Natural Area Weeds – EDIS Update

Control y Biologia del Helecho Trepador Japones (Lygodium japonicum )

El helecho trepador japonés es una enredadera invasiva no nativa de los Estados Unidos (EEUU) que fue introducida aproximadamente en 1900. Este helecho se ha establecido a lo largo de la llanura costera del sudeste de los EEUU desde los estados de Norte y Sur Carolinas hasta Texas y Arkansas. El helecho trepador japonés es nativo de Asia, en particular Japón así como al oeste de la cordillera de los Himalayas. El área de establecimiento se ha expandido desde la región de la costa del Golfo de México incluyendo TX, AR, LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, y PA. En Florida, el helecho trepador japonés está ampliamente distribuido en el norte y al oeste del estado, mientras que en la parte centro-sur su abundancia es variable. Este helecho está adaptado a lugares soleados o con sombra, y por lo general se localiza en suelos húmedos como los bordes de los pantanos, lagos, arroyos y bosques de tierras altas.

This 6-page fact sheet was written by Elsa D. Chevasco, Patrick J. Minogue, Kimberly K. Bohn, and Francisco Escobedo, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2016.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr344

Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests

Of the more than 4,000 known plant species growing in Florida, approximately 30% are not native to Florida or the Southeast, and in the US invasive exotic species cost an estimated $120 billion each year in damages. Early detection and removal of invasive plants is the key to successful management. This publication describes many of the current methods used in north Florida forest operations to manage invasive exotic plants. It also provides references for additional sources of information. Written by Chris Demers, Patrick Minogue, Michael Andreu, Alan Long, and Rick Williams.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr133

Biology, Control and Invasive Potential of Giant Reed (Arundo donax L.) in Florida

Arundo donax (L.), also known as giant reed, is a tall, fast-growing, bamboo-like grass that under ideal conditions can reach a height of up to 30 feet and a stem diameter up to 1.5 inches. Giant reed is invasive and difficult to control and has caused economic losses in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This species was introduced to Florida over 100 years ago and is currently naturalized in at least 26 of the 67 Florida counties. So far giant reed has not proved problematic in Florida, but recent permitting of its planting for bioenergy feed stock may increase the risk that it could naturalize into plant communities in Florida and other southeastern states and potentially cause economic losses as well as harm to native species and habitats. This 5-page fact sheet written by Pat Minogue and Seth Wright and published by the School of Forest Resources and Conservation describes the biology of this species and explains some strategies for its control.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr396

Identification and Control of Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata): A Potentially Poisonous Plant.

Coral ardisia, also known as coral berry, spice berry, and scratchthroat, was introduced to Florida in the early 1900’s for ornamental purposes. Since then, it has escaped cultivation, and it is found in hardwood hammocks and other moist, natural-wooded areas and grazing lands. Although there is no published literature supporting the theory that coral ardisia is toxic, it is suspected that the berries and/or foliage are poisonous to livestock, pets, and humans. This 3-page fact sheet was written by B. A. Sellers, Sarah Lancaster, K. A. Langeland, J.A. Ferrell, Michael Meisenberg, and J. Walter, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag281

Natural Area Weeds: Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum) (SSAGR21/AG122)

Native to Africa, Asia, and Australia, Old World climbing fern (OWCF) is a newcomer to Florida that has spread at an alarming rate since its introduction. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council considers Old World climbing fern to be invasive. It’s also regulated by laws of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) as a Florida Noxious Weed and by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a Federal Noxious Weed. It may be the most serious threat to Florida’s natural areas. This 6-page fact sheet was written by Kenneth A. Langeland and Jeffery Hutchinson, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, February 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag122

Natural Area Weeds: Skunkvine (Paederia foetida) (SSAGR80/WG208)

Native to eastern and southern Asia, skunkvine is an invasive plant species introduced to the USDA Field Station near Brooksville before 1897. It has been included on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council List of Invasive Species as a Category I, defined as “species that are invading and disrupting native plant communities in Florida.” It was added to the Florida Noxious Weed List in 1999, making it illegal to possess, move, or release in Florida. This 3-page fact sheet was written by K. A. Langeland, R. K. Stocker, and D. M. Brazis, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, February 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg208

Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests (SSFOR19/FR133)

Invasive non-native organisms are one of the greatest threats to the natural ecosystems of the United States. Invasive plants reduce biodiversity, encroach on endangered and threatened species, and rob native species of habitat. This 8-page fact sheet describes many of the current methods used to manage some of the more common and troublesome invasive exotic plants in north Florida forests. Written by Chris Demers, Alan Long and Rick Williams, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, January 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr133

Wright’s Nutrush: An Invader of Seasonal Wetlands in Florida (SSAGR342/AG352)

This non-native sedge has been increasing in Florida wetlands. This 9-page fact sheet describes its distribution, history and impacts, ecological overview, integrated management and identification. Written by Colette C. Jacono, Kenneth A. Langeland, and Jeffrey Hutchinson, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, November 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag352

Saw Palmetto Control: Individual Plant and Broadcast Application (SSAGR341/AG351)

