Nonnative Plants

 

One of the biggest natural resource concerns that many parks must deal with is invasive plant species management. At Fort Matanzas, there are multiple plant species that are not native to this environment. Invasive plants are generally excellent at spreading across large areas in a short amount of time. Environments can quickly be overtaken by invasive plants if not managed properly.

 

The plants listed are found within different habitats throughout Fort Matanzas, from the sand dunes to the coastal hammock. Without management, these plants can spread and outcompete native plants for space and resources. They can disrupt the structure of different habitats and reduce the food sources available for wildlife. For example, Russian thistle grows at the edge of sand dunes and can reduce the area for native plants to grow. They do not promote the structure of sand dunes as well as native plants like sea oats, and native wildlife species are not accustomed to eating the prickly Russian thistle.

There are multiple methods of removing invasive plant species. We first try to directly remove the plant by digging it up without using any chemicals. If the plant is too large, like some of the Brazilian peppers that we have come across, tools and targeted herbicide may be used to successfully remove the invasive plant and provide native plants a better opportunity to grow. Invasive plants can thrive in recently disturbed environments like an area impacted by wildfire or sections of dune that have been disturbed by people walking through them. Please help us keep our ecosystem healthy by staying on the trails and following conservation zone signage.

 

Sword Fern surrounded by coquina rubble.

NPS

Tuberous Sword Fern

Nephrolepis cordifolia

The Tuberous Sword Fern occupies wetlands, wooded areas, and shaded sites. It looks very similar to the native sword ferns found in Florida. Their underground rhizomes are darker than the natives, which are lighter in coloration. When the Tuberous Sword Fern takes position, it can spread, reducing diversity in the ecosystem.

 

Brazilian Pepper on branches with the sky as the background.

NPS

Brazillian Pepper

Schinus terebinthifolius

Brazilian Pepper originates from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is described as an evergreen shrub or a small tree. It has an aggressive growth rate and the red berries it produces makes it efficient in attracting organisms such as raccoons and birds to distribute their seeds. They grow in disturbed areas, displacing native species.

 

Asparagus Fern surrounded by rocks.

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Asparagus Fern

Asparagus aethiopicus

The Asparagus Fern is actually not a true fern, despite its common name. Native to South Africa, the Asparagus Fern has made it to Florida ecosystems due to the ornamental plant trade. This plant typically grows in disturbed areas, and it has the potential to alter natural habitats and impact our local ecosystems.

 

Kalanchoe with a background of the beach and cloudy skies.

NPS

Mother of Millions

Kalanchoe x houghtonii

Mother of Millions is an ornamental plant that consumers purchased for their personal gardens, unaware of the threat they posed for coastal ecosystems. These succulents have green, fleshy leaves with smears of purple around them. They spread by dropping baby versions of themselves, plantlets, which will eventually take root, leaving no space for native species to grow.

 

Lantana in bloom with a mixture of yellow and orange flowers.

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Lantana

Lantana camara

There are both native and non-native Lantana plants. Native Lantana is only found in south Florida naturally. Ways to distinguish the invasive species is to look for multi-colored flowers, woody stems, and flat leaves. These resilient plants are tolerant to Florida’s harsh conditions including heat and drought. Birds and other animals will spread their seeds allowing them to take over areas efficiently.

 

Russian Thistle in the sand.

NPS

Russian Thistle

Salsola kali

Russian Thistle is a tumbleweed that has invaded Florida dune systems. They can be characterized as having sharp tips with an overall round to oval shaped structure. This thistle will settle into barren areas, occupying vital nesting sites for sea turtles and shorebirds.

 

Sweet Clover next to blanket flowers and a clear sky as the background.

NPS

White Sweet Clover and Yellow Sweet Clover

Melilotus albus and Melilotus indicus

Sweet Clover typically invades grasslands and disturbed areas. It is allelopathic, meaning it can release a chemical to inhibit the growth of other native plants. It can create fields of sweet clover where it will shade out any other native plants. One plant can have thousands of seeds readily available, making it a ferocious invader.