
You’ve doubtlessly seen movies about space aliens that set out to invade Earth. They assume human form, then settle into a town with the intention of spreading out and replacing the real people. But did you realize that leafy invaders with their own nefarious motives may be growing in your very own yard? And that you may have planted some of them yourself?
While a weed is simply a plant in the wrong place, invasive plant species are harmful to Florida’s ecosystem. Such plants grow and spread rapidly, crowding native and non-invasive plants out of yards and plant communities. If you’re not familiar with that term, plant communities are groups of plants sharing a common environment that interact with each other, animal populations and the physical environment. Certain plant communities often occur together on the landscape due to shared environmental requirements. Invasive plants take space, nutrients, water and light from other plants. This, in turn, deprives native wildlife – such as birds, bees and butterflies – of food and shelter.
Are Any of These Invasive Plants in Your Central Florida Yard?
To complicate matters, many invasive species began as landscape favorites, and are still sold in home improvement centers and plant nurseries. At the risk of sounding like a clickbait article, our following list will likely include some plants that will surprise you! We thank University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions for their helpful information.
- Camphor Tree
Native to China and Japan, Cinnamomum camphora is easily recognizable by the smell of camphor its shiny green leaves give when crushed. Camphor trees have a fast growth rate and produce large amounts of shiny black berries – which are eaten by birds, thus spreading the seed. The Florida jujube, Ziziphus celata, is an endangered native species found in Central Florida that is being pushed out by the camphor tree. This large, round-canopied, evergreen tree has broad, unusually strong branches, and can reach 70 feet in height. The UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas has identified the camphor tree as invasive in North and Central Florida, and does not recommend planting.
- Chinaberry Tree
A round, deciduous shade tree with fragrant lilac flowers, Chinaberry trees are common throughout Florida. Native to India, China, and the Himalayas, Chinaberry was brought to the United States as an ornamental. This species can reach up to 40 feet in height, and grows rapidly when young. Its aggressive growth rate and lack of natural enemies has caused it to crowd out native plants. Moreover, its fruits and seeds are poisonous to humans – not to mention messy. If you’re looking for an ornamental tree that will provide graceful blooms, consider a crape myrtle or redbud.
- Creeping Fig
Owing to its rapid growth and beauty, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is often used for softening the look of exterior walls and fences. This vine’s wandering stems and small leaves create an interesting lacy pattern as it grows across the wall. It is also used as a groundcover, as well as for topiaries. Its ability to thrive in both sun and shade has made the creeping fig a landscaping favorite.
However, it’s a high invasion risk and needs vigilant pruning to keep in check. If you use as a groundcover near a wall or building, be aware that it will grow onto the wall very quickly. Plus, the vine’s adhesive pads make it hard to remove. For this reason, it can damage exterior walls that have wood siding if allowed to get a foothold. To prevent this, clip the edge of the groundcover regularly – or replace it with an attractive non-invasive groundcover, such as Asiatic jasmine. Our blog post – Great Groundcovers for Central Florida Yards – offers additional options that are ideal for every landscape.
- Sword Fern
The invasive sword fern is especially insidious, as it’s almost identical to two native sword fern species: Nephrolepis exaltata (also known as wild Boston fern) and Nephrolepis biserrata (giant sword fern). This imposter species is sometimes called tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia), and can take over and displace all other ferns, groundcovers and low-growing plants by forming impenetrable dense stands. To make matters worse, there’s Asian sword fern (Nephrolepis brownii) – also not native, but widespread. University of Florida IFAS Extension provides additional information, as well as photos that will help you identify the invasive and native sword fern species.
- Liriope
This may be one of the entries that will surprise you! Liriope is a large, clumping grasslike perennial that’s traditionally been popular as a carpeting groundcover, thanks to its ability to quickly cover an open area, and spikes of light purple blooms. It’s also known as big blue lilyturf, border grass, or lilyturf. After several years, an individual plant can reach 24 inches in width by suckering at the base.
Ironically, it’s that spreading growth habit that’s moved the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas to list Liriope muscari (and the related Liriope spicata) as a high invasion risk. UF/IFAS no longer recommends using liriope in the landscape. For those who want an attractive edging grass, mondo grass is a great, non-invasive option.
- Nandina
Also called heavenly bamboo, nandina was originally introduced as an ornamental shrub for its red berries and foliage, but this invasive plant has spread into natural areas of the Southeast, displacing native plant populations. Nandina is distinguished by a spreading form with bamboo-like stalks and delicate, ferny foliage in shades of green and red. It is difficult to control, as even a piece of root left behind can grow into a new plant. Its berries are eaten by birds and other animals, spreading the plant many miles from where it originated. Nandina also spreads via underground stems. Growing to a height of 10 feet, nandina can be aggressive in the landscape and difficult to remove. If you really love the look of nandina, sterile cultivars that are either berry-free or produce berries that don’t germinate are available. Easier yet, choose a native holly that produces cheerful red berries.
- Pampas Grass
Stately, fast-growing pampas grass has long been a favorite for adding a dramatic accent to both residential and commercial landscapes. Unfortunately, pampas grass has been found by the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas to be invasive and is not recommended for any use. Instead, consider a native grass like muhly grass, or Fakahatchee.
How to Remove Invasive Plants
As our blog post – “Battling Invasive Plants” – points out, “Because invasive species do not have natural predators or competition, they won’t go away on their own. Methods for removing invasive plants include pulling out the entire plant (mechanical control) or chemical control. Of course, it is better to attempt manually pulling invasive plants before using chemical methods in order to protect the environment and other plants you do not wish to harm.”
Should you remove plants by hand, bag all plant debris, tie bags off tightly and dispose of them in the regular, landfill trash. This prevents cuttings and seeds from establishing themselves elsewhere.
Before you pull out, share, or purchase a plant, however, always do your research. The University of Florida IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas is an excellent resource for checking a plant’s invasive status. The assessment includes pictures to help you identify the plant in question. If you have a questionable plant you didn’t plant yourself and can’t find in the assessment, contact your county Extension office for help identifying it.
Once you’ve identified the offender, removing it may be a challenge. University of Florida IFAS Gardening Solutions provides the following steps:
- Many tough ground-cover species can be difficult to remove by hand. In these cases, a process called soil solarization can be the best option – especially during summer. Cover the area with a sheet of clear plastic; bury the edges and wait. After six weeks the plants underneath should be dead. Prolonged periods of cloudy weather may mean extending the treatment period, however.
- In extreme cases, a targeted application of herbicide may be necessary. Before applying, it is important to educate yourself. Irreversible damage to your landscape is possible. Some herbicides are also toxic to humans. Reading and following all label instructions is required by law. Consult the Florida Homeowner Herbicide Guide for more information.
The Take-Home Message
No matter how lovely they are in your yard or garden, invasive plant species are ultimately detrimental to Florida’s ecosystem. Removing them requires time, labor and care to ensure that seeds, berries or clippings are properly bagged up and tied off so they can’t scatter and produce new plants. Also, using herbicides powerful enough to kill these plants carry their own risks regarding toxicity to humans, animals and the environment.
Instead of doing this tough job yourself, call our professionals at Daniel’s Lawn Service & Pressure Washing! We are true locals with a passion for keeping your Central Florida yard beautiful and healthy! We have the experience and equipment to remove any invasive plant completely and safely.
Our full-service company provides plant and tree installation, landscaping design, tree trimming, yard maintenance, pressure washing and so much more. Contact us today so we can do the work, and you can do the enjoying! We proudly serve all of Central Florida – including Orlando, Sanford, Longwood and Lake Mary! We look forward to helping you achieve your goals and bring your vision to life!