Utah’s Invasive Tree Species: What You Need To Know

Three Trees You Shouldn’t Plant in Utah 

I want to plant a Socotra Dragon Tree in my yard here in Utah, also known as the dragon’s blood tree. It grows in Yemen and looks like something from a fantasy world. The branches are like an umbrella and the bark also bleeds red when it is cut.  

I can buy seeds or little starter plants from Amazon for around $30. I can’t find anything that says they can’t be grown in our part of the country. In researching this tree, I did find some invasive plants and a few trees that should not be planted in Utah. 

There are three trees that are not recommended according to the Utah Invasive Species List put out by the USDA. Here are the three you should avoid planting: 

Russian Olive 

This video, and three more like it by USU extension, describe how to get rid of Russian Olives. They say the tree drives out native plants and is not good for native wildlife in Utah.

Siberian Elm 

USU describes this tree as one that is aggressive and is weak and disease prone. Insects will often infest the plant and kill it.

Tree of Heaven 

This tree has tons of seeds that can spread new starts quickly. It grows fast, is weak structurally, and doesn't live long. It often grows in sidewalk cracks and takes over places where you don't want it. USU says it has limited use and should not be planted.

Now you know what to avoid planting in Utah. Come enjoy my dragon's blood tree if I can get it planted. It says they grow really slowly, so no rush.