Try these alternatives to common invasive species
Pictured above: Powderpuff (Mimosa strigillosa) is a great native groundcover alternative. Photo by Lisa Roberts
Florida is uniquely varied in its climate and growing conditions, allowing for a huge variety of plants to thrive. But some of the plants that are common to our home landscapes are actually invasive species, many of which are now widespread in Florida’s natural areas. Removing these species from your landscape and replacing them with native alternatives can help prevent the spread of invasive species and will provide suitable food and cover for native wildlife.
There are many native plant alternatives to common invasive exotic landscape plants. Here are just a few of the recommended alternatives commonly sold exotic invasive species:
Consider these native groundcovers…
Recommended:
Dune sunflower (Helianthus debilis)
Read more about Dune sunflower.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Dune sunflower.
Recommended:
Blue-eyed grass (Sisrynchium angustifolium)
Read more about Blue-eyed grass.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Blue-eyed grass.
Recommended:
Powderpuff (Mimosa strigillosa)
Read more about Powderpuff.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Powderpuff.
Recommended:
Beach verbena (Glandularia maritima)
Read more about Beach verbena.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Beach verbena.
…instead of these invasive species.
Avoid: Cat II Invasive
Creeping oxeye
(Wedelia trilobata, syn. Sphagneticola trilobata)
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Lantana
(Lantana camara)
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Mexican petunia
(Ruellia simplex,
syn. Ruellia brittoniana)
Consider these native flowering shrubs…
Recommended:
Walter’s viburnum (Viburnum obovatum)
Read more about Walter’s viburnum.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Walter’s viburnum.
Recommended:
Simpson’s stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans)
Read more about Simpson’s stopper.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Simpson’s stopper.
Recommended:
Chapman’s senna (Senna mexicana var. chapmanii)
Read more about Chapman’s senna.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Chapman’s senna.
Recommended:
Privet senna (Senna ligustrina)
Read more about Privet senna.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Privet senna.
Recommended:
Wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa)
Read more about Wild coffee.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Wild coffee.
Recommended:
Marlberry (Ardisia escallonoides)
Read more about Marlberry.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Marlberry.
… instead of these invasive species.
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata)
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora)
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Climbing cassia (Senna pendula var. glabra)
Consider these native flowering vines…
Recommended:
Climbing aster (Symphyotrichum carolinianum)
Read more about Climbing aster.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Climbing aster.
Recommended:
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Read more about Coral honeysuckle.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Coral honeysuckle.
Recommended:
American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens)
Read more about American wisteria.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells American wisteria.
…instead of these invasive species.
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
Avoid: Cat II Invasive
Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Consider these native grasses…
Recommended:
Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Read more about American wisteria.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Coral honeysuckle.
Recommended:
Elliott’s lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii)
Purple lovegrass (Eragrostis spectabilis )
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Elliott’s lovegrass.
Click here to find a nursery in your area that sells Purple lovegrass.
…instead of these invasive species.
Avoid: Cat I Invasive
Napier, elephant or purple fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus)
Avoid: Cat II Invasive
Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Remember to choose native plants that are best suited for your region and growing conditions. Visit our Learn to Grow page for resources to help you select the right plant for your landscape.
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