IINNVVAASSIOIONN OF OF THE THE

NNAATTUURREE

SNASNATTCCHHERERSS::

The seeds are The seeds are scattered – scattered –

the terror the terror grows!grows!

1. What is a noxious weed?

2. What is an invasive species?

3. Can a species be both noxious and invasive?

4. How does a species become a Florida noxious weed?

5. What was the latest DPI Weed of the Month?

Definitions of a noxious weed

• Federal• Florida

FEDERAL NOXIOUS WEED ACT OF 1974 7 U.S.C. §§ 2801-2814, January 3, 1975, as amended 1988 and 1994. seeking to have plants included in Rule 5B-57.007, F.A.C., may make application to the department on form DACS-08215: Application for Inclusion to the Noxious Weed List.

Noxious weed: any living stage (including seeds and reproductive parts) of a parasitic or other plant of a kind which is of foreign origin, is new to or not widely prevalent in the U.S., and can directly or indirectly injure crops, other useful plants, livestock, poultry or other interests of agriculture, including irrigation, navigation, fish and wildlife resources, or the public health.  

FLORIDA NOXIOUS WEEDS

Any living stage of a parasitic or other plant which may be a serious agricultural threat in Florida; have a negative impact on endangered, threatened, or commercially exploited plant species; or if the plant is a naturalized plant that disrupts naturally occurring native plant communities.

Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) list of invasive plant species

IFAS assessment of non-native plants in Florida’s natural areas

FDACS noxious weeds and invasive species

FDACS prohibited aquatic plants

Florida has lots of bad plants andLots of lists!

Invasive species

Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council(FLEPPC)

An exotic plant has been introduced to Florida, either purposefully or accidentally, from outside of Florida.

An invasive exotic plant sustains itself outside of cultivation and is expanding its range in Florida plant communities.

Invasive speciesFLEPPC

• Category I invasives are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.

• Category II invasive exotics have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species.

• Assessments are based on scientific research

• Recommendations are given by region (north, central and south):• Invasive and not recommended• Invasive and not recommended except for

specified and limited use• Caution (manage to prevent escape)• OK (not considered a problem at this time)

IFAS assessment of non-native plants in Florida’s natural areas

How are plants added to the Florida noxious weed list?

Form: APPLICATION FOR INCLUSION TO THE NOXIOUS

WEED LIST DACS-08215

And plants can be added to the federal list . . . Now under consideration is

Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) L.G.Lohmann

Let’s look at a few Florida noxious weeds and invasive species.

The Vine that Ate the South

KUDZU

Leaves alternate, compound with three broad, lobed leaflets

CARROTWOOD

Evergreen tree, carrot-colored inner bark Leaves alternate, compound Leaflets 2-6 pairs, oblong, leathery, shiny Fruit yellow orange when ripe3 black seeds covered by a red-orange coat

WATER-SPINACH

Leaves alternate, simplearrowhead shaped but variable, to 7 in long

Stems hollow

WATER SPANGLES; SALVINIA

Floating aquaticHairs on leaf surface

Questions?