An invasive plant is a plant that has the ability to spread aggressively and/or out compete with other plants for space, sunlight, water, and nutrients. Usually, invasive plants are non-native species that cause damage to natural places or food crops. Each state has its own lists and regulations for invasive species. Continue reading to learn more about invasive plants in zones 9-11.
Invasive Plant Information for Zones 9-11
In the U.S., parts of California, Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, and Nevada are considered zones 9-11. Having the same hardiness and climates, many invasive plants in these states are the same. Some, though, may specifically be a problem in one state but not another. It is always important to check with your local extension service for your state’s invasive species list before planting any non-native plants. Below are some of the most common invasive plants in warm climates of the U.S. zones 9-11: California
- Fountain grass
- Pampas grass
- Broom
- Acacia
- Canary island date palm
- Kudzu
- Pepper tree
- Tree of heaven
- Tamarisk
- Eucalyptus
- Blue gum
- Red gum
Texas
- Tree of heaven
- Kudzu
- Giant reed
- Elephant ear
- Paper mulberry
- Water hyacinth
- Heavenly bamboo
- Chinaberry tree
- Hydrilla
- Glossy privet
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Cat’s claw vine
- Scarlet firethorn
- Tamarisk
Florida
- Brazilian pepper
- Bishop weed
- Cat’s claw vine
- Glossy privet
- Elephant ear
- Heavenly bamboo
- Lantana
- Indian Laurel
- Kudzu
- Acacia
- Japanese honeysuckle
- Guava
- Britton’s wild petunia
- Camphor tree
- Tree of heaven
Hawaii
- Chinese violet
- Bengal trumpet
- Yellow oleander
- Lantana
- Guava
- Castor bean
- Elephant ear
- Canna
- Acacia
- Mock orange
- Pepper grass
- Ironwood
- Fleabane
- Wedelia
- African tulip tree
For more complete lists on zones 9-11 invasive plants, contact your local extension office.
How to Avoid Planting Hot Climate Invasives
If you move from one state to another, never take plants with you without first checking invasive species regulations of your new state. Many plants that grow as tame, well controlled plants in one zone, can grow completely out of control in another zone. For example, where I live, lantana can only grow as an annual; they never grow very big or out of control and cannot survive our winter temperatures. However, in zones 9-11, lantana is an invasive plant. It’s very important to know your local regulations about invasive plants before moving plants from state to state. To avoid planting hot climate invasives, shop for plants at local nurseries or garden centers. Online nurseries and mail order catalogs can have some beautiful exotic plants, but they could be potentially harmful to natives. Shopping locally also helps promote and support small businesses in your area.