Two University of Florida juniors took a deep dive into invasive plant species being sold in the Gainesville area.

UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics (SFFGS) students Natalie Vargas and Luis Hernandez launched an undercover collaborative independent study this semester under the watchful eye of SFFGS Associate Professor of Forest Systems Michael Andreu, Ph.D.

“Our independent study is about the most common invasive plant species being sold in stores in Gainesville,” the team reported. “Our goal for the independent study is to teach people how to identify invasive plant species, provide alternatives, and teach about the history of these invasive species.”

Invasive plants can have a negative impact on local wildlife and infrastructure and cost millions of dollars to eradicate. “From 2009-2014, it cost $45 million to manage invasive plants on Florida conservation lands,” the report states.

The study: “The presence of invasive plants in big box and local nurseries within Gainesville, Florida” returned some interesting results.

Hernández and Vargas visited six big box nurseries that sell a variety of plants and two local plant nurseries in the city of Gainesville. Out of these six big box nurseries, nurseries A and B were the same company, nurseries C and D were the same company, and nurseries E, F, and G were the same company. Two local plant nurseries are going to be classified as store H and I.

“At these big box nurseries and nurseries, we recorded the number of invasive plant species as well as the genus and species. Only plant species that were either high risk or invasive in Alachua County, determined by UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native plants or the Florida Invasive Species Council (FISC), were included in our assessment,” the report states.

Here are the conclusions reported by Hernández and Vargas:

They found that approximately 77 percent of the invasive plants within big box and local nurseries were being sold as indoor houseplants. Many of these houseplants are vines that attract customers who want to decorate their home in a unique way for a low cost.

Approximately 23 percent of the invasive plants found in big box and local nurseries were sold as outdoor plants, primarily used for their wide variety of colors and attraction of pollinators.

The most common invasive plant we found within big box and local nurseries was Hedera helix (English ivy), accounting for approximately 30 percent of our findings. Epipremnum aureum (golden pothos) made up approximately 29 percent, and Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) made up approximately 20 percent. Nandina domestica (heavenly bamboo) was our least found plant and was only spotted in one store, accounting for approximately 1% of our findings. Both Ruellia simplex (Mexican petunia) and Hedera canariensis also made up 1 percent of our findings.

“Our study concludes that invasive plants are present in big box and local nurseries around Gainesville, Florida. While at these nurseries, there was no explicit signage indicating it’s risk to the economy, environment, or human health.

“These invasive plants are most likely being bought by customers who lack knowledge of the topic of invasive plants. Our research and infographics provide a list of the ten most invasive species in these nurseries, how to identify them, their origins, and their impact, and alternative plants to buy. We hope our study and infographics can educate people on the most common invasive plants in Gainesville and prevent the purchase of these plants.”

TOP 10 COMMON INVASIVE PLANTS SOLD ACROSS GAINESVILLE:

(To see illustrated and shareable results on Instagram click here: https://www.instagram.com/invasiveplantcases/)

1. Our first invasive plant that we found was Syngonium podophyllum, or commonly known as arrowhead vine. We found arrowhead vine in Store A, Store C, Store D, Store H, and Store I. In Store A, we found approximately 12 of this species, Store C had approximately 39 of this species, and Store D had one of this species. Store H had approximately 27 of this species, with six of them being in hanging baskets rather than the traditional plastic pots that were consistent among the other nurseries, and Store I had approximately 16 of this species. Syngonium podophyllum had two notable varieties found across all the nurseries, which were the ‘Pink Allusion’ and ‘White Butterfly’ varieties. The variety ‘Pink Allusion’ is characterized by its light pink leaves, and ‘White Butterfly’ is characterized by their light green, almost white colored leaves. Syngonium podophyllum is a common houseplant sold throughout the United States and is categorized as a category 1 invasive species by the Florida Invasive Species Council as of June 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025) and is invasive with no uses as of 2021 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2021). Its noticeable features are the arrowhead-shaped leaves, which give the plant its name, arrowhead vine, and variegated leaves.

