Invasive Plants

Distribution, Identification, and Management of Two-Leaf Nightshade (Solanum diphyllum), an Invasive Plant in Florida

Stephen H. Brown, Chris Marble, and Stephen F. Enloe

Herbicides to Kill Invasive Trees in Home Landscapes and Surrounding Natural Areas

S. F. Enloe and K. A. Langeland

Managing Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex C. Wright) in the Home Landscape

C. A. Reinhardt Adams, C. Wiese, L. C. Lee, A. M. Smith, R. Freyre, and S. B. Wilson

Environmental tolerance, abundant seed production, and an ability to easily grow from plant stem sections have allowed Mexican petunia to spread into natural areas that border urban areas. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists Mexican petunia (wild-type and non-sterile cultivars) as a Category 1 invasive species, meaning that it is “altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.” These potential changes to community structure and ecological function are of particular concern in Florida wetlands, where changes to plant communities have the potential to impact not just plant-animal interactions, but also overall hydrology on a whole watershed level. This 6-page fact sheet was written by C. A. Reinhardt Adams, C. Wiese, L.C. Lee, S.B. Wilson, A. M. Smith, and R. Freyre, and published by the UF Department of Environmental Horticulture, April 2014.

Wright's Nutrush: An Invader of Seasonal Wetlands in Florida

Colette C. Jacono, Stephen F. Enloe, Kenneth A. Langeland, and Jeffrey Hutchinson

Wildland Weeds: Arrowhead Vine, Syngonium podophyllum

E. C. Morgan, W. A. Overholt, K. A. Langeland, and Brent Sellers

Phragmites in Florida

W. A. Overholt, R. Diaz, M. Hanson, D. Williams, B. A. Sellers, and J. P. Cuda

Paulownia tomentosa: Princess-Tree

Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson

Lost in the Weeds? A Comprehensive Guide to Florida's Many Non-Native Plant Lists

Deah Lieurance and Lyn A. Gettys

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Invasive Species

The UF/IFAS Assessment of Nonnative Plants in Florida's Natural Areas: History, Purpose, and Use

Deah Lieurance and S. Luke Flory

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Integrated Pest Management

Senna bicapsularis: Butterfly Bush

Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, and Deborah R. Hilbert

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Wildland Weeds: Paper Mulberry, Broussonetia papyrifera

Eric C. Morgan, William A. Overholt, and Brent Sellers

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. This document discusses the invasive plant species, paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera), detailing its historical significance, ecological impact, and current distribution. Originally used for paper production in ancient China, paper mulberry has become a widespread invasive species, disrupting natural vegetation across various regions, including Florida. The article highlights its ability to colonize disturbed areas, spread through fruits and root systems, and form dense thickets. It also provides identification features and recommendations for managing its spread. The document is part of the UF/IFAS Extension series on invasive plants. Publication date: March 2004.

Invasive Plants in Natural Areas: Solanum spp. in Florida

W. A. Overholt, S, F. Enloe, C. A. Minteer, L. T. Markle, and K. A. Langeland

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Biology and Control of Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum)

Patrick J. Minogue, Stella Jones, Kimberly K. Bohn, and Elsa D. Chevasco

A UF/IFAS numbered Management.

Leucaena leucocephala, White Leadtree

Michael G. Andreu, Melissa H. Friedman, and Robert J. Northrop

In Florida, white leadtree is a prohibited species and therefore is not used in commercial applications in the state. However, in its native range it is used as a source of charcoal, fuel, and lumber. It has also been planted as a windbreak for crops such as coffee and cocoa, and some ranchers use the tree as a source of both shade and forage for cattle, with the pods being an excellent source of protein.

Integrated Management of Invasive Plants in Natural Areas of Florida

Stephen F. Enloe, Ken Langeland, Jason Ferrell, Brent Sellers, and Greg MacDonald

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Management. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Fire and Invasive Plant Interactions

Deb Stone and Michael Andreu

Prescribed fire and invasive species are two common land management concerns in Florida; therefore it is important that land managers have a solid understanding of their interactions and how they affect the surrounding ecosystems. These interactions can be roughly categorized into two groups: the effects of the invasive plant on the fire regime and the impacts of fire on the invasive plant or other flora. For this review we chose four invasive species in the southeastern United States that cover a range of interactions with fire: Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica), Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), and Japanese climbing fern (L. japonicum). This publication details basic information on each species, what is known about how it interacts with fire, and synthesizes this knowledge into concrete management recommendations.

Cat's-Claw Vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati—A Showy but Invasive Plant in Florida

Niels Proctor and Jason Smith

Cat’s-claw vine is a neotropical, climbing perennial that produces large and showy yellow flowers in the springtime. It is valued as an ornamental, particularly in dry areas, because it needs little water or care and can climb almost anything, covering fences and other structures with an attractive carpet of leaves and flowers. Unfortunately, the aggressive nature of the vine has made it a major weed in China, Australia, South Africa, and parts of the southeastern United States. This 6-page fact sheet provides guidance on identification, control, and similar native vines for home landscapes.

Help Protect Florida's Natural Areas from Invasive Plants

S. F. Enloe and K. A. Langeland

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Wetland Weeds: West Indian Marsh Grass (Hymenachne amplexicaulis)

Rodrigo Diaz, William A. Overholt, Brent Sellers, and James P. Cuda

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID.

Controlling Invasive Plants in North Florida Forests

Chris Demers, Patrick Minogue, Michael Andreu, Alan Long, and Rick Williams

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Invasive Species

Biology and Control of Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana): A Weed to Watch in Florida Pastures and Natural Areas

Brent Sellers

This publication discusses the identification, habitat, ecology, spread, and control of Indian jujube. Written by Brent Sellers, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised October 2021.

Ricinus communis, Castor Bean

Melissa H. Friedman, Michael G. Andreu, Heather V. Quintana, and Mary McKenzie

This document provides an overview of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), detailing its characteristics, uses, and potential hazards. It describes the plant’s growth habits, physical features, and its classification as an invasive species in Florida. The article also highlights the plant’s allergenic properties and the toxicity of its seeds, which contain ricin. Additionally, it outlines the commercial, horticultural, and medicinal applications of castor oil derived from the seeds, emphasizing the importance of careful handling due to the plant’s toxic nature. Original publication date May 2010.

Lumnitzera racemosa, el mangle negro de flor blanca

Natalia Medina Irizarry, Michael Andreu y Stephen Enloe. Traducido por Jose Cajiga Lopez.

<p>Esta publicación provee un análisis profundo de <em>Luminitzera racemosa</em> para el uso de personas con algún conocimiento en la biología, así como la audiencia académica.</p>

Rotala: A New Aquatic Invader in Southern Florida

Lyn A. Gettys and Carl J. Della Torre III

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Invasive Species