Land Management Program at Archbold Biological Station
P.O. Box 2057,  Lake Placid, FL 33862
 Phone 863-465-2571  FAX 863-699-1927
 E-mail: landmanager@archbold-station.org

Nuisance Plants (non-native)

* = Plant not known from Archbold Biological Station, but occurring in Highlands County

1. Bael Plant (Aegle marmelos)
   Native to India and Southeast Asia, all parts of this tree have medicinal uses.  Bael plant belongs to the Rutaceae or citrus family.  Bael plant is not known from any area of Highlands County except Archbold Biological Station.  It was cultivated on Red Hill, and shows potential invasiveness as it has spread over ca. 1.5 acres of disturbed sandhill.    
   
2. Rhizoma Peanut (Arachis glabrata)
   Native to South America, this species is a close relative of edible peanut bought in stores.  It is perennial herbaceous plant with showy yellow flowers.  It is commonly planted in pastures because of it's high protein content and is persistent under most conditions.  This species occurs in the pastures of the northwest section of the Reserve at Archbold.
   
3. Madagascar Periwinkle (Catharanthus rosecus)
   Native to Madagascar, this plant survives well in mesic and xeric sites.  The seed pods of this plant are slightly explosive spreading seeds around the parent plant.  In many instances, several dozen plants germinate near the parent plant. In some areas of south and central Florida, this plant has escaped cultivation and spread into natural habitat. It is often planted as an ornamental for landscaping and is a common yard plant in many residential areas of Highlands County. Periwinkle has been discovered in the interior portion of scrubby flatwoods (Burn Unit 44, Tract 7) at Archbold.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
   
4. Glorybower (Clerodendrum x speciosum)
   Native to China, this plant has large evergreen leaves and showy red flowers that form in a terminal cluster.  The leaves of this plant are cordate-like (heart-shaped) and about 8-10" long and 5-8" wide. Glorybower can grow to heights > 5 feet.  It is planted as an ornamental at some residential homes in Highlands County.  This species was planted in several areas of the Main Grounds and has become locally invasive and appears to be out-competing native plants.  
   
5. Bleeding Heart (Clerodendrum thomsonae)
   Native to West Africa, this species produces flowers throughout the year in sub-tropical climates.  The flowers are produced in large terminal clusters and each flower is surrounded by a "bag-like" calyx.  It has opposite, dark green leaves 3-4" in length with prominent veins that give the leaves a wrinkled appearance. This species is an evergreeen, twining vine.  Bleeding heart is planted as an ornamental in Highlands County.  At Archbold, it is known from one location on the Main Grounds where it was planted as an ornamental.
   
6. Rattle-box (Crotalaria pallida)
   Native to Africa, this plant thrives in dry sandy soils, often occurring in high densities in disturbed sites.  This species has trifoliate leaves that are alternate and showy racemes of yellow flowers.  Many seedlings are often found in close vicinity of the parent plant.  It appears that the seeds of this plant persist in the soil for long periods of time until a disturbance at which time they germinate. It is common throughout Highlands County along road sides and disturbed sites.  At Archbold, it is common in the Red Hill Garden area as well as many other disturbed sites. In Burn Unit 0A (SE Tract), this plant along with natal grass invaded a recently burned area and dominated a section of the understory in < 3 months following a prescribed burn.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
   
7. Rattle-box (Crotalaria spectabilis)
   Native to the Old World, this plant has large alternate leaves and "bladder-like" seed pods. It produces yellow flowers that terminate at the end of the stem.  It is scattered around Highlands County, most often being found in dry, disturbed areas.  At Archbold, this plant is scattered about the fire lanes and roadways at the station.  It has not been observed invading recently burned areas like it's relative, C. pallida, at the Station.   
   
8. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)
   Native to Africa, this species is commonly planted as a landscape and pasture grass.  It spreads primarily from aboveground stolons that root at each node.  At Archbold, it occurs in disturbed sites and along fire lanes.  At the Lousy 10 Tract, Bermudagrass is invading portions of the Lousy 10 restoration following the treatment of paragrass, torpedograss, and stargrass with herbicide.
   
9. Stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis)
   Native to Africa, this grass appears to have high potential for invasiveness in xeric sites.  It spreads along the ground from stolons, rooting at nodes, and climbing up shrubs and and small trees. Stargrass produces seeds throughout the year except during colder periods when it is killed back by frost. It resprouts quickly following fire producing seeds within 2-3 months. It is commonly planted in pastures for cattle forage in Highlands County and other areas of central and south Florida.  Several acres of stargrass occur in disturbed areas of Lake Placid Scrub. Scattered patches of this grass occur in the Lousy 10 Tract and the Reserve.  
   
10. Cerulean Flaxlily (Dianella caerulea)*  {No Photo}
    This plant is native to Australia and New Zealand.  It is a evergreen, clump-forming herbaceous plant with glossy purple berries.  In Florida, this plant is primarily known from Highlands County and more specifically, Highlands Hammocks, where it has escaped cultivation and invaded natural areas. 
    
11. Earpod Tree (Enterolobium contortisiliquum)*
    Native to Brazil, this tree is planted as a landscape plant.  The earpod tree is one of the largest growing trees in Highlands County and can reach heights greater than 60 feet.  Often numerous seedlings and saplings are found under the parent tree.  It's fruits are formed in an "ear-like" pod, hence it's name.  The leaves of this tree are compound and similar to other introduced trees in the area such as silk tree mimosa and lead tree.  This tree is not known from Archbold or any sites near the station, but is found planted as a landscape plants in many area of Highlands County.
    
12. Jaragua Grass (Hyparrhenia rufa)
    Native to Africa, this erect clump forming grass has exceptionally wide white mid-ribs and very scabrous margins.  This grass grows to heights of 6+ feet and often forms dense thickets.  Prominent white hairs on ligules and sheaths often are reddish in coloration.  Panicles are 12-20" long.  Awns (or hairs) on spikelet, at first glance, resemble those found on wiregrass (Aristida spp.).  It was probably introduced as a forage grass and has escaped in some parts of Florida.  At Archbold, this grass forms small thickets along the road on Red Hill and the railroad tracts west of the Main Grounds.  It is unknown if this grass occurs in other parts of Highlands County.
    
13. Hyptis Bushmint (Hyptis verticillata)
    Native to central and northern South America, this species is multi-stemmed and mature stands form dense thickets.  The leaves of this plant are simple, small (1-3"), and serrated.  It's leaves are also very aromatic when crushed.    It produces numerous tiny seeds in the late Summer. Scattered patches of this plant have been observed in disturbed areas in Highlands County.  At Archbold, this plant formed dense thickets in the Lousy 10 Tract.  It also occurs at several other locations at Archbold including the Main Grounds shop area, Red Hill, and the Reserve.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
14. Hairy Indigo (Indigofera hirsute)
    Native to Africa, this plant has alternate, compound leaves and reddish flowers that occur in spike-like racemes.  It produces numerous seed in the fall.  It is a low growing herbaceous plant that seldom exceeds 1-2 feet in height.  This species has been planted in many pastures as a cover crop and spreads by seed.  In Highlands County, it is common in pastures, along roadsides, and disturbed areas.  At Archbold, this plant is common in the Red Hill area and the Reserve, but can also be found scattered throughout the Station.  In the Red Hill Garden area, hairy indigo became the dominant plant in a 10x10 meter plot that was sprayed with Roundup (3%) to eliminate bahiagrass for a endangered plant germination experiment.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
15. Mile-A-Minute Vine (Ipomoea cairica)
    Native to Africa, the flower of this species is purple and typical of a morning glory flower. It's leaves are palmate and typically have 5-7 lobes.  It can reach heights at least 30 feet into the canopy and often forms thick cover over native plants.  Mile-a-minute vine was planted around the Main Grounds at Archbold where it has become mildly invasive, but it has not been observed spreading outside the main Grounds.  It appears to thrive along the ditch that runs through the Main Grounds.  
    
16. African Mahogany (Khaya senegalensis)
    Native to Africa, this species is now rare in it's native range.  It has been logged out in many areas for lumber and multiple medicinal uses.  This tree can grow to heights > 60 feet.  Its leaves are compound. It is intolerant of cold weather, but resprouts after being top-killed by frost. In Highlands County, this tree is only known from Archbold Biological Station where it was planted in the northeast portion of the Red Hill Garden.  
    
