Invasive Plants in Florida

Pictured above: Invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). Photo by Emily Bell

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, and many are now widespread in Florida’s natural areas. These species threaten our biodiversity, alter our sense of place, and can impede recreation and other outdoor activities. Visit our guide to invasive plant resources to learn more and get information on how to identify and control invasive plants in your own landscape.

Native alternatives to common invasive landscape plants

Making informed plant purchasing decisions can be powerful in both curbing the spread of invasive species and supporting Florida’s natural biodiversity. Choosing regionally appropriate native plants will support local wildlife and mitigate further spreading of invasive species. Removing invasive plants from your landscape is also an impactful step to help protect wild Florida.

INVASIVE:

Creeping oxeye, Wedelia
Sphagneticola trilobata

Native alternative:

Dune sunflower
Helianthus debilis

Native alternative:

Oblongleaf twinflower
Dyschoriste oblongifolia

INVASIVE:

Lantana
Lantana strigocamara

Native alternative:

Coastal mock vervain
Glandularia maritima

Native alternative:

Firebush
Hamelia patens var. patens

INVASIVE:

Britton’s wild petunia
Ruellia simplex

Native alternative:

Spotted Beebalm
Monarda punctata

Native alternative:

Wild petunia
Ruellia caroliniensis

INVASIVE:

Asparagus fern
Asparagus aethiopicus

Native alternative:

Atlantic St. John’s wort
Hypericum tenuifolium

Native alternative:

False rosemary
Conradina canescens, N FL
Conradina grandiflora, C & S FL

INVASIVE:

Tuberous sword fern
Nephrolepis cordifolia

Native alternative:

Southern Shield fern/Wood fern
Thelypteris kunthii

Native alternative:

Coontie
Zamia integrifolia

INVASIVE:

Glossy privet
Ligustrum lucidum

Native alternative:

Walter’s viburnum
Viburnum obovatum

Native alternative:

Sparkleberry
Vaccinium arboreum

INVASIVE:

Heavenly bamboo
Nandina domestica

Native alternative:

Yaupon holly
Ilex vomitoria

Native alternative:

Fetterbush
Lyonia lucida

INVASIVE:

Surinam cherry
Eugenia uniflora

Native alternative:

Simpson’s stopper
Myrcianthes fragrans

Native alternative:

Wild coffee
Psychotria nervosa

INVASIVE:

Climbing cassia
Senna pendula var. glabrata

Native alternative:

Privet senna
Senna ligustrina

Native alternative:

Marlberry
Ardisia escallonoides

INVASIVE:

Beach naupaka
Scaevola taccada

Native alternative:

Inkberry, Beachberry
Scaevola plumieri

Native alternative:

Bay cedar
Suriana maritima

INVASIVE:

Japanese honeysuckle
Lonicera japonica

Native alternative:

Coral honeysuckle
Lonicera sempervirens

Native alternative:

Carolina jessamine
Gelsemium sempervirens

INVASIVE:

Chinese wisteria
Wisteria sinensis

Native alternative:

American wisteria 
Wisteria frutescens

Native alternative:

Trumpet creeper
Campsis radicans

INVASIVE:

Napiergrass
Pennisetum purpureum

Native alternative:

Muhlygrass 
Muhlenbergia capillaris

Native alternative:

Pineywoods dropseed
Sporobolus junceus

INVASIVE:

Fountain grass
Pennisetum setaceum

Native alternative:

Elliott’s lovegrass 
Eragrostis elliottii

Native alternative:

Purple lovegrass
Eragrostis spectabilis

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.

Invasive plant webinars

WEBINAR — Invasive Species: Pathways, Process, Impacts and Prevention

Dr. Deah Lieurance walks you through the steps a non-native species takes towards becoming an invasive species, including the pathways for arrival, what facilitates establishment and spread, and a range of negative impacts.

WEBINAR — Invasive Alternatives

FWF Executive Director Stacey Matrazzo discusses some of the invasive species commonly used in home landscapes and highlights the native plants to use in their place.