Saw palmetto is a shrubby palm species native to Florida and common throughout the state. Despite its beneficial uses, saw palmetto is a serious weed problem in pastures, forests, and non-cropland areas, and control of this common native plant is often necessary. This 4-page fact sheet provides mechanical and chemical control recommendations. Written by Brandon Fast, Jason Ferrell, and Brent Sellers, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag351

Biology and Control of Common Ragweed Along Ditch and Canal Banks (SSAGR346/AG356)

Common ragweed is a successful pioneer species widely distributed throughout the continental United States. In cultivated fields it will compete with crops for light, moisture, nutrients, and space and will result in significant yield losses. Additionally, allergenic airborne pollen from common ragweed is a primary cause of hay fever and thus a public health concern. This 3-page fact sheet describes the life cycle of the plant and provides management recommendations. Written by D.C. Odero, B. Sellers, and J. Ferrell, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag356

Wright’s Nutrush: An Invader of Seasonal Wetlands in Florida (SSAGR342/AG352)

Wright’s nutrush (Scleria lacustris) is a non-native sedge that has been increasing in Florida wetlands. This 9-page fact sheet describes its distribution, history and impacts, ecological overview, integrated management and identification. Written by Colette C. Jacono and Kenneth A. Langeland, and published by the UF Department of Agronomy, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag352

Control y Biología del Helecho Trepador Japonés (Lygodium japonicum) (FOR282/FR344)

This 7-page Spanish-language fact sheet describes this non-native, invasive vine which is widespread in damp areas in north and West Florida — its biology and control measures. Written by Patrick J. Minogue, Daniela Chevasco, Francisco Escobedo, and Kimberly K. Bohn, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, December 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr344

SSAGR328/AG338 Mile-a-minute (Mikania micrantha): A New Weed in South Florida

SSAGR328, a 2-page illustrated fact sheet by Brent Sellers and Ken Langeland, describes this new weed, a highly branched perennial vine, reported in late 2009 near Homestead FL, and how to identify it and what to do if you find it. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, January 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag338

SSAGR225/AG234 IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas: Status Assessment

Revised! SS-AGR-225, a 28-page publication by Alison M. Fox, Doria R. Gordon, Joan A. Dusky, Linda Tyson, Randall K. Stocker, Kenneth A. Langeland, and Aimee L. Cooper, is the component of the IFAS Assessment that provides evaluations of plants that currently occur within Florida. designed to identify those non-native plant species that are invasive in areas of Florida where designated management objectives include the conservation of native biodiversity. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, April 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag234

FOR218/FR280 Biology and Control of Japanese Climbing Fern (Lygodium japonicum)

FOR-218, a 7-page illustrated fact sheet by Patrick J. Minogue, Stella Jones, Kimberly K. Bohn, and Rick L. Williams, describes this non-native, invasive vine which is widespread in damp areas in north and West Florida — its biology and control measures. Includes references. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, May 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR280

SS-AGR-312/AG318 Natural Area Weeds: Invasive Solanum spp. in Florida

SS-AGR-312, a 7-page illustrated fact sheet by L. T. Markle, W. A. Overholt and K. A. Langeland, provides a guide to differentiate the invasive Solanum species, information about the ecology and management of each species, and information on Solanum capsicoides All., which can easily be confused with some of the invasive Solanum species. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, December 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG318

SS-AGR-309/AG315 Japanese clematis, Clematis terniflora (D.C.) Ranuculaceae

Figure 1. A Japanese clematis has smothered a Southern magnolia in a natural, wooded area of Gainesville, FL.
SS-AGR-309, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Michael Meisenburg, Ken Langeland, and Kurt Vollmer, describes this vigorous woody vine that is recommended for landscape use in cold-hardy zones, but is considered invasive in many areas of the country — its impacts and management. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, September 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG315

SS-FOR19/FR133 Controlling Invasive Exotic Plants in North Florida Forests

Revised! SS-FOR-19, an 8-page fact sheet by Chris Demers, Alan Long and Rick Williams, describes many of the current methods being used to manage some of the more common and troublesome invasive exotic plants in north Florida forests. Includes tables of herbicide recommendations and references. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, June 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/FR133

SSAGR307/AG313 Biology and Control of Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana): A Weed to Watch in Florida Pastures and Natural Areas

SS-AGR-307, a 3-page illustrated fact sheet by Brent Sellers, describes this large shrub native to southern Asia and eastern Africa, and which is reported in Miami-Dade, Lee, and Glades counties — it’s identification, habitat and ecology, spread, and conrol. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, August 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG313

SS AGR 301/AG307 Giant Reed (Arundo donax): Biology, Identification and Management

SS-AGR-301, a 4-page illustrated fact sheet by Kurt Vollmer, Curtis Rainbolt, and Jason Ferrell, describes this tall perennial grass that is commercially grown in the Mediterranean to make reeds for musical instruments, and which is a major invasive weed in Calfornia and Texas watersheds — its biology, identification and management. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Agronomy, March 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/AG307