17. Phasey Bean (Macroptilium lathyroides)
    Native to Central and South America, this plant is common along roadsides.  It's flowers are dark red and the leaves are alternate and trifoliate.  The seed pods of this plant are slightly explosive spreading seeds around the general vicinity of the parent plant. It is occasionally planted as a warm-season forage plant in Florida.  At Archbold, this plant is found along fences, fire lanes, and other disturbed sites.
    
18. Wood-Rose (Merremia dissecta)
    Native to tropical America, this species is a trailing or climbing vine with showy white flowers. It's leaves are palmate and deeply lobed. The dried fruits of this plant, which resemble a rose, are used in dried flower arrangements.  Five similar species are known from Florida, all non-native, with one species M. tuberosa being listed as a Category II plant in south Florida.  In Highlands County, this plant is found in disturbed sites, old home sites, and along fence lines.  At Archbold, this plant is an occasional problem plant along fence lines at the Station.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
19. Wild Balsam Apple (Momordica charantia) 
    Native to the Old World Tropics, this plant is a trailing or climbing vine with small, light-yellow flowers.  It leaves are palmate and lobed with tendrils.  It produces colorful orange-yellow fruits that reveal bright red seed when the fruit opens.  It's seeds are probably spread by birds. Often, this plant and Caesar's weed are the first plant to appear in areas where other exotics have been removed.  This plant is relatively common in many disturbed areas in Highlands County.  At Archbold, it occurs primarily in the Plaza area, Main Grounds, and the Lousy 10 Tract.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
20. Latexplant (Morrenia odorata)
    Native to South America, this species has very sweet smelling flowers.  Latexplant is a perennial, climbing vive that is most often found in disturbed sites.  The opposite, simple leaves and stems of this plant have short grayish or white hairs.  It flowers are 2 to 2.5 inches wide and yellowish-green in color. This plant is sometimes common along fence lines and disturbed habitat in Highlands County.  It occurs at Archbold in areas adjacent to orange groves where it can cover large areas of fence line.  
    
21. Cowitch (Mucuna pruriens)
    Native to India, cowitch is a popular medicinal plant in its native range.  The leaf of this plant is trifoliate and resemble the leaf of kudzu vine (Pueraria montana). Flowers are dark purple that occur in a drooping raceme.  This annual is a trailing or climbing vine that can grow into the canopy. In Highlands County, this plant appears to be rare, but has been observed growing along the edges of pastures and orange groves. At Archbold, cowitch occurs along the fence line in the extreme northeast corner (NE Tract) of the station, where it has invaded  a small section of the scrub along with flame vine.  Several of these plants have been observed in pastures at the Reserve.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
22. Bahia Grass (Paspalum notatum)
    Native to Central and northern South America, this perennial grass spreads by rhizomes and seeds forming sod. It's panicle is paired at the top of the stem.  Bahia grass is one of the more commonly planted yard grasses in residential yards.  It has been planted extensively in Florida for cattle forage, soil stabilization, and landscaping.  In Highlands County, it is common in pastures, yards, and disturbed sites.  At Archbold Biological Station,  this species is found spreading along the fire lanes that border pastures and citrus groves
    
23. Vaseygrass (Paspalum urvillei)
    Native to South America, this clump grass reproduces primarily by seed.  It grows to heights greater than 5 feet and has stiff reddish hairs at the base of the blades. This grass is common in many disturbed habitats in Highlands County, exhibiting a preference for mesic to wet sites.  At Archbold, it is found in disturbed sites such as the Lousy 10 Tract and pastures in the Reserve.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
24. Vine Leaf Passion Flower (Passiflora vitifolia)*
    Native to Central America, this plant is a vigorous spreader.  It produces showy, fragrant red flowers all year except during colder periods from about November to February.  The vines of this plant have been observed completely overtaking  native vegetation and growing > 50 feet into the canopy in a vacant woodlot in Highlands County.  The invasive potential of this plant is high in mesic and hydric sites.  It is sold as a landscape plant under different names in Highlands County and is often planted as a landscape plant.  It propagates easily from cuttings or seeds, and it's spread into natural areas may be facilitated by dumping cut debris into these areas.
    
