March 4th: Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis), Chinese Tallow (Sapium sebiferum), & Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes):
Benghal Dayflower Photo by Stanley Culpepper, University of Georgia
Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis): Also called Tropical spiderwort, is an invasive weed that creeps into nurseries, lawns, pastures and crop fields. It was first observed in the early 1990’s in Florida but can now be found throughout the panhandle and central Florida. This weed is on the Federal Noxious Weed List as well as the Florida Noxious Weed List. It has been found in California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Puerto Rico as well as Florida.
This plant produces above ground and below ground flowers and
Resistant Benghal Dayflower after treatment with glyphosate. Photo by Jennifer Bearden.
can also propagate via cut stems. Thus light cultivation and mowing will cause this aggressive weed to spread. Benghal Dayflower is extremely tolerant of glyphosate.
Benghal Dayflower can be distinguished from other dayflowers in Florida by:
Violet rather than blue flowers,
Broader rather than longer leaves (Length to width ratio is less than 3:1),
Presence of hairs on tops and edges of leaves,
Presence of white, subterranean stems and flowers.
Physical methods sometimes cause infestations to spread rather than controlling them. There are no know biological control methods, although maintain weed-free ground cover helps out compete the dayflower. Chemical control methods are dictated by the location of the weed. If it is in a lawn or pasture, 2,4-D can be used.
For more information contact the author Jennifer Bearden, Agriculture Extension Agent, 850-689-5850.
Chinese Tallow Photo Credit Cheryl McCormick, UF, www.bugwood.org
Chinese Tallow (Sapium sebiferum): Chinese Tallow a.k.a. Popcorn Tree: Benjamin Franklin has been blamed for introducing the invasive exotic Chinese Tallow tree to the Southeast when he mailed seeds to a planter after one of his trips to London in the late 1700’s. However, recent DNA work has traced the invasive strain to federal scientists’ importations in 1905. No matter. The “Popcorn Tree,” as it’s also called because of its white seeds, has invaded the Gulf of Mexico coast from Texas to Florida, especially the wetlands and bottomland forests. A mature tree may produce as many as 100,000 seeds annually. These seeds can be spread by birds or moving water and expedite the trees’ takeover of habitat.
The sap and berries are toxic to humans and livestock. It has been planted for its red fall color, but it crowds out native wetland species such as black gum and red maple, both noted for their red fall leaves. Its tolerance to flooding and saltwater can also make it a threat to bald cypress.
Recently research by scientists of the US Forest Service and others has shown that dissolved oxygen and pH levels in the leaf litter of the tallow tree are fatal to the early stage eggs of the leopard frog. While tallow trees provide a nectar source for bees and have been investigated as a biofuel source, the damage to wetlands caused by these invaders more than offsets the positive aspects of the plant.
To control this species, small seedlings may be hand pulled, especially in wet areas, but care should be taken to leave no root pieces to resprout. Herbicides including triclopyr can control Chinese Tallow. Larger trees can be controlled by “Hack and Squirt” or “Cut stump” applications and smaller sprouts can be controlled by a basal bark application. These methods of control are described at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag245 and can be used on other woody pests such as chinaberry or coral ardisia. More information is available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag148 and http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/676. For local assistance, contact your county UF IFAS Extension office.
For more information contact Jed Dillard, Livestock & Forages Extension Agent by phone at 850-342-0187.
Water Hyacinth Photo Credit: Vic Ramey, UF/IFAS
Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes):The water hyacinth is a floating non-native plant, which if left unchecked and allowed to grow to its maximum potential, can weigh up to 200 tons per acre of water. Once it gets into rivers, it can choke out other vegetation and make navigation difficult if not impossible, because the plants will grow intertwined and form huge floating mats that can root on muddy surfaces. Water hyacinth is a wolf in sheep’s clothing—it is a highly ornamental plant. The plant will be several inches tall with showy lavender flowers and rounded, shiny, smooth leaves. These leaves are attached to spongy stalks that help keep the plants afloat. The prolific roots are dark and feathery. Although here in northwest Florida most of it dies back in the winter, it is able to regrow when the weather and water warm up. This weed can be controlled by physical removal, through biological control options—water hyacinth weevils will be useful in keeping the plant populations down—and by chemical means. For more information on hyacinth and other weed control in Florida ponds, please see the UF IFAS publication Weed Control in Florida Ponds. If you have any questions about identifying a pond weed, contact your friendly local county Extension agent.
For more information contact the author Libbie Johnson Agriculture Extension Agent, 850-475-5230.
March 3rd: Wild Hogs (Sus scrofa) & Lionfish (Pterois volitans):
The impact of wild hogs on the environment is soil erosion, decreased water quality, spread of other invasive plants, damage to agricultural crops, and damage to native plants and animals. Photo by Jennifer Bearden
Wild Hogs: Wild Hogs, also called Feral Hogs, are not native to the U.S. Domesticated pigs were introduced by early settlers because they could adapt to a wide variety of habitats. These pigs were kept on open ranges and used as a food source for settlers and Native Americans. In the early 1900’s, true Eurasian wild boars were introduced for hunting purposes. The population of wild hogs today are hybrids of Eurasian and domestic pigs.
Wild hogs are highly adaptable and can find suitable habitat easily. Wild hogs can be all shapes, sizes and colors since they are hybrids of many different breeds. Wild hogs sometimes resemble their domestic relatives but sometimes resemble their Eurasian backgrounds.
Wild hogs are probably the most prolific large mammals in the world. They reach sexual maturity at a young age. Females have multiple litters of 3-8 piglets per year. Natural mortality rates are low. Wild hog females and young live and travel in groups called sounders. Sounders typically have 1 to 3 adults and several young. When females reach maturity, they either stay with the sounder or they go out and form a new sounder with other young females. Young males leave the sounder alone at about 16 months.
Wild hogs are opportunistic omnivores that feed by rooting and grazing. This rooting behavior is why we consider them to be a pest. The impact of wild hogs on the environment is soil erosion, decreased water quality, spread of other invasive plants, damage to agricultural crops, and damage to native plants and animals. They have been documented as threats to threatened and endangered species. They can significantly impact populations of reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, ground nesting birds and even deer.
Wild hogs pose a health risk to humans because they can carry numerous diseases and parasites. Care should be taken when handling wild hogs. Wear gloves, cover any open wounds, and wear clothing that can be cleaned thoroughly. Human hunting is the most significant cause of mortality in wild hogs, although hunting alone will not control hog populations in a good habitat. The most effective way to remove wild hogs from a location is a combination of trapping and shooting.
In Florida, wild hogs may be hunted year round on private land (with permission of the landowner) and at night with no permit required. Hogs may be trapped year round. Wild hogs cannot be trapped and released onto public land. Trapped wild hogs can only be transported with a permit from FDACS) to slaughter or to an approved Feral Swine Holding Facility. For more information on Wild Hogs, go to: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw322 and http://www.myfwc.com/hunting/by-species/wild-hog/. For more information on Wild Hogs, go to: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw322
For more information contact the author Jennifer Bearden, Agriculture Extension Agent, 850-689-5850.
Photo courtesy of Florida Sea Grant
Lionfish:The Red Lionfish are a predatory reef fish that are non-native invasive species and have spread throughout Florida Waters. They are members of the family Scorpaenidae, all members are venomous and the lionfish is no exception. This fish is relatively small typically ranging from 12-15 inches in length and have a zebra-like appearance with long, showy pectoral fins. They have a row of long, dorsal spines that contain venom glands. Their native range is the South Pacific and Indian Oceans and preferred habitat is on offshore reef structures. These fish are considered to be voracious eaters feeding on native fish, reducing vital native populations, and competing for food with native fish such as grouper and snapper.
With few predators, these fish are thriving in Florida waters, even in the northern Gulf of Mexico. They reproduce often, sometimes all year, with their eggs hatching after about two days. They also consume a variety of local species, causing 80% decline in reef fish recruitment and loss of some economically important species. These fish are able to expand their stomachs for large meals and can survive starvation for over 12 weeks. These fish are an invasive species in our local waters and removal is encouraged. The most effective control of this species is removal by human. These fish are cryptic and nocturnal so locating them can be tricky. Spearfishing is the method of choice, since lionfish rarely bite a hook and line. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) changed regulations to increase harvesting opportunities. Such changes include no requirement for a recreational fishing license when using spearing devices (pole spear, a Hawaiian Sling, handheld net, or spearing devices marked for use on lionfish), and no recreational or commercial bag limit, though recreational fishing license is required for other fishing methods. Check the FWC regulations before fishing or diving for these species.
Lionfish are venomous, must be handled carefully, venom glands occur on the dorsal, pelvic and anal spines. Lionfish sightings should be reported at 877.786.7267, if stung seek medical attention as soon as possible. Rarely are stings fatal unless the person has an allergy to the venom. The Poison Help Hotline can be reached at 800.222.1222. Sighting information is being collected to track the movement of these species. Fill out the online report on the USGS website or the REEF website. Stay up to date on research as it pertains to this species at www.flseagrant.org. For locals you can report sighting also at www.lionfishmap.org.
For more information contact the author Brooke Saari, Sea Grant Marine Science Extension Agent, 850-689-5850.
March 2nd: Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) & Napier Grass (Pennisetum purpureum):
Photo by Jennifer Bearden
Cogongrass: Cogongrass is one of the 10 worst weeds in the world. This grass is an aggressive grower and forms colonies causing loss of productive forest areas, severe degradation of habitat, and economic issues. Since its introduction in the 1900s, Cogongrass has spread to most of the counties in Florida. Reproduction occurs through seed production and the creeping rhizome system. This plant is prolific once established with the creation of a very dense rhizome system that retains water and releasing of allelopathic chemicals reducing competition from other plants. The main identifying characteristic is the off-center mid rib and its yellow green coloring.
Once this grass invades, it will quickly displace the native species and requires frequent and intensive controls. Early detection is best since a small infestation is easier and cheaper to treat. The larger infestations become more time intensive, expensive, and difficult. There are treatment options for these infestations, make sure that specific instructions are followed and treatment is repeated. For more information on the biology of this plant and chemical control updates visit http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg202 or http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/199. Also, by contacting your local UF/IFAS Extension office for assistance and information.
For more information contact the author Brooke Saari, Sea Grant Marine Science Extension Agent, 850-689-5850
Napier Grass photo courtesy of UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu
Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum),): Also called elephant grass, is an invasive, cane-like grass. It grows in a wide range of soils and in many different habitats. It can grow in wetlands but is also very drought tolerant. Napier grass hinders flood control and water flow by growing densely in ditches and canals. Napier grass grows in dense clumps up to 15 feet tall. The growth pattern resembles bamboo however it produces long leaves and curves down giving it a j-shaped appearance. It can reproduce via root crown divisions or rhizome and stem fragments. It doesn’t consistently produce viable seed.
It was introduced in the U.S. in 1913 as a forage crop and in Florida in 1915 as an ornamental. Commonly found naturalized in central and south Florida, it has been infrequently documented in Northwest Florida. This is possibly due to low cold tolerance in the plant. A frost will kill the plant above ground while frozen soils are needed to kill the rhizomes. Cultivation can actually allow Napier grass to spread. It can be controlled chemically by using a 2% glyphosate solution with a surfactant and ammonium sulfate.
Napier grass is currently a category I weed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant List. Category I weeds alter native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives.Visit http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc071 for background and control information.
For more information contact the author Jennifer Bearden, Agriculture Extension Agent, 850-689-5850.
March 1st: Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata), Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia), Crazy Ant (Nylanderia pubens)
Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR): All of the species featured in today’s article are ones that we need to keep an eye on as they move closer to the Florida panhandle. If new invasive species are caught early, then eradication of that species from the area becomes easier.
Coral Ardisia (Ardisia crenata):
Coral ardisia is also known as coral berry, spice berry, and scratchthroat. It was introduced into Florida in the early 1900’s for ornamental purposes.
In the ensuing years, it has since it escaped cultivation and has become established in hardwood hammocks and other moist woods of natural areas and grazing lands. Populations can currently found in Florida, Louisiana and Georgia.
photo courtesy of Les Harrison
This evergreen sub-shrub reaches a height of 1.5 to 6 feet and tends to grow in multi-stemmed clumps. Leaves are alternate, 8 inches long, dark green above, waxy, without hairs, and have scalloped margins and calluses in the margin notches. Flowers are typically pink to white in stalked axillary clusters, usually drooping below the foliage. The fruit is a bright red, globose, single-seeded berry, measuring approximately 0.25 inches in diameter. White-berried populations are also known to exist.
Coral ardisia is classified a Category I weed on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant List. Control of coral ardisia may be accomplished by two methods. A low-volume foliar application of Garlon 4 or Remedy provides suppression of this plant. Complete foliar coverage is essential to success and retreatment will be necessary for complete control. Basal bark applications with Garlon 4 or Remedy in an oil carrier can also be utilized for suppressing this invasive weed. Do not apply more than 8 quarts of Remedy or Garlon 4 per acre and treat no more than ten percent of the total grazed area if applying greater than two quarts per acre.
For local assistance, contact your county UF IFAS Extension office.
For more information contact Les Harrison, Agriculture & Natural Resources Extension Agent by phone at 850-926-3931.
Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia):
Click Image to Download Wanted Poster. Please circulate to area residents to provide visual identification of Beach Vitex. Contact your Extension Office for control options and help reduce it’s impact on native species.
Originally from the Pacific rim of Asia, Beach Vitex was brought to South Carolina to help restore dunes lost during storms. Also known as round-leaved chaste tree and pohinahina, this low-growing shrub does very well in coastal habitats. The plant is a small, deciduous shrub that can grow to a height of 3 feet and forms root and rhizome masses extending over 60 feet from the parent plant. The stems are fleshy when young but become woody with age. The leaves are simple and measure 1 – 2.5 inches in length, are ovate, and dark green on top while lower surface is light green to silver. Locally it flowers in the spring producing beautiful purple to light blue flowers. The fruit forms in mid-summer and are charcoal gray color.
Rapid growth and dense fruit production allows this plant to quickly dominate dune habitats, in some cases covering over 85% of the dune field and crowding out natives such as sea oats. The plant is also known to produce its own chemical weapons to help outcompete native species. Coverage is so thick in some areas the term “beach kudzu” is now being used. Conservation groups believe that this dense growth will negatively impact sea turtle nesting (both for egg laying adults and hatching young). In 2009 the plant was listed on North Carolina’s Noxious Weed List and there is now a statewide task force to combat this invasive. It was first reported in our area on Pensacola Beach. There are 13 known locations on Pensacola Beach and it could very well be found in other panhandle locations. If you suspect you have the plant you may contact your local Extension office for information on how to safely remove it. For more information visit www.beachvitex.org
For more information, contact the author Rick O’Connor, Sea Grant/Marine Sciences Agent 850-475-5230.
