Undesirable Plants
We have the experience and expertise to remove these plants/trees. These are the most common undesirable plants that you will find in and around lakes, shorelines and wetland. They are undesirable for a number of reasons but mostly because they take over an area and choke out native plants.
For hundreds of years, as explorers traveled to the shores of Florida, they brought with them nearly 1,300 plants which are reproducing on their own in the wild or with the help from humans. These problem plants are considered “invasive”. They were removed from their native lands that had controls in place to control them like climate, diseases or insects. When they were transplanted to Florida, they became very aggressive just to survive. They grow very fast and take over an area. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection publishes a list of unwanted plants every 2 years. In most cases it is not legal to own, sell or plant these plants.
Air Potato
Unlike Mr. Potato Head, these plants are not your friend. These weeds/vines interfere with the natural growth of an area by taking over and displacing native plants. In 1993 this plant made the most invasive list by Florida’s Exotic Pest Plant Council. It is also on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services list which means that it may not be planted, possessed or moved without a permit. These vines are:
Potato/ tubers are smooth and can grow to 5 inches by 4 inches. When the potatoes get too heavy for the size of the vine, they drop to the ground where they take root. A new vine will soon sprout. A single vine can produce hundreds of potatoes.
We are very familiar with this weed and can help rid your area of these bothersome vines.
Algae
Algae is year round in Florida and blooms during the warmer months. When the water begins to heat up the warm sunlight acts as an accelerant for algae growth.
- Make sure grass clippings are not blown into the water.
- Do not fertilize within 10 feet of the shoreline.
Even though algae is a necessary part of Florida, too much is not a good thing. We at Aquatic Weed Control, Inc. can help keep it under control with the right program. Installing native plants can be a very important controlling agent since they compete with algae for nutrients and sunlight. Plants also help to oxygenate the water, provide food and protection for fish and water fowl.
Alligator Weed
Alligator Weed is a non-native, immersed aquatic plant that came to the U.S. in 1940 and many other countries consider it an invasive plant, too. It is a sprawling plant that often forms dense mats. It is found from Virginia to Florida.
American Lotus
This is a large floating aquatic perennial herb. As pretty as they are when they are flowering, they can quickly take over a waterway and clog the entire area. They are considered an invasive plant.
Australian Pine
This soft, wispy pine tree is from southern Asia and Australia. They may be attractive but they are a threat to Florida for a variety of reasons. They are listed as a category 1 invasive plant which makes it against the law to collect, possess, transport, cultivate or import the trees. They cause a lot of damage during hurricanes because their wood is brittle and breaks easily. High winds can uproot the trees because of their shallow roots systems.
We have the training and experience to remove these trees.
Azola (water fern)
This fern that floats freely in Florida’s waterways is mainly found in central Florida and just to the north or south. It seems to like bodies of water that are alkaline and rich in nutrients.
Baby-tears
This petite leaved plant can be found in slow moving, shallow waterways. You will usually find this plant submersed and the leaves are tiny while the plant is submersed. However, if it is growing on damp soil the leaves will be larger.
Baby-tears can be confused with hydrilla but this plant doesn’t usually form mats in large areas so it doesn’t hinder boat traffic.
Brazilian Pepper Tree
This plant starts out as a weed that can quickly grow into a shrub and extend itself into a tree. It is one of Florida’s most invasive plants. It is even on the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection list which means under no circumstances will this species be permitted for possession, collection, transportation or cultivation.
They grow into a thick forest that produces such a bad habitat for wildlife that nothing can grow or live near them. Over 700,000 acres in Florida are covered by this plant/tree.
People that have sensitive skin can develop severe skin problems if they touch the sap. People can also have respiratory problems when the weed is in bloom.
You might know this plant by another name, Florida Holly. However it is not from Florida and is not a holly. They come from the poison ivy and oak family. The berries are eaten by birds which help scatter seeds everywhere. We have the training and experience to remove these trees.
Caesar Weed
This upright weed / shrub grows in moist tropical locations from Guam to Louisiana and Florida to the U.S. Virgin Islands. They invade eroded areas, open pastures and perennial crops.
It spreads through the seeds. They are scattered in the wind, dropped by birds and attach themselves to clothing where they drop off in other areas. Seeds usually germinate in clusters. When a few seeds send up a stalk they branch out and upward and can reach 10 feet tall.
Camphor tree
These trees grow naturally in Japan and China where they are used for timber and oils. So, growers brought the trees to Florida but it was not a profitable business.
