Invasive Plants
WHAT IS AN INVASIVE PLANT?
An invasive plant is one that has been introduced to an area from outside its native range, either accidentally or purposefully. Over time, many of these invasive plant species become naturalized, meaning that they are capable of sustaining themselves outside of their original ranges. An invasive plant can spread throughout the environment and displace existing native vegetation by out-competing native species. These invasive plants often thrive because the naturally limiting factors that kept them under control in their native range (e.g., diseases and insects) are missing. The invasive species are able to dominate native plants, and eventually alter the natural environment.
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
According to the University of South Florida, nearly one-third of the plants growing wild in Florida are non-native, and many are becoming serious problems. Once invasive plants take over our native plants, Florida’s natural biodiversity is destroyed. It costs billions of dollars to control invasive plants and it is usually very difficult to eradicate them completely.
ARE THERE INVASIVE PLANTS IN MY AREA?
Yes!! There are several species of invasive plants that have become problematic in Northwest Florida. Click here for a list of: Invasive Plants in Northwest Florida. Bay County Conservancy volunteers continue to work diligently to remove (and prevent the spread of) several species of invasive plants that have intruded on some Conservancy properties.
The worst offenders are:
More information about some of these plant species can be found by clicking on the links below: Spraying popcorn tree “resprouts” Chinese Tallow (Popcorn Tree) “Exotic Ornamental Gone Wild” Air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera)
For more information about how to identify and eradicate invasive plants, visit:
The University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic & Invasive Plants
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
Learn to identify these and other invasive weeds. Remove known invasive plants from your property and continue to check if plantings are invasive before you purchase them. Educate friends, neighbors, and local nurseries about the problems caused by invasive plants. If you find a weed-infested area, inform the landowner or land manager so they can take steps to control the problem. Avoid spreading invasive plants you may come in contact with while enjoying outdoor activities by removing seeds and plant fragments from clothing & equipment before leaving the area. Never take plants from a wild area for transplanting or ornamental purposes if you aren’t sure what they are!
Use this guide to find native trees for your yard:
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