Stop Planting These! Top 10 Invasive Plants in Northeast Florida (And What to Plant Instead)

Some of the most beautiful plants in Florida are also the most destructive.

In Northeast Florida, invasive plants don’t just spread — they outcompete natives, damage ecosystems, increase maintenance costs, and are extremely difficult (and expensive) to remove once established.

If you’re planning a landscape or reworking an existing yard, these are 10 plants you should stop planting — and what to use instead.

1. Ruellia (Mexican Petunia)

Ruellia is often planted because it’s colorful, fast-growing, and tough.

That’s exactly the problem.

Once established, it:

• Spreads aggressively by seed and runners

• Escapes garden beds easily

• Displaces native groundcovers

Better alternatives:

• Native ruellia cultivars (sterile varieties only)

• Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium)

• Dune sunflower in appropriate settings

Beautiful — but even more invasive than it looks.

2. Invasive Bamboo Species

Most bamboo planted in residential yards is running bamboo, which:

• Spreads underground aggressively

• Damages hardscapes and irrigation

• Can cross property lines

Better alternative:✔️ Clumping bamboo, such as “Graceful Bamboo”

• Non-invasive

• Well-behaved root structure

• Still provides privacy and movement

Not all bamboo is bad — but choosing the wrong type is a long-term nightmare.

3. Wedelia

Wedelia was widely planted as a groundcover for years. Now it’s recognized as highly invasive.

Problems include:

• Rapid horizontal spread

• Smothering of native plants

• Escaping into natural areas

Better alternative:🌻 Florida native dune sunflower

• Similar look

• Excellent pollinator support

• Naturally adapted to coastal conditions

4. “Mother of Millions”

Kalanchoe daigremontiana

This plant reproduces by dropping tiny plantlets that root wherever they land.

Once it takes hold:

• It spreads uncontrollably

• Is toxic to pets and livestock

• Is extremely hard to eradicate

Better alternatives:

• Aloe varieties

• Non-invasive sedums

• Native succulents for well-drained areas

5. Asparagus Fern

Asparagus setaceus

Despite the name, this is not a true fern — and it’s one of the most invasive ornamental plants in Florida.

Issues include:

• Underground tubers that are difficult to remove

• Aggressive spread into natural areas

• Long-term control challenges

Better alternative:✔️ Foxtail fern (non-spreading varieties)

• Similar texture

• Much more manageable

• Cleaner growth habit

6. Mimosa Silk Tree

Albizia julibrissin

This tree is often planted for its fast growth and showy pink flowers.

Unfortunately, it:

• Spreads aggressively by seed

• Weak wood breaks easily in storms

• Disrupts native forest edges

Better alternatives:

• Native flowering trees

• Smaller ornamental canopy trees suited to Florida conditions

7. Pagoda Plant

Pagoda plant spreads rapidly and forms dense colonies that:

• Crowd out native understory plants

• Are difficult to remove completely

• Continue reappearing even after removal

Best avoided entirely in residential landscapes.

8. Mexican Hydrangea

This plant spreads aggressively via underground runners and quickly escapes beds.

While attractive when contained, it:

• Rarely stays contained

• Becomes dominant fast

• Is very difficult to fully eradicate

9. Mexican Pepper Leaf

(Root Beer Plant)

Often planted for its scent and novelty, this plant:

• Spreads aggressively

• Is rarely well-behaved long-term

• Can dominate planting areas

Use with extreme caution — or avoid entirely.

10. Invasive Taro (Spreading Varieties)

Not all taro is invasive — but many spreading species are.

Problems include:

• Rapid spread in moist soils

• Encroachment into waterways

• Difficult removal once established

Better approach:Use clumping, ornamental taro varieties only, and never plant near natural water bodies.

Why This Matters in Northeast Florida

Invasive plants:

• Increase long-term maintenance costs

• Reduce biodiversity

• Spread beyond property lines

• Create future removal expenses

A landscape that looks “easy” in year one can become a problem for decades.

Final Thought

A beautiful Florida landscape should work with the environment — not fight it.

The best designs are intentional, restrained, and built on plants that belong here.

If you’re unsure whether something is invasive, pause before planting. It’s always easier to choose wisely than to undo damage later.

Thinking About a Smarter Florida Landscape?

If you’re planning a landscape project in Northeast Florida and want help selecting plants that are beautiful, appropriate, and sustainable, a design consultation can save you years of frustration.