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Black Jetbead

Rhodotypos scandens

Found in suburban woodlands, disturbed areas, roadsides, old house sites, well established locally. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Northern Tier edition What its natural habitat tells you

-30
Harmful

Not native to West Virginia. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
3–6 feet
Spread
4–9 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Dry to moist
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in West Virginia.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • New Jersey Tea
    Ceanothus americanus

    Sun: 2–4 hours, 4–6 hours, Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, evergreen or deciduous, flower color

  • Black Chokeberry
    Aronia melanocarpa

    Sun: Partial sun, Full sun. Soil: Average to wet. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

  • Early Azalea
    Rhododendron prinophyllum

    Sun: Part shade. Soil: Average. Flowers: Pink or purple.

    Similar growth form, height, spread

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At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
March to May
Fruiting season
June to September

Recorded in 1 West Virginia county.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

1 of 2

Forests and woodlands

Forest or woodland where the source does not say how moist or dry.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

—CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including WV
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Rosaceae
Hardiness
Zones 4a–8b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
White
Fruit begins
June
Fruit ends
September

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Jetbead

Conservation status

West Virginia rankSNA
Global rankGNR
WV statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources