Prohibited Invasive Aquatic Plants

Any plant that is overgrown or otherwise unattractive or unwanted, whether native or not is a weed. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) compiles invasive species lists that are revised every two years after professional botanists and others perform exhaustive studies of exotic plants.

Invasive exotic plants are termed Category I invasives when they 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 exotics 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.

Download the Invasive Species PDF

If you see any of these invasive plants contact us immediately.

Class I Plants

Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alligatorweed

Casuarina spp.
Australian Pine

Crassula helmsii
Swamp Stone Crop

Eichhornia spp.
Water Hyacinth

Hydrilla verticillata
Hydrilla

Ipomoea aquatica
Water Spinach

Ipomoea fistulosa

Limnocharis flava
Sawah flowering rush

Lythrum salicari
Purple Loosestrife

Lagarosiphon spp.
African Elodea

Melaleuca quinquenervia
Melaleuca

Mimosa pigra
Giant Sensitive Plant

Monochoria hastata
Arrowleaf False Pickerelweed

Monochoria vaginalis
Heartshape False Pickerelweed

Myriophyllum spicatum
Eurasian Watermilfoil

Nechamandra alternifolia

Oryza rufipogon
Wild Red Rice

Pontederia rotundifolia
Tropical Pickerelweed

Salvinia spp.
(excluding S. minima)

Schinus terebinthifolius
Brazilian Pepper

Sparganium erectum
Exotic Burred

Stratiotes aloides
Water Aloe

Trapa spp.
Water Chestnut

Vossia cuspidata
Hippo Grass

Class II Plants

Hygrophila polysperma
Miramar Weed

Limnophila sessiliflora

Pistia stratiotes
Water Lettuce