Caribbean Crazy Ant (Nylanderia pubens):
Also known as the “Hairy Crazy” and the “Brown Crazy Ant,” the Caribbean Crazy Ant originated in the Caribbean Islands. The ants were most likely introduced by accident to Miami in the 1950’s. For 50 years very little was said about the ant until their numbers began to increase in the West Palm Beach area around the year 2000. They have now migrated as far north as the Jacksonville area. The name “crazy ant” describes their movement. This ant does not sting, but rather bites with its mandibles and is considered an annoying pest. These ants swarm in large numbers and are found mostly outside, but have infested homes and even caused shortages in electrical systems. They do not form mounds but rather nest in leaf litter,
debris, potted plants, garbage cans, and landscape features; quickly relocating when disturbed. This reddish-brown, medium sized (2.5-3.0mm), ant is sometimes mistaken for the fire ant, but differs in having stripes on its abdomen. Caribbean crazy ant workers are the same size; whereas the fire ant workers vary in size. They feed on protein (insects) and their diet may vary seasonally. They are rarely seen in large numbers during the winter months, which suggests they may form several nests and gather with increasing temperatures. They can be confused with the ant Prenolepis impairis, found in north Florida. However P. imparis has an hour-glass shaped alitrunk behind the head, which is not found on the Caribbean Crazy Ant. Scientists from Texas A&M University have determined that the “Raspberry Crazy Ant” of the Houston area is in fact the same species.
Eradication is not probable and the homeowner may need professional help to remove them. Pesticides have not been very effective and homeowners should be aware the pest control professionals are restricted in how they spray each year, so requesting more applications will not be an option. An integrated pest management plan will be needed. To reduce the chance of infestation homeowners should de-clutter their yards and homes, watch where you leave food, seal entry points into homes, and trim vegetation away from the house.
Considered one of the top six biodiversity hotspots in the country, Northwest Florida contains many unique upland, wetland, and marine habitats which house a variety of plants and animals. Invasive species are non-native or exotic species that do not naturally occur in an area and cause harm to the environment, human health, and the economy. These invasive species have become the primary threat to biodiversity on protected lands. Because invasive species do not know boundaries, public and private lands are affected, as well as natural and man-made water bodies and associated watersheds. In Florida there are over 500 non-native fish and wildlife species and over 1180 non-native plant species that have been documented. These exotic species are able to out-compete many native species, causing habitat degradation, wildlife community imbalances, and diseases that can destroy economically important plants. This is a worldwide issue that can be addressed on local levels.
One of the most effective ways to control invasive species is by prevention—by simply becoming invasive-aware, you can help to control some of these issues. Recreationalists such as boaters, fishermen, pet owners, gardeners, hikers and travelers can unknowingly spread invasive species. You can take some of the following steps to avoid this dispersal:
Cleaning and draining your boat, gear, and trailer between water bodies can stop the spread of species that may be hitchhiking on your equipment.
If you have a pet that you are unable to keep, it is important to not release it into the wild, which can cause more harm than good to your pet and the native wildlife. Neither native nor exotic pets should ever be released. Follow the simple tips at http://www.habitattitude.net/ for alternatives to releasing your pet.
When enjoying nature while biking, hiking, camping, birding, or other activities, be aware of the habitat where you are trekking and check what might have attached to your clothing to make sure you do not end up being an unwitting disperser.
Gardeners, even you can help—especially when dealing with non-native plant dispersal. Not all non-native plants are bad, but make sure that the plants you put in your garden are not harmful invaders that can make it into natural areas. Verify that your plants do not occur on the invasive plant list, which can be found at http://www.fleppc.org/.
There are many ways to get involved in the battle against invasive species. Six Rivers Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMA) is providing education and awareness for National Invasive Species Awareness Week from March 1st-9th. For more information about this awareness initiative, please visit http://www.nisaw.org/. Landowners can join their local CISMA group at http://www.floridainvasives.org/. For more information on local invasive species, contact your UF/IFAS extension office at www.solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu. Follow our posts and articles this week at https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/.
For more information on marine science and natural resources information, email or call bsaari@ufl.edu or 689-5850.
![Rick-Wanted-Poster-300x228[1]](https://nwdistrict.ifas.ufl.edu/nat/files/2014/02/Rick-Wanted-Poster-300x2281.jpg)
