UF/IFAS Extension Baker County Alicia R. Lamborn Environmental Horticulture Agent 1025 West Macclenny Avenue Macclenny, FL 32063 904-259-3520 email: [email protected] http://baker.ifas.ufl.edu Purple Trailing Lantana: A Newly Categorized Invasive Plant in Florida Plant Description: Common lantana is a highly invasive species in Florida. While the Purple Trailing Lantana (Lantana montevidensis) was once considered a mild mannered species, it has since been categorized as an invasive plant and therefore is no longer recommended for Florida-Friendly gardens. While the purple flower clusters are attractive, the spreading nature of this plant is causing problems in natural areas. If you already own this plant, consider removing it from the landscape or at least managing it to prevent its escape from your yard. In addition to being invasive, all varieties of lantana are poisonous. The berries are poisonous to humans and the leaves are highly toxic to animals. In addition, handling plants may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some people. If you can’t live without Lantana in your landscape, there are non-invasive, sterile selections available such as ‘New Gold’ Lantana (Lantana x ‘New Gold’). Planting these will ensure that birds can’t disperse the seeds to natural areas and plants won’t spread to areas where they aren’t welcome. Photo Credit: Alicia Lamborn The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. 2015 .