This tree is a Category 1 on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council list because it grows fast and quickly crowds out native trees and invades natural areas like our forests.
Cattail
Cattails are a familiar sight in Florida’s waterways. People are familiar with their long green leaves and hot dog shaped brown flower spikes. They are a native plant but they are also an undesirable plant because of their invasive qualities.
Customers contract us to remove these plants often because they have taken over their shoreline area or the entire pond.
Chinaberry Tree
These trees were brought to the U.S. from Asia in the 1700’s. When the trees came to the U.S. it’s natural enemies were left behind that kept the tree under control. Without checks and balances these trees quickly take over an area and choke out native plants.
There are many things about a Chinaberry tree that allow it to grow like a weed. It grows well in many environments, is nearly disease and insect free and thrives in disturbed or open areas.
We usually cut a perimeter line around the tree and treat the ground with herbicides. This will kill the tree but follow up treatments are necessary to keep the seeds from sprouting.
Chinese Tallow
You may know it by its other name, Popcorn tree, because the seeds look like popcorn. This invasive exotic tree came over from Asia in the 1700s. For years it was used as a landscape tree because of its ornamental values, flowers and attractive fall colors. But over the years, it was proven to spread rapidly and choke out other native trees and plants. It is on Florida’s invasive plant list and residents are encouraged to remove them. That is a service that we offer our customers.
Climbing Cassia
This is another category 1 invasive plant on Florida’s list. Climbing Cassia is considered a large shrub that can climb to 13 feet tall and just as wide. With its rapid growth and size, it displaces native trees and plants that compete for sunlight and nutrients to grow.
Cogon Grass
This invasive grass is a problem in 73 countries and on the “Top 10 Worst Weeds in the World” list. It is so invasive that it has impacted wildlife habitat, native plants, pine tree productivity, site management and it is a fire hazard.
Dogfennel
A native of North America, the Dogfennel is an aggressive perennial herbaceous annual plant. It is a very common plant in Florida and often seen in pastures and along road easements.
Duckweed
These small floating plants are native to Florida. The small variety is usually seen in Central Florida.
Duckweed characteristics:
Earpod Tree
The Earpod tree is the National Tree of Costa Rica. It is a native of Central America where it provides shade. A mature tree’s canape can spread out to 90 feet and have a tree trunk 2 feet in diameter.
Frog’s Bit
Hydrilla
A native aquatic herb, Frog’s Bit is made of heart-shaped to round leaves that are usually found free floating. Older plants will root in mud and new plants are produced on slender rootlike extensions. As the plant matures they form dense mats and often are confused with water hyacinth also clogging waterways and impairing recreational activities.
In young plants, the 2-inch heart-shaped leaves float on top of the water on tender stalks. There are spongy cells on the underside of the leaves that add buoyancy. Leaves get up to 6 inches and become more rounded and can be as far as 1 foot above the water.
Japanese Climbing Fern
There are 2 common varieties of this species that look and act very similar to each other, the Japanese and the Old World Climbing Fern.
The Japanese variety came to Florida in the 1930’s as an ornamental plant. While the Old World variety was found in Florida in the 1960’s. Together they cover over 50,000 acres and they do not die back in the winter which allows for a lot of growth.
Lantana
Different varieties of Lantana have been bred over the years and the plant now stretches around the world. The plants you buy at the nursery are used to enhance landscaping but steps should be taken to break off the spent flowers before they turn into seeds and spread.
The non-native Lantana looks just like the native variety except the leaves have a truncated leaf base and a multicolored flower.
Melaleuca tree
This tree is native to Australia where it is valued and the subject of conservation efforts. However, in Florida it is considered an exotic and a big time pest. The trees are mainly located in central and south Florida where a lot of money is spent each year to take them out.
We have an experienced team that will give you options for removing them.
Pennywort
Primrose Willow
Pennywort or Water Pennywort as it is sometimes called, is a native plant common throughout central Florida and northwards. They form mats that inhibit navigation for watercraft and ducks. It looks a lot like the unwanted Dollarweed that you can get in your lawn.
This native, woody shrub is a showy member of the evening primrose family of plants. It is considered a nuisance plant. They grow in central Florida and a little to the south. When it grows in north Florida, it can be killed back in the colder months.
Salvania
This exotic plant came from Africa or Central America. It can be found mainly growing in the central parts of Florida. They form dense mats that choke out natural plants and impair waterway activities in fresh water and swamp areas. This plant is on the Federal Noxious Weed list because of the invasive growth.
