Know Before You Grow: All Lantanas Are NOT Created Equal
Webpage of big-box store selling Lantana camara Lantana camara , commonly known as lantana and/or shrub verbena, can (unfortunately) be found throughout the state of Florida. It is a Category 1 invasive species , according to the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Category 1 species are defined as: "Invasive exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. This definition does not rely on the economic severity or geographic range of the problem, but on the documented ecological damage caused." These plants are being marketed as "Flowers for Florida" and sold at many big-box home improvement stores. DO NOT BE FOOLED by this rather deceptive advertising. Although they do GROW in Florida, they are in no way FOR Florida. Photo by Rich Fuller ( CCO ) Lantana montevidensis (left), sometimes referred to as "trailing shrubverbena,...