1. The seeds are scattered – the terror grows!
INVASION OF THE
NATURE SNATCHERS:
The seeds are scattered –
the terror grows!

2. What is a noxious weed?
What is an invasive species?
Can a species be both noxious and invasive?
How does a species become a Florida noxious weed?
What was the latest DPI Weed of the Month?

3. Definitions of a noxious weed
Federal
Florida

4. FEDERAL NOXIOUS WEED ACT OF 1974 7 U. S. C
FEDERAL NOXIOUS WEED ACT OF U.S.C. §§ , January 3, 1975, as amended 1988 and 1994.
seeking to have plants included in Rule 5B , F.A.C., may make application to the department on form DACS-08215: Application for Inclusion to the Noxious Weed List.
Noxious weed: any living stage (including seeds and reproductive parts) of a parasitic or other plant of a kind which is of foreign origin, is new to or not widely prevalent in the U.S., and can directly or indirectly injure crops, other useful plants, livestock, poultry or other interests of agriculture, including irrigation, navigation, fish and wildlife resources, or the public health.  

5. FLORIDA NOXIOUS WEEDS
Any living stage of a parasitic or other plant which may be a serious agricultural threat in Florida; have a negative impact on endangered, threatened, or commercially exploited plant species; or if the plant is a naturalized plant that disrupts naturally occurring native plant communities.

6. Florida has lots of bad plants and
Lots of lists!
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) list of invasive plant species
IFAS assessment of non-native plants in Florida’s natural areas
FDACS noxious weeds and invasive species
FDACS prohibited aquatic plants

7. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
Invasive species
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
(FLEPPC)
An exotic plant has been introduced to Florida, either purposefully or accidentally, from outside of Florida.
An invasive exotic plant sustains itself outside of cultivation and is expanding its range in Florida plant communities.

8. Invasive species FLEPPC
Category I invasives are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.
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.

9. IFAS assessment of non-native plants in Florida’s natural areas
Assessments are based on scientific research
Recommendations are given by region (north, central and south):
Invasive and not recommended
Invasive and not recommended except for specified and limited use
Caution (manage to prevent escape)
OK (not considered a problem at this time)

10. How are plants added to the Florida noxious weed list?
Form: APPLICATION FOR INCLUSION TO THE NOXIOUS WEED LIST
DACS-08215

11. And plants can be added to the federal list . . .
Now under consideration is
Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) L.G.Lohmann

12. Let’s look at a few Florida noxious weeds and invasive species.

13. The Vine that Ate the South

14. KUDZU
Leaves alternate, compound
with three broad, lobed leaflets

15. CARROTWOOD Evergreen tree, carrot-colored inner bark
Leaves alternate, compound
Leaflets 2-6 pairs, oblong, leathery, shiny
Fruit yellow orange when ripe
3 black seeds covered by a red-orange coat

16. WATER-SPINACH Leaves alternate, simple arrowhead shaped
but variable, to 7 in long
Stems hollow

17. WATER SPANGLES;
SALVINIA
Floating aquatic
Hairs on leaf surface

18. Questions?