Best Plant Varieties Resistant to 13-Year Periodical Cicada Infestation

The 13-year periodical cicada is one of nature’s most fascinating and, for gardeners and landscapers, sometimes most troublesome insects. Emerging in massive numbers every 13 years, these cicadas can cause significant damage to trees and plants, especially young saplings and shrubs. Their unique life cycle and mass emergence create a challenge for those looking to protect their green spaces without resorting to harmful pesticides. Fortunately, some plant varieties demonstrate remarkable resistance to cicada infestations. This article explores the best plant varieties resistant to the 13-year periodical cicada, helping you design a garden or landscape that can withstand these periodic onslaughts.

Understanding the 13-Year Periodical Cicada

Before diving into resistant plant varieties, it’s essential to understand the behavior and biology of the 13-year periodical cicada (Magicicada spp.). These insects spend most of their life underground as nymphs, feeding on root xylem fluids. After 13 years, they emerge en masse, molt into adults, mate, and lay eggs by slitting small twigs and branches of trees and shrubs. The egg-laying process often causes twig dieback known as “flagging,” which can severely stress young or vulnerable plants.

The cicadas do not feed on leaves or fruits but their egg-laying can cause physical damage that leads to reduced growth or even death in susceptible plants. Mature trees generally survive with minimal long-term impact, but young plants are particularly vulnerable.

Characteristics of Cicada-Resistant Plants

Plants resistant to periodical cicadas generally share some common traits:

• Tough, woody stems: Thick or hard bark and smaller twig diameters reduce successful egg-laying.
• Rapid healing ability: Some plants quickly seal wounds from cicada oviposition.
• Chemical deterrence: Certain species produce compounds that discourage cicada females from laying eggs.
• Growth habit: Low-growing or herbaceous plants tend to be less affected since cicadas prefer tree branches.

With these traits in mind, here are some of the best plant varieties that show resilience or resistance to 13-year periodical cicadas.

Best Trees Resistant to 13-Year Periodical Cicadas

1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red maples are hardy deciduous trees with relatively tough twigs that tend not to suffer severe damage during cicada emergence. Their rapid growth rate allows them to recover quickly from any stress caused by egg-laying.

2. River Birch (Betula nigra)

River birch has thick bark and flexible branches that make it less appealing for female cicadas to lay eggs. Its natural habitat along water sources also keeps it slightly insulated from large-scale cicada damage.

3. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

This popular ornamental tree has slender but tough branches that seem less attractive for oviposition. Its early spring leafing also helps it withstand minor twig dieback caused by cicadas.

4. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

Bald cypress trees have fibrous bark and a growth form that tends to discourage heavy egg-laying by cicadas. Their adaptability to wet soils further aids their survival during cicada emergences.

5. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black locust is a fast-growing tree with thorny branches and hard bark that discourages egg-laying by cicadas. Its vigorous suckering habit allows it to recover rapidly even if some branches are damaged.

Shrubs Well-Suited for Cicada-Prone Areas

1. Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)

Azaleas have woody stems but dense foliage that can help obscure potential oviposition sites from female cicadas. They often suffer minimal damage even during heavy emergences.

2. Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Flowering dogwoods have somewhat flexible branches but often recover well due to their strong root systems and rapid healing capacities.

3. Holly (Ilex spp.)

Holly shrubs have tough evergreen leaves and rigid stems that discourage egg-laying, making them excellent choices in areas prone to periodical cicada emergence.

4. Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)

Forsythias produce plenty of small twigs but tend not to suffer significant damage because they leaf out early and heal wounds quickly.

Herbaceous Plants and Groundcovers Resistant to Cicadas

Since periodical cicadas prefer woody twigs for egg-laying, herbaceous perennials and groundcovers are naturally resistant as they lack suitable oviposition sites.

1. Hostas (Hosta spp.)

Hostas thrive in shaded areas and have lush foliage that is untouched by cicadas since these pests do not feed on leaves.

2. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)

Daylilies are robust perennials with no woody stems, making them immune to physical damage from egg-laying.

3. Ferns (Various genera)

Ferns have non-woody fronds unsuitable for oviposition, thus they remain unaffected during periodical cicada events.

4. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

This low-growing groundcover spreads rapidly and offers no suitable twig habitat for cicadas.

Strategies Beyond Plant Selection

While selecting resistant plants is an excellent starting point, integrating multiple strategies will better protect your landscape:

• Planting mature specimens: Larger trees survive better due to thicker bark.
• Avoid planting young saplings just before predicted emergences: This reduces vulnerability during critical years.
• Physical barriers: Fine mesh netting can protect young trees during peak emergence weeks.
• Pruning after emergence: Remove damaged twigs promptly to prevent secondary infections.
• Promote biodiversity: Mixed species planting can reduce overall susceptibility.

Conclusion

The 13-year periodical cicada presents a unique challenge for gardeners and landscapers due to its mass emergences and distinctive egg-laying behavior. Choosing the right plant varieties is crucial in creating a resilient landscape capable of withstanding cyclical infestations without suffering lasting harm.

Trees such as red maple, river birch, eastern redbud, bald cypress, and black locust exhibit natural resistance or tolerance thanks to their structural and growth characteristics. Shrubs like azalea, dogwood, holly, and forsythia likewise prove resilient under pressure from these insects. Additionally, utilizing herbaceous perennials and groundcovers like hostas, daylilies, ferns, and creeping Jenny further reduces the risk of damage since these plants don’t provide suitable oviposition sites.

By combining the selection of resistant plant species with best practices such as timing planting schedules properly, pruning damaged limbs promptly, and employing physical barriers when needed, gardeners can safeguard their landscapes from the disruptive effects of periodical cicadas while supporting healthy ecosystems that coexist with this fascinating insect species.

References:

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service publications on periodical cicadas.
• University extension service guidelines on managing cicada damage.
• Entomological studies on Magicicada spp. life cycles and host preferences.
• Horticultural research on plant resistance traits against insect oviposition damage.