25. Vining Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
    This perennial vine that is native to tropical South America. There are over two-hundred species and hybrids of this plant.  It is supported by a extensive root network that grow along the ground or attaches to trees and other structures.  It forms monocultures out competing and shading out all native vegetation.  It is an uncommon plant in Highlands County and is mostly planted as a landscape plant.  It is not presently known to invade natural areas.  At Archbold Biological Station, it occurs in several sections of the Main Grounds.
    
26. Jerusalem Thorn (Parkinsonia aculeate)
    Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, it was introduced into Florida as an ornamental.  The leaflets are very small (< 0.2 inches) and the branches are thorny.  It flowers are pea-like with yellow blossoms that are very showy.  The fruits of this species are 2-6 inch long pods that contain oblong seeds.  In Highlands County, this species is planted as a ornamental in residential communities and businesses.  At Archbold, this plant appears to be moderately invasive in the Lousy 10 Tract and new seedlings are constantly popping up.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
27. Flame Vine (Pyrostegia venusta)
    Native to Brazil, this trailing or climbing evergreen vine is known for it's bright orange tubular flowers that bloom in February to April.  It's leaves are compound with two leaflets.  No fruits have been observed on this plant at Archbold Biological Station.  This species forms numerous matrices of trailing vines that attach to limbs and branches by tendrils and spread high into the canopy. Flame vine is easily propagated by stem fragmentation, which appears to have caused the spread of this plant along the fire lanes in the NE Tract at Archbold. Each vine has numerous nodes that also sprawl along the ground and root into the soil forming new branches. It has been observed in many areas, especially rural sites, in Highlands County.  At Archbold, it occurs primarily in the NE Tract and the Main Grounds.  Flame vine has invaded several xeric natural communities at Archbold in the NE Tract and is considered a potentially highly invasive plant to scrub and scrubby flatwood communities.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve) 
    
28. Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica)
    Native to the Old World Tropics, this sprawling vine grows into the upper canopy of pines and hardwoods.  It is a deciduous vine with opposite leaves and stout curved spines.  This species appears to spread by rhizomes, root suckers, and possibly seeds.  With the exception of Archbold, no other locations of this species are known from Highlands County.  At Archbold, it is currently limited to a small section of the Main Grounds where it appears to be mildly invasive. 
    
29. Wild Senna (Retama amarilla)
    This large shrub is native to South America and reaches heights greater than 20 feet.  Wild senna has pinnately compound leaves.  Leaflets are ovate to obovate that increase in size form the base to the top of the plant.  It produces bright yellow flowers that occur in a terminal spike.  It's fruits are flattened pods several inches long.  Wild senna is planted as a landscape plant in Highlands County.  At Archbold, it occurs in the Red Hill Garden Area, primarily in and around the burn pile where it continues to resprout following burns.
    
30. MaCartney Rose (Rosa bracteata)
    Native to China, this species is an upright, sprawling shrub that reaches a maximum height of 12-15 feet.  It's leaves are compound, and the leaflets are slightly serrated. The growth form of the this plant is numerous sprawling branches to 2.5" in diameter growing in all directions from the base. The stems of this plant have numerous sharp thorns.  An uncommon plant in Highlands County, this species was planted heavily along the railroad tracts and some ditches in the SW Tract at Archbold.  In some cases, it has spread out into scrub and scrubby flatwood habitat in the SW Tract.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
31. Itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis)
    Native to Asia, this clump grass reaches heights > 6-8 feet.  Itchgrass was introduced into the United States in the early 1900's as a potential pasture grass.  It is a clump grass with shallow roots and spreads primarily from seeds.  The lower  sheaths have stiff "needle-like" hairs that cause an itching sensation when touched or rubbed against.  This plant is a major agricultural weed in many tropical and subtropical nations and is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the United States Department of Agriculture.  It has not been observed in Highlands County, except at Archbold Biological Station, though it most likely exists along railroad tracts and private lands.  At Archbold, it occurs along the railroad tracts in the SW Tract where it appears to be spreading.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve) 
    
32. Sicklepod (Senna occidentalis)
    Native to tropical America, this plant has alternate, compound leaves and yellow flowers. It grows to heights > 5 feet and produces numerous seed pods that are several inches long.  In Highlands County, it occurs in disturbed sites and pastures.  At Archbold, it is found in many areas of the Reserve. 
    
