butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other nectar drinkers, outcompeting most native plants.

Carroll Co., VA 7/3/06.

The opposite leaves are glaucous beneath; the stems are squarish.

Carroll Co., VA 7/3/06.

Several escaped plants growing on a wall of the C&O Canal.

Montgomery Co., MD 9/10/05.

Bark detail. The wood is light and brittle.

Carroll Co., VA 7/3/06.