2. Our second invasive plant that we found was Epipremnum aureum, or commonly known as golden pothos. We found golden pothos in store A, store B, store C, store D, store E, store F, store G, store H, and store I. In store A, we found approximately 142 of this species, store B had approximately 54 of this species, store C had approximately 192 of this species, and store D had approximately 46 of this species. Store F had approximately 12 of this species, and store G had approximately 23 of this species. Store H had four of this species, and Store I had two of this species. There were many different varieties of Epipremnum aureum, such as Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’, Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’, and Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’, but they are not invasive in Gainesville. Epipremnum aureum is a common house plant that is characterized by its gold-colored variegation on its leaves (Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants | University of Florida, IFAS, 2025). Epipremnum aureum is known for being easy to take care of and is promoted to people beginning their houseplant journey. The Florida Invasive Species Council labeled Epipremnum aureum as a Category II invasive as of June 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025), and the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas labeled Epipremnum aureum as a high invasion risk as of 2021 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2023). In our data collection, we also noticed that Epipremnum aureum was found in various forms, such as in hanging baskets, plastic pots, and glass jars across all the nurseries we visited.

3. Our third invasive plant that we found was Hedera Helix or commonly known as English ivy. We found English ivy in Store A, Store B, Store C, Store D, and Store H. In store A, we found approximately 75 of this species, store B had approximately 65 of this species, store C had approximately 111 of this species, and store D had approximately 236 of this species. Store H had approximately 10 of this species. There were many cultivars of English ivy being sold across these nurseries. This included Hedera Helix ‘Spearpoint’, Hedera Helix ‘Royal tee’, Hedera Helix ‘Florida’, Hedera Helix ‘Ingelise’, Hedera Helix ‘Mini adam’, Hedera Helix ‘Royal hustler’, Hedera Helix ‘Starling’, Hedera Helix ‘Design’, Hedera Helix ‘Goldchild’, and Hedera Helix ‘Asterick’. It is not recommended to plant Hedera Helix or its varieties. Hedera Helix is a popular climbing vine commonly recommended for outdoor and indoor use. The Florida Invasive Species Council has added Hedera Helix to its watchlist as of 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025). UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants has assessed Hedera Helix to be high invasion risk as of 2026 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2026). Hedera Helix is identifiable by its five-pointed, star-shaped leaves and its dark, glossy leaves. The cultivars will come in a variety of colors and shapes, but will have their characteristic dark, glossy feel to the leaves.

4. Our fourth invasive plant that we found was Lantana strigocamara, or commonly known as lantana. We only found this species in one store, which was store A, with approximately 50 of this species. Lantana strigocamara is an attractive flowering plant with clusters of small flowers. These flowers are colorful and range in colors of pink, purple, yellow, and white. Lantana strigocamara is often desired by people who want to attract pollinators to their property. This includes pollinators such as hummingbirds or butterflies, who are attracted to the colorful flower clusters. The Florida Invasive Species Council has categorized Lantana strigocamara as a Category 1 invasive as of 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025). The UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants has assessed Lantana strigocamara as invasive as of 2026 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2026). Lantana strigocamara is easily recognizable by its colorful cluster of flowers, rough-surfaced leaves, or distinct smell when the leaves are broken.

5. Our fifth invasive plant that we found was Ruellia simplex, or commonly known as Mexican petunia. We only found Ruellia simplex in nurseries A and D. Store A had approximately 10 of this species, and store D had approximately 13 of this species. Ruellia simplex is known for its attractive purple-blue flowers and is promoted to attract different pollinators. Pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds are said to be attracted to the flowers as a nectar source. The Florida Invasive Species Council has categorized Ruellia simplex as a Category 1 invasive as of June 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025). The UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants has assessed Ruellia simplex as invasive and having no uses as of 2023 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2023). Ruellia simplex is identifiable by its purple-blue flowers and lanceolate-shaped leaves.