33. Sida (Sida cordifolia)
    Native to tropical America, the stems of this plant are covered with dense hairs, and it grows to about 7-8 feet in height.  It spread by seeds and thousands are produced form each plant.  The flowers of this plant are small and yellow.  It is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae) is a common invader of disturbed sites often found in pastures, old fields, abandoned home sites, and roadways.  At Archbold, it occurs in disturbed areas such as the Lousy 10 Tract, Red Hill Garden area, and the Reserve.
    
34. Brazilian Nightshade (Solanum seaforthianum)*
    This climbing vine is native to the West Indies and has variable leaves that range from simple to 3-5 lobes.  It's flowers are violet and formed in a large cluster.  It produces red fruits that are also formed in clusters. This plant is shade tolerant, but also grows well in open sites.  It is not known from Archbold, but occurs in disturbed hammocks in Highlands County.  It escaped cultivation and its spread is most likely facilitated by birds.
    
35. Spiny-Leaved Sow Thistle (Sonchus asper)
    Native to Europe, the species has deeply lobed leaves with spiny margins and light purple midribs.  It's flowers form in a cluster at the top of the plant.  This member of the aster family exudes milky sap from broken stems.  In Highlands County and Archbold, this plant is common in old fields, pastures, and other disturbed sites. Following a prescribed burn at the Lousy 10 Tract, several hundred plants sprouted in the burn area.
    
36. Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
    Native to Eurasia and India, this plant has been introduced into many warm areas of the World.  Johnsongrass was introduced into the united States around 1830 as a pasture grass.  It grows to heights > 6 feet and has short, sharp pointed rhizomes.  It's locations around Highlands County are unknown.  At Archbold, this plant is only known from the burn pile on Red Hill.  How it was introduced to the Station is unknown.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
37. Smutgrass (Sporobolus indicus var. indicus)
    Native to Asia and introduced into Florida prior to 1900, this species is a highly invasive grass that can cover a large area in a short period out competing native plants.  It is a clump grass with erect stems to 4 feet in height.  The panicle (or seed head) of smutgrass is typically compact and black in color.  This perennial grass reproduces by seed.  In Highlands County and throughout southern Florida, this grass ant is common old fields, pastures, roadsides, and other disturbed sites.  At Archbold, it occurs at the Lousy 10 Tract, Red Hill Garden area, the Reserve, and is common along many fire lanes.  In some of the pastures in the Reserve, this species is the dominant grass.  (Locations at ABS and the Reserve)
    
38. St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)
    Apparently native to mesic sites in Florida, this plant grows along fire lanes and sandy roads making it a potential invasive plant to xeric and mesic habitats.  This grass spreads primarily by rhizomes and vigorous growth rate. In some instances, it acts like a vine growing up into the lower canopy.  It is a very common grass that is planted in lawns all over Florida.  At Archbold, it occurs primarily along the boundaries adjacent to pastures and orange groves.
    
39. Strophanthus (Strophanthus spp.)
    Native to Africa, this vine-like shrub spreads from numerous stems at the base.  It is a sprawling vine-like shrub that appears to have high potential as an invasive plant.  It's feather-like seeds are blown by the wind, and can travel long distances. Five species are know from the Red Garden area.  Strophanthus was planted in the Red Hill Garden area by L. J. Brass ca. 1945-1955 and once covered about 25% of the Red Hill Garden area.  It is now common as resprouts and seedling in the disturbed areas of Red Hill (Burn Units  0B, 0C and 1C).  
    
40. Spanish Bayonet (Yucca aloifolia)
    Native to Mexico, this species spreads and reproduces by large "stolon-like" stems that frequently produce new sprouts.  The tips of each leaf are armed with sharp spines.  The flowers are white and bell-shaped at the terminal end of the main base.  In Highlands County, this plant is occasionally planted in landscape settings.  At Archbold, this species was planted in several areas on Red Hill and along the railroad tracks in the SW Tract where it appears to be slightly invasive.  In Burn Unit 0A (SW Tract), a large patch altered fire behavior in the north corner of the unit by stopping the fire.

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• Hutchinson, J.T., September 2003, revised 4 December 2003.
© Archbold Biological Station, 2003 April.
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