Garden Club of Cape Coral | Alternatives for invasive species in your garden
By CAROLE KERNS
As I mentioned in my article earlier this month, the third step in eliminating invasive species from your garden is “Replace.” The University of Florida research and extension efforts have focused on identifying non-invasive alternatives and producing and trailing new non-invasive cultivars. Some of these will be covered here, but to access the complete list, go to the UF/IFAS website and type “Alternatives to Invasive Plants Commonly Found in South Florida Landscapes” in the search window. The invasive alternatives listed here can all grow in hardiness zone 10, which includes Lee County and parts of Collier County.
When looking for alternatives to invasives, remember to check for the hardiness zone, as other listings may be written to include the entire state of Florida.
One of the most frequently seen invasives in Southwest Florida is the Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex), which is known for its purple trumpet-like flower. This plant has a rapid growth rate and forms large clumps by spreading roots that are hard to kill and difficult to remove. And its exploding seed capsules scatter seed everywhere.
A native alternative to this plant is the blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis). Its tiny tubular flowers are purplish-blue with a white center and are a nectar source for many butterfly species. It flowers in the summer but may flower year-round in South Florida. A Florida friendly alternative is the bougainvillea variety “Helen Johnson” (Bougainvillea glabra) with clusters of bright pink bracts surrounding tiny white flowers. Emerging coppery orange, the bracts mature to bright pink with a hint of purple.
The elephant ear plant, commonly known as wild taro, belongs to a group of plants scientifically known as Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma. The species that are invasive in Florida are the Colocasia esculenta and the Xanthosoma sagittifolium. UF/IFAS recommends that gardeners stick with the Alocasia species.
Suggested substitutes for the elephant ear plant include the native giant leather fern (Acrostichum danaeifolium) and the Florida-friendly monstera (Monstera deliciosa). Both plants need rich, moist soil and a wide area where they can multiply or sprawl.
The carrotwood (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) is prohibited in all parts of the state due to its ability to invade and displace native plant communities. Its brightly colored fruits are very attractive to birds which disperse the seeds widely. Alternatives to the carrotwood include the natives soapberry (Sapindus saponaria) and paradise tree (Simarouba glauca). Both can grow in full sun or partial shade.
The Brazilian peppertree was once called “Florida holly” due to its dense cluster of small berries. This tree forms a dense canopy that shades out all other plant life and provides a very poor habitat for native species. Native alternatives to the Brazilian peppertree include the dahoon holly (Ilex cassine), the marlberry (Ardisia squamulosa), and the Simpson’s stopper ( Myrcianthes fragrans). All three species can tolerate full sun to partial shade and produce blooms and clusters of fruit.
Lantana is a perennial flowering shrub that attracts butterflies. We need to be careful in choosing the right lantana variety, as UF/IFAS lists Lantana camara as invasive. Recently, though, more nurseries are carrying the sterile Lantana camara, and UF/IFAS has added its own breeds to the list of sterile varieties. These include “Bloomify Red,” “Bloomify Rose” and “Luscious Royale Red Zone.”
Lantana enjoy full sun, but all varieties have leaves and berries that are toxic to animals. Native alternatives to lantana are the blue porterweed and the Bahama cassia (Cassia bahamensis). Both attract butterflies, and the blue porterweed is non-toxic.
It is our responsibility as Florida gardeners to replace invasive species.
A wide variety of native and Florida-friendly plants are available to protect the native ecosystems, provide habitat for local wildlife and maintain a healthy environment. By selecting plants that will reduce the prevalence of invasive species, we can play a part in fostering a sustainable landscape.
Carole Kerns is a Master Gardener Volunteer with the UF/IFAS Lee County Extension and a volunteer at the Berne Davis Botanical Garden.
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