Projects

Originally brought to Florida as an ornamental plant in 1955, carrotwood became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. 

In 1999, carrotwood was added to Florida’s noxious weed list, making it illegal to introduce, possess, transport, or sell in the state. 

Carrotwood can form dense monocultures, crowding out native plants for nutrients and light. It can be especially damaging to coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks, which are important for erosion control, water quality, and wildlife. 

Carrotwood produces many seeds, which are attractive to birds that disperse them widely. 

To remove carrotwood, you can:

• Pull seedlings by hand before they mature 
• Cut larger trees and treat the stump with triclopyr ester 
• Apply basal bark 
• Dispose of seeds in plastic bags