2
Lantana: A Beautiful but Invasive Plant
Lantana camara is a flowering plant that can be both beautiful and a nuisance. In some gardens, it adds colorful blooms, while in others, it can take over and become a pest.
About Lantana
Lantana is a shrub with small, colorful flowers that change color over time. It is native to the West Indies and is popular with home gardeners. In warmer climates, lantana is a perennial, but in cooler regions, it is grown as an annual or in containers.
Lantana as a Weed
In some areas, lantana has become an invasive weed. It grows quickly and aggressively, forming thick hedges that are difficult to penetrate. Lantana is also toxic to livestock and humans.
Controlling Lantana
Controlling lantana can be challenging because it is a tough plant. However, there are several methods that can be effective.
Physical Control
- Pulling out lantana by hand can be effective for small infestations.
- Removing flower heads before seeds form can prevent the spread of lantana.
Chemical Control
- Chemical herbicides can be used to control lantana, but they can be expensive and harmful to the environment.
Biological Control
- Researchers are currently working on strategies using insects to destroy lantana plants.
Preventing the Spread of Lantana
- Keeping your yard full of healthy, native plants can help prevent the spread of lantana.
- Lantana tends to take over disturbed, open areas.
Lantana Toxicity
- All parts of the lantana plant are toxic to humans and livestock.
- Contact with the leaves and stems can cause skin irritation and a rash.
Tips for Managing Lantana
- Use gloves and wear long sleeves when handling lantana.
- Check with your local agricultural extension office for recommendations on using insects to control lantana.
- With a multi-step approach, you can effectively manage or even eliminate invasive lantana from your garden or yard.
Additional Information
- Lantana is native to the West Indies.
- Lantana flowers change color over time.
- Lantana is toxic to humans and livestock.
- Lantana can be controlled using physical, chemical, and biological methods.
- Preventing the spread of lantana is important to protect your garden and the environment.
