Invasive Plants

What You Can Do

Introduction
Learn to Recognize Florida's Non-native Invasive Plants
Prevention
Remove Non-native Invasive Plants from Your Property
Problem Invasive Plants

Introduction

Non-native plants, carried here by humans since Florida's discovery by Columbus, now threaten the state's remaining natural areas. Of the 4,012 plant species now growing on their own without cultivation in Florida, about thirty percent are non-native. Many of these plants were originally introduced as garden ornamentals or agricultural crops. Other non-native plants were accidentally introduced.

Regardless of how they arrived, these 1,200 or so non-native plants grew so well in Florida that they naturalized, that is, spread on their own into both managed and natural areas. While some of these plants are not a problem, many have become weeds, or undesirable plants, on agricultural lands, along roadways, and in forests, yards, and waterways.

When naturalized non-native plants spread extensively into natural areas, displacing native plants and disrupting natural processes such as fire or water flow, they are called invasive. Invasive non-native plants can be thought of as weeds in natural areas.

Familiar examples of invasive non-native plants in Florida include Brazilian pepper and melaleuca in South Florida, and cogongrass and Chinese tallow in north Florida. But there are many more, often cultivated by landowners unaware that they could be contributing to the spread of these destructive plants.

Non-native plants have been introduced as landscape ornamentals, aquarium plantings, agricultural crops, and by accident. They now exist in our landscapes, and some are still sold commercially. Invasive non-native plants growing in proximity to natural areas are a source of invasion. Seeds and spores can be spread by birds, animals, wind, and yard trimmings.

Learn to Recognize Florida's Non-native Invasive Plants

Not everyone will want to learn to identify the entire list of invasive plants in Florida--at least not right away. A good start is to identify plants on your own property or plants sold in local nurseries, and determine if any are considered invasive. Most non-native invasive plants are included in various plant identification field guides, horticultural books, and botanical keys.

Your county Extension office can assist with plant identification. A handbook, SP 257 Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas, is available for sale from the IFAS Extension Bookstore.

Prevention

When landscaping, do not use plants that have potential to be invasive in natural areas near where you live. Local land managers, park biologists, and county governments can provide information on invasive plants that are the greatest problem locally.

Currently there is no information source that describes all invasive species for each particular part of Florida. Most invasive species are weed problems in some areas, but not in others. Until more information is developed, the best strategy for land managers is to become familiar with the most invasive species in their areas, and be watchful for their appearance.

Remove Non-native Invasive Plants from Your Property

The removal of non-native invasive plants from private property can eliminate a major source of invasion into natural areas. Many invasive plants, such as skunk vine, are also weeds in private landscapes. Others, such as carrotwood, may serve a function in the private landscape (as shade, for example). Removal of these plants may seem a sacrifice for the property owner, but this loss can be a short-term problem. The plant removal will be of long-term, far-reaching benefit to Florida’s natural areas.

Stumps of trees that are cut down should always be treated with a herbicide to prevent regrowth. After removal, invasive non-native plants can be replaced with native plants or with non-native plants that are not invasive. Information on how to control specific non-native invasive plants and suggestions for non-invasive plants with which to replace them can be obtained from your county Extension office.

Non-native invasive plants that are not removed from private property should be contained as carefully as possible, especially if the land is close to sensitive natural areas. Carefully dispose of trimmed material from invasive plants, especially material with attached seeds or spores, or plant parts capable of vegetative reproduction, such as stems of oyster plant (Rhoeo spathacea). Volunteer to remove invasive plants from local natural areas under the guidance of the natural area manager. Groups such as "Pepper Busters" have been formed for this purpose.

For other publications and resources, see Invasive Species.