6. Our sixth invasive plant that we found was Hypoestes phyllostachya, or commonly referred to as polka-dot plant. We only found Hypoestes phyllostachya in store A and store H. Store A had approximately 91 of this species, and Store H had four of this species. Hypoestes phyllostachya is known for its light pink, hot pink, or light green leaves. These leaves have a polka dot or speckled appearance, which gives it its name, polka-dot plant. Hypoestes phyllostachya is commonly sold as a houseplant and promoted as an easy beginner houseplant. The Florida Invasive Species Council has not named Hypoestes phyllostachya as an invasive species as of June 2025. However, the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants has assessed Hypoestes phyllostachya as a high invasion risk and is currently not recommended to be planted by IFAS as of 2025 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2025).

7. Our seventh invasive plant species we found was Asclepias curassavica, or commonly referred to as tropical milkweed or scarlet milkweed. We only found tropical milkweed in Store A, Store B, Store C, and Store D. Store A had approximately 120 of this species, Store B had approximately 100 of this species, Store C had approximately 60 of this species, and Store D had approximately 65 of this species. Asclepias curassavica is known for its colorful yellow and red flowers, which are used to attract pollinators. This plant is one of the most advertised plants for pollinator gardens, especially to attract butterflies. Asclepias curassavica is now said to host a parasite called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha or (OE) that can infect monarch butterflies and harm them (Silvasy, 2025). Asclepias curassavica is often sold under the common name “scarlet milkweed” and will often be advertised in relation to butterflies or pollinators. The Florida Invasive Species Council has categorized Asclepias curassavica as a Category II Invasive as of June 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025). The UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants has assessed Asclepias curassavica as invasive as of 2025 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2025).

8. Our eighth invasive plant species we found was Hedera canariensis, or commonly known as Algerian ivy. This plant was only sold in Store H and was not sold at any of the other nurseries we visited. At Store H, we found approximately 12 of this species, and they were sold alongside English ivy. Similar to English ivy, Algerian ivy has aerial roots that can climb up tree trunks, walls, or trellises (Waddill et al., 1999). It was often recommended as a groundcover due to its bold green leaves and its ability to cover a large spot due to its vigorous growth (Waddill et al., 1999). If sold in nurseries, Algerian ivy will most likely be sold among vines or among English ivy. Unlike English ivy, Algerian ivy has dark green and broad leaves. The Florida Invasive Species Council has not included algerian ivy in its invasive plant species list as of June 2025. (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025). However, the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants has assessed algerian ivy as a “High Invasion Risk” and does not recommend it to be planted as of 2016 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2016).

9. Our ninth invasive plant we found was Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as spider plant. We found spider plant in Store A, Store B, and Store H. Store A had approximately 67 of this species, Store B had approximately five of this species, and Store H had approximately five of this species. Spider plant is a popular houseplant that is known for its long, narrow leaves. These leaves are usually green with a white or yellow stripe down the center of the leaves. The plant is known for its unique, slender leaves that droop down and resemble spider legs. The plant is sold as a low-maintenance houseplant for beginners and is even said to remove airborne pollutants from the air (Spider Plant – Gardening Solutions, 2024). The Florida Invasive Species Council has not included spider plant in its invasive plant species list as of June 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025). However, the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants has assessed spider plant as a “High Invasion Risk” and does not recommend it to be planted as of 2025 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2025).

10. Our tenth invasive plant we found was Nandina Domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo. We found heavenly bamboo only in Store A. At this store, we found approximately four of this species. We found two cultivars of heavenly bamboo in Store H, approximately four of Nandina Domestica ‘Lemon Lime’ and approximately ten of Nandina Domestica ‘Firepower’. These were included in our results to make consumers aware of cultivars that are non-flowering and non-fruiting. Heavenly bamboo is popular in landscaping as an ornamental shrub (Nandina – Gardening Solutions, 2024). They are easily identified by their bright red berries and bamboo-like stalks (Nandina – Gardening Solutions, 2024). The Florida Invasive Species Council has classified heavenly bamboo as a category 1 invasive as of June 2025 (Florida Invasive Species Council, 2025). The UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants has assessed heavenly bamboo as “Invasive” in Central and North Florida as of 2023 (UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants, 2023).

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