Slender Spikerush
This is an undesirable, perennial, submersed plant that forms dense mats that cover the water. The mats get tangled in everything that tries to go through it from fish to boat propellers.
Each new submersed stem can produce a new spikelet and another new plant grows from it.
Soda Apple
This plant is a native of Argentina and Brazil. An estimated one million acres of pasture, sod farms, ditches and natural areas are covered with this plant in Florida. In 1994 it was added to the Florida Noxious Weed List and the Federal Noxious list in 1995. The invasive nature of this plant comes from the ability to produce up to 50,000 seeds per plant with nearly 75% of these seeds taking root.
Taro
Taro is native to Africa and was brought to the U.S. as a food crop because of the tubers produced by the plant. The tubers are a poplar food in Central and South America.
Torpedo Grass
Torpedo grass is one of the world’s worst weeds and occurs in 70% of Florida’s public waters. It is native to Africa and came to the U.S. in 1876 as a way to feed cattle, but was later discovered to be low in nutritional value.
Our teams are always on the watch to rid our customers of this plant.
Virginia Creeper
This woody vine grows quickly and can take over an area or a plant, so much so, that you might not be able to tell what is underneath the growth.
Water Hyacinth
This floating beauty was introduced to Florida in 1890. The plant was originally from Brazil and prized for its floating green foliage and beautiful purple flowers. When introduced to Florida’s waterways, it quickly became an invader of native plants and waterways. In the last 70 years it has grown to cover over 120,000 acres of surface water.
This plant is mostly prized for the spear of lavender flowers. Flowers are groups of 6–14. Each flower can reach to 3 feet tall and have 6 blue/purple petals with a yellow decorative spot. Each flower only lasts a day or two but since there are so many, a few will open each day. After the flowers are fertilized, they bend over and touch the water were the seeds are released and fall to the bottom. They will lie dormant until the water levels subside and expose sediments. New plants can be produced in 5 days and double in size within 2 weeks.
As these invasive plants grow they can quickly take over a waterway. One acre of hyacinth is made up of over 435,000 plants which removed would weigh about 200 tons. That breaks down to 10 pounds per square foot of coverage. These floating masses can quickly become their own island and become homes to other plants and even trees. These masses can restrict all boating traffic, commercial and recreational alike. They also crowd out native plants that are homes and food for birds and animals.
Hand removal or mechanical harvesting is designed to remove the plants and prevent them from spreading. The plants are then removed and disposed of properly. Follow up with hand removal and herbicides treatments will keep this invader in check.
Water Lettuce
It is unsure if the plant is a native or came from early settlers. We do know that it has been in Florida since 1765 because there are early drawings of the plant in Lake George.
The plant looks like a head of lettuce floating on the water, so it is easy to identify. These heads link together and form dense mats that float over the water’s surface.
Air Potato
These weeds/vines interfere with the natural growth of an area by taking over and displacing native plants. It is on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services list which means that it may not be planted, possessed or moved without a permit. These vines are:
We are very familiar with this weed and can help rid your area of these bothersome vines.
Algae
Algae is year round in Florida and blooms during the warmer months. When the water begins to heat up the warm sunlight acts as an accelerant for algae growth.
We at Aquatic Weed Control, Inc. can help keep it under control with the right program. Installing native plants can be a very important controlling agent since they compete with algae for nutrients and sunlight. Plants also help to oxygenate the water, provide food and protection for fish and water fowl.
Alligator Weed
Alligator Weed is a non-native, immersed aquatic plant that is consider it an invasive plant. It is a sprawling plant that often forms dense mats.
When it invades a waterway, it can reduce water flow and quality by preventing light penetration and oxygenation of the water.
American Lotus
This is a large, invasive, floating aquatic perennial herb. As pretty as they are when they are flowering, they can quickly take over a waterway and clog the entire area.
The fruit resembles a shower head with seeds in each circular opening. Each seed will harden and be about 1/2 inch across and is food for a variety of wildlife.
Australian Pine
This soft, wispy pine tree is from southern Asia and Australia. They are a threat to Florida and are listed as a category 1 invasive plant which makes it against the law to collect, posses, transport, cultivate or import the trees.
They cause a lot of damage during hurricanes because their wood is brittle and breaks easily. High winds can uproot the trees because of their shallow roots systems.
We have the training and experience to remove these trees.
Azola (water fern)
This fern that floats freely in Florida’s waterways. It seems to like bodies of water that are alkaline and rich in nutrients.
Once established the plants form floating mats that can cover a waterway. These mats bring boating and other recreational activities to a halt.
