Driving around Florida, you may notice a large variety of plants in landscapes. These landscapes change from North to South Florida. The incredibly unique climate found here allows many plants to thrive. Introduced plants can do so well that they become invasive.

More From the Extension:New crop on the block

The Sunshine State's own:The scrub-jay is Florida's most unique bird

An invasive plant is one that has escaped cultivation, becoming established in the native ecosystems. Once established they negatively impact the native ecosystem. 

Homeowners to not always see which landscape plants escape cultivation. Here we focus on five common invasive landscape plants while providing a Florida Friendly alternative. 

If you have concerns about any plant in your landscape being invasive, contact your local extension office for advice. Additionally, more information about all above plants is available through the UF Gardening Solutions page at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu. 

An Equal Opportunity Institution. UF/IFAS Extension, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Andra Johnson, Dean. Single copies of UF/IFAS Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county UF/IFAS Extension offices.

Jamie Daugherty is the Residential Horticulture Agent of the UF/IFAS Lake County Extension office.