Agressive or Invasive Plant?

Oftentimes, when we are talking about plants that spread rapidly and are hard to control, we say they are invasive.  But are they? Let’s talk about it.

Horticulturists at the University of Florida group plants into three categories: natives, Florida-friendly, and invasive.  Let’s define these.

Florida natives are plants that were here before European settlers, plants that the indigenous people knew and used.

Florida-friendly plants came either with early settlers of Florida or sometime between their arrival and today.

Invasive plants were not here prior to European settlers and cause harm to the environment or the economy. They may be pretty and may not be considered even aggressive, but they still cause harm,

So what is an aggressive plant?  It is a native that spreads rapidly and is not necessarily one we want in our landscape. For example, Smilex or bamboo vine, with its rapid growth and thick thorns, is not a great plant for yards that include small children or if you don’t have time to trim plants at least weekly. In nature, it is a great plant, and you may choose to forage in the woods for it in spring to gather the fresh tips to sauté or add to a salad. It was used by indigenous people for medications, and some forms are used today for steroid production.  It’s a good plant unless it is in the wrong location.

While we are defining plants, let’s talk about weeds.  All plants have value and a purpose, but any plant in the wrong place is a weed. Bidens, commonly called Spanish needles, are a great example.  They can be used as food by people and are used constantly by insects and wildlife.  They are wonderful for honey bees, native bees, butterflies, and birds. Placed by a pathway that you walk with your dog, you may think they are a weed however.  The “needles” or seeds will stick in your pet's fur, and attach themselves to your socks to hitch a ride to a new location. That doesn’t keep bees from loving them, so to them it is a great source of food, and to you it is a weed.

Bottom line: All plants are good plants, in the right place at the right time. Even so, I will not be planting Spanish needles or bamboo vine by my steps or along my path!