Invasive Plants in South Florida

The Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC) compiles invasive species lists that are revised every two years. Professional botanists and others perform exhaustive studies to determine invasive plants that should be placed on the lists.

Category I invasive plants are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. This definition does not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused.

Category II invasive plants have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These species may become Category I if ecological damage is demonstrated.

Click the links below to learn more about invasive plant species in our area