Baby-tears
This petite leaved plant can be found in slow moving, shallow waterways. You will usually find this plant submersed and the leaves are tiny while the plant is submersed. However, if it is growing on damp soil the leaves will be larger.
Brazilian Pepper Tree
This plant starts out as a weed that can quickly grow into a shrub and extend itself into a tree. It is one of Florida’s most invasive plants. It is even on the Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection list which means under no circumstances will this species be permitted for possession, collection, transportation or cultivation.
They grow into a thick forest that produces such a bad habitat for wildlife that nothing can grow or live near them. Over 700,000 acres in Florida are covered by this plant/tree.
People that have sensitive skin can develop severe skin problems if they touch the sap. People can also have respiratory problems when the weed is in bloom.
You might know this plant by another name, Florida Holly. However it is not from Florida and is not a holly. They come from the poison ivy and oak family. The berries are eaten by birds which help scatter seeds everywhere. We have the training and experience to remove these trees.
Caesar Weed
This upright weed / shrub grows in moist tropical locations. They invade eroded areas, open pastures and perennial crops.
It spreads through the seeds. They are scattered in the wind, dropped by birds and attach themselves to clothing where they drop off in other areas. When a few seeds send up a stalk they branch out and upward and can reach 10 feet tall.
Camphor tree
These trees grow naturally in Japan and China where they are used for timber and oils. So, growers brought the trees to Florida but it was not a profitable business.
This invasive tree grows fast and quickly crowds out native trees and invades natural areas like our forests.
Cattail
People are familiar the Cattail’s long green leaves and hot dog shaped brown flower spikes. They are a native plant but they are also an undesirable plant because of their invasive qualities.
Landscapers and Developers will often plant these attractive plants along the shoreline to enhance the beauty of a new waterway. But, in no time these plants spread and can quickly form a ring around the pond.
Chinaberry Tree
When the trees came to the U.S. in the 1700’s it’s natural enemies were left behind in China that kept the tree under control. Without checks and balances these trees quickly take over an area and choke out native plants.
These trees grow well in many environments, is nearly disease and insect free and thrives in disturbed or open areas.
Birds spread the seeds that are poisonous to humans and mammals. Even the birds may become paralyzed if they eat the seeds.
Chinese Tallow
This invasive exotic tree was used as a landscape tree because of the ornamental values, flowers and attractive fall colors. But over the years, it was proven to spread rapidly and choke out other native trees. It is on Florida’s invasive plant list and residents are encouraged to remove them. That is a service that we offer our customers.
A mature tree can produce 100,000 seeds. Those not eaten by birds can lay dormant for decades. The seeds are spread by flying birds and moving waterways.
Climbing Cassia
Climbing Cassia is an invasive large shrub that can climb to 13 feet tall and just as wide. With its rapid growth and size, it displaces native trees and plants that compete for sunlight and nutrients to grow.
• These shrubs can be found along canal banks and tropical hammocks.
Cogon Grass
This invasive grass is a problem in 73 countries and on the “Top 10 Worst Weeds in the World” list. It is so invasive that it has impacted wildlife habitat, native plants, pine tree productivity, site management and it is a fire hazard.
Dogfennel
A native of North America, this plant is an aggressive perennial herbaceous annual plant. It is often seen in pastures and along road easements.
Duckweed
These small floating plants are native to Florida.
They reproduce by budding and by seeds. The seeds are carried from pond to pond by birds, ducks, frogs and alligators.
Earpod Tree
The Earpod tree is the National Tree of Costa Rica. It is a native of Central America where it provides shade. A mature tree’s canape can spread out to 90 feet and have a tree trunk 2 feet in diameter.
In winter, small green pods appear and become mature by March. The glossy brown, narrow, flat pods contain up to 20 seeds that fall to the ground in March or April. When the hard pod breaks open the seeds will start to germinate and by June new sprouts will appear. If the pods are not opened the seeds can lay dormant for a long time.
Frog’s Bit
A native aquatic herb, Frog’s Bit is made of heart-shaped to round leaves that are usually found free floating. Older plants will root in mud and new plants are produced on slender rootlike extensions. As the plant matures, they form dense mats and often are confused with water hyacinth also clogging waterways and impairing recreational activities.
In young plants, the 2” leaves are heart-shaped leaves float on top of the water on tender stalks. There are spongy cells on the underside of the leaves that add buoyancy. Leaves get up to 6 inches and become more rounded and can be as far as 1 foot above the water.
