Coral ardisia is a non-native evergreen, sub-shrub that was introduced to Florida in the 1900 from South East Asia. It was brought to the United States for its contrast in color for landscape. It is found in moist, heavily wooded areas and can grow in low sunlight. The plant grows in high density and outcompetes native plants making coral ardisia a state noxious weed. Leaves and berries of coral ardisia are suspected to produce substances that are toxic to livestock.
Plant Description:
Plant height: the common height is 4 to 5 feet tall, but coral ardisia can reach heights as tall as 6 feet. Branches grow around the stem of the plant; with older branches on the bottom with berries, and younger branches on the top with leaves.
Leaves: the 8 inch alternating waxy leaves have a bright, green shiny appearance. The leaves have scalloped margins and are arranged flat at the end of the branch, making them more efficient to capture sunlight. Younger branches on the top of the stand contain leaves. After a year, the leaves will drop and produce a flower for reproduction.
Flowers: once the leaves drop, small, pinkish-white clusters of flowers with yellow anthers will form.
Berries: green berries turn red after a few months around late December. The two year old bright red berries hang in clusters on the end of the older bottom branches and are present year round. Each berry measures about 0.25 inches in diameter and contain a one seed drupe.
Seed: Seed dispersal is very dense around parent plant, and can also be dispersed by birds and raccoons.
Control:
Coral ardisia is a state noxious weed making it illegal to import, sell, or transport this plant without a permit.
If you have questions about control, or need help identifying corla ardisia, you can contact your County Extension Agent.
For control of coral ardisia you can hand-pull the stand or use effective herbicides listed below.
| Active Ingredient | Trade Names | Rate(%volume to volume) |
| Triclopyr ester | Garlon 4 Ultra, Remedy | 3 |
| Triclopyr amine | Garlon 3A | 4 |
| Imazapic | Impose, Panoramic, Plateau | 1 |
| Triclopyr amine + imazapic | Garlon 3 A + Plateau | 4 + 1 |
The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition. All chemicals should be used in accordance with directions on the manufacturer’s label.
0
