The 39 Most Invasive Plant Species in California

  • Alternanthera Philoxeroides.
  • Eichhornia Crassipes.
  • Hydrilla Verticillata.
  • Limnobium Laevigatum.
  • Ludwigia Hexapetala.
  • Myriophyllum Aquaticum.
  • Salvinia Molesta.
  • Sesbania Punicea.

Similarly, What is an example of an invasive species in California?

A prime example of the harm an invasive species can cause is Caulerpa taxifolia, also known as Killer Algae, a strain of green seaweed believed to be released from an aquarium directly into a water body or through a storm drain.

Additionally, What is the most common invasive species in California? Invertebrates

Scientific name Common name Currently present in California

Eriocheir senensis

Chinese mitten crab
Yes
Euwallacea spp.opens in new tab) Polyphagous and Kuroshio shot hole borers Yes
Pomacea canaliculata Channeled apple snail Yes
Potamopyrgus antipodarum New Zealand mudsnail Yes

Is Clover invasive to California?

Trifolium hirtum (rose clover) is an annual forb/herb (family Fabaceae) commonly found in California, blanketing dry rangelands. … It was intentionally introduced as grassland forage and in most rangeland systems is not considered weedy. However, in wildlands, it can out-compete native clovers.

Is Lantana invasive in California?

Lantana is considered an invasive exotic in many subtropical ecosystems from Hawaii and Australia to the Southeast United States. But here in California, our lack of summer rain and relative low humidity prevents lantana and many other introduced ornamentals from running beyond the bounds of our gardens.

What is an invasive plant in California?

California Invasive Plant Council

Subject Name Scientific Name Family
spotted knapweed Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos (Gugler) Hayek Asteraceae
common teasel Dipsacus fullonum L. Dipsacaceae
Brazilian waterweed Egeria densa Planch. Hydrocharitaceae
common water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms Pontederiaceae

Is Bamboo an invasive species in California?

Invasiveness of Bamboo. The American Bamboo Society (ABS) is concerned about misinformation regarding the potential invasiveness of bamboo, because if planted and cared for properly bamboo is not invasive. … 530 species) and the tropical woody bamboos (tribe Bambuseae, ca. 780 species).

Are Alligators an invasive species in California?

Alligators are not native to California. According to Florida State University, Florida and Louisiana have the largest populations of alligators in America, with each inhabited by around 1.5 million alligators.

Why are there so many invasive species in California?

Relatively few non-native species had been introduced to California prior to its settlement by Spaniards, which began in the 1700’s. … People traveling between natural areas, farms, or waterways for work or recreation unintentionally spread invasive species on their vehicles, boats, equipment and even clothing.

Why are invasive species a problem in California?

Invasive species threaten California’s landscapes. When insects, weeds, animals and diseases enter California from elsewhere in the nation or world, they can cause economic losses to agricultural crops and ecological damage to the state’s natural areas. Ultimately, invasive species affect every resident of California.

Is clover considered invasive?

White clover may become weedy or invasive in some regions or habitats and may displace desirable vegetation if not properly managed making it a concern in riparian and moist meadow habitats. This species generally occurs as a weed in wildland areas of the Southwestern Region rather than as an invasive plant.

Is clover an invasive plant?

Benefits and Drawbacks. Clover belongs to the legume plant family (Fabaceae), and, like other legumes, clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, actively increasing the nutrient levels in the garden. … Clover can, however, be highly invasive in some areas, as it spreads rapidly by seed and from the roots.

Is clover lawn invasive?

Clover is naturally invasive, rooting wherever its trailing stems touch the ground. That may be a boon in a sparse lawn, but it can easily spread beyond the lawn into nearby gardens. Ideally you’d contain white clover by surrounding it with a path or some other inert surface.

Is lantana native to CA?

Lantana camara (lantana) is a shrub (family Verbenaceae) with a multicolored cluster of flowers and fragrant oval-shaped leaves found in the central and south coast ranges of California. It is native to the Caribbean. It favors grasslands, woodlands, and riparian and bottomland habitat.

Is lantana good for California?

The plants grow well in the Bay Area, able to withstand the heat of summer as well as the chill of winter nights, while producing long-lasting blooms in a rainbow of colors. Lantana also is an excellent plant for attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Is lantana considered invasive?

Many plants are aggressive, but Lantana camara (also called Lantana strigocamara) is a Category 1 invasive plant pest, meaning it’s invading native areas, displacing native plants, and hybridizing with related native plants — and it’s been here and in many parts of the world a long time.

What are the most invasive trees?


Escape of the invasives: Top six invasive plant species in the United States

  1. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) …
  2. 2. Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) …
  3. 3. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) …
  4. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) …
  5. English Ivy (Hedera helix) …
  6. Kudzu (Pueraria montana var.

Is Clover invasive in California?

Trifolium hirtum (rose clover) is an annual forb/herb (family Fabaceae) commonly found in California, blanketing dry rangelands. … It was intentionally introduced as grassland forage and in most rangeland systems is not considered weedy. However, in wildlands, it can out-compete native clovers.

What are some invasive species in Los Angeles?


Major Invasive Weeds in Los Angeles County

  • Alligatorweed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) Alligatorweed is an aquatic weed that grows in shallow water and forms dense interwoven floating mats that extend over the surface of deeper water. …
  • Halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus) …
  • Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea maculosa)

Is it illegal to grow bamboo in CA?

It’s not illegal, but bamboo plants are mosquitoes favorite places to lay eggs. So you will be willfully planting a fast growing invasive plant that will be hard to keep tame as well as harbor pests.

Is bamboo really invasive?

Bamboo, which technically is a giant grass, is one of the world’s most invasive plants. Once established, it is literally next to impossible to control. … The underground roots of common running “fishpole” bamboo, which can easily reach 15 feet tall, can travel as far as 20 feet or more from the original clump.

Are crocodiles native to California?

The California crocodile (Crocodilus minusculus) is a species of crocodile native only to the United States, particularly in California. Over the past five years (since 2005), they have become a more common sight throughout many urban and suburban neighborhoods.

Are there alligators in Los Angeles?

An alligator found in San Fernando Valley backyard had lived there for 37 years. The gator, which was bought 37 years ago in a pet shop, was relocated to the Los Angeles Zoo, where it was quarantined. … Days later, a second alligator was found in North Hills.