Hydrilla
Japanese Climbing Fern
There are 2 common varieties of this species that look and act very similar to each other, the Japanese and the Old World Climbing Fern.
The Japanese variety came to Florida in the 1930’s as an ornamental plant. While the Old World variety was found in Florida in the 1960’s. Together they cover over 50,000 acres and they do not die back in the winter which allows for a lot of growth.
Lantana
Different varieties of Lantana have been bred over the years and the plant now stretches around the world. The plants you buy at the nursery are used to enhance landscaping but steps should be taken to break off the spent flowers before they turn into seeds and spread.
The non-native Lantana looks just like the native variety except the leaves have a truncated leaf base and a multicolor flower.
Melaleuca tree
This tree is native to Australia where it is valued and the subject of conservation efforts. However, in Florida it is considered an exotic and a big pest. The trees are mainly located in central and south Florida where a lot of money is spent each year to take them out.
We have an experienced team that will give you options for removing them.
Pennywort
Pennywort or Water Pennywort as it is sometimes called, is a native plant common throughout central Florida and northwards. They form mats that inhibit navigation for watercraft and ducks. It looks a lot like the unwanted Dollarweed that you can get in your lawn.
Pennywort starts growing on the shoreline in moist soil or mud and builds out towards the water to form large mats that are attached to land. They can break off and continue to grow in size.
Primrose Willow
This native, woody shrub is a showy member of the evening primrose family of plants. It is considered a nuisance plant. When it grows in north Florida, it can be killed back in the colder months.
Salvania
This exotic plant came from Africa or Central America. It can be found mainly growing in the central parts of Florida. They form dense mats that choke out natural plants and impair waterway activities in fresh water and swamp areas. This plant is on the Federal Noxious Weed list because of the invasive growth.
Slender Spikerush
This is an undesirable, perennial, submersed plant that forms dense mats that cover the water. The mats get tangled in everything that tries to go through it from fish to boat propellers.
Each new submersed stem can produce a new spikelet and another new plant grows from it.
Soda Apple
This plant is a native of Argentina and Brazil. An estimated one million acres of pasture, sod farms, ditches and natural areas are covered with this plant in Florida. In 1994 it was added to the Florida Noxious Weed List and the Federal Noxious list in 1995. The invasive nature of this plant comes from the ability to produce up to 50,000 seeds per plant with nearly 75% of these seeds taking root.
Taro
Taro is native to Africa and was brought to the U.S. as a food crop because of the tubers produced by the plant. The tubers are a poplar food in Central and South America.
Torpedo Grass
Torpedo grass is one of the world’s worst weeds and occurs in 70% of Florida’s public waters. It is native to Africa and came to the U.S. in 1876 as a way to feed cattle, but was later discovered to be low in nutritional value.
Virginia Creeper
This woody vine grows quickly and can take over an area or a plant, so much so, that you might not be able to tell what is underneath the growth.
Water Hyacinth
This floating beauty was introduced to Florida in 1890. The plant was originally from Brazil and prized for its floating green foliage and beautiful purple flowers. When introduced to Florida’s waterways, it quickly became an invader of native plants and waterways. In the last 70 years it has grown to cover over 120,000 acres of surface water.
This plant is mostly prized for the spear of lavender flowers. Flowers are groups of 6–14. Each flower can reach to 3 feet tall and have 6 blue/purple petals with a yellow decorative spot. Each flower only lasts a day or two but since there are so many, a few will open each day. After the flowers are fertilized, they bend over and touch the water were the seeds are released and fall to the bottom. They will lie dormant until the water levels subside and expose sediments. New plants can be produced in 5 days and double in size within 2 weeks.
As these invasive plants grow they can quickly take over a waterway. One acre of hyacinth is made up of over 435,000 plants which removed would weigh about 200 tons. That breaks down to 10 pounds per square foot of coverage. These floating masses can quickly become their own island and become homes to other plants and even trees. These masses can restrict all boating traffic, commercial and recreational alike. They also crowd out native plants that are homes and food for birds and animals.
Hand removal or mechanical harvesting is designed to remove the plants and prevent them from spreading. The plants are then removed and disposed of properly. Follow up with hand removal and herbicides treatments will keep this invader in check.
Water Lettuce
It is unsure if the plant is a native or came from early settlers. We do know that it has been in Florida since 1765 because there are early drawings of the plant in Lake George.
The plant looks like a head of lettuce floating on the water, so it is easy to identify. These heads link together and form dense mats that float over the water’s surface.