Currently, there are 48 species of plants that do not naturally occur in Leon County and have been identified on Leon County's List of Invasive Non-native Plants. Leon County is concerned about these plants because they have demonstrated the ability to alter our existing natural plant communities due to their high reproductive rates and lack of natural enemies. Potential impacts from invasive non-native plants include loss of native wildlife due to habitat reduction or alteration, decreased wetland function, alteration of water flow in streams and lakes, loss of plant diversity and of unique or rare plants, loss of natural scenic beauty within the County and decreased recreational opportunities. Invasive non-native plants also create a financial burden for government agencies and private organizations that spend millions of dollars annually to control these species in our parks, natural areas and waterways.
Want to know how you can help control invasive non-native plants, animals and diseases? Click on the following links for more information.
List of Invasive Non-native Plants
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/news/whatyou.shtml
http://www.fleppc.org/
Invasive Plants | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Invasive Species Partnership Florida Invasive Species Partnership