Origin
Mexico
Ecological Impact
Listed as a Category I invasive species for all regions of Florida by the Florida Invasive Species Council. Spreads via lateral roots and abundant readily viable seed that can germinate in light or dark conditions. The seeds produce a gel-like substance when wet that enables them to stick to surfaces when they dry. It forms dense stands in the understory of forests, crowding out native plants and altering fire and succession regimes1.
Description
An evergreen perennial that forms colonies of stemmy stalks standing 3 ft. in height. Leaves are dark green and arranged oppositely at the nodes. The lance-shaped leaves are to 6-12 inches in length and ½-¾ in wide. Flowers have 5 petals, are metallic blue to purple in color, and trumpet shaped, about 2 inches in diameter.
Identification Tips
Look for blue-purple flowers on long stalks. Dwarf Mexican petunia is a smaller cultivar, usually less than 1 foot tall; it is also invasive.
History
Introduced and widely popular in the landscape trade, Britton’s wild petunia (also known as Mexican petunia) has been planted across the SE US. Its attractiveness and tolerance of varying urban landscape conditions makes it a popular choice for difficult areas as it can handle and even thrive in shade, sun, wet, dry, and poor soil. Sterile cultivars have been developed; however, they all still require maintenance to prevent escape because