Florida Invasive Species

The plants, diseases, and wildlife on this page provide information on a few of the many invasive species found in Florida. For more detailed and comprehensive information on Invasive Species in Florida, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site.

Brazilian Pepper

Brazilian Pepper
(Schinus terebinthifolius)

Most often found in the South Florida Keys, the Brazilian Pepper was originally used for ornamental purposes and later expanded into Florida's natural lands. The plant competes with native plants for water and sun, often causing their demise. <more information>

Catclaw Mimosa

Catclaw Mimosa (Mimosa pigra)

Catclaw Mimosa is found in concentrated populations around wet areas and can remain alive completely submerged. It can cause problems by blocking water passages and out-competing native plants for water. <more information>
Hydrilla

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)

Hydrilla plants have rapidly spread across Florida clogging water ways. Sunlight is prevented from reaching other aquatic plants due to extreme domination of this plant. Hydrilla also deoxygenates the water making it hard for native fish to survive.<more information>

Chinese Tallow Tree

Chinese Tallow Tree
(Triadica sebifera)

The Chinese Tallow, also called chicken tree or popcorn tree, is an agressive, nonnative invader that reproduces quickly, creating a forest without native plant or animal species.
<more information>
Melaleuca

Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

Melaleuca trees have established themselves in the Florida Everglades, drinking excessive amounts of fresh water and ruining native fish and animals' natural habitats. <more information>

armadillo

Nine-banded Armadillo
(Dasypus novemcinctus)

Though commonly found throughout the state today, armadillos are not native to Florida. They invaded from adjacent states and have now become a nuisance to homeowners by their extensive burrowing. Though not particularly harmful, the armadillo has few natural predators in Florida and has thus thrived in the area. <more information>
feral pig

Feral Pig (Sus scrofa)

Florida has a population of feral pigs second only to Texas. Experts estimate that close to 500,000 feral pigs roam Florida digging up crops on farmland and destroying wildlife and natural habitats.<more information>

Boa

Common Boa (Boa constrictor)

Originally from South and Central America, Boas have been released into the Everglades either on purpose by pet owners when they grow too large to handle, or by accident after hurricane damage. Boas prey on native species and have become a threat to the Everglades ecosystem. <more information>
Soybean rust

Soybean Rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi)

Soybean rust was discovered in Japan but has spread across the world to the U.S. and Florida. The fungus decreases soybean yields and causes defoliation of the plant. <more information>

Lobate Lac Scale

Lobate Lac Scale
(Paratachardina lobata lobata)

Lobate Lac Scale is an insect that attaches itself to plants in masses and can lead to the death of the plant. Lobate Lac Scale was just recently found in Florida and the extent to which it has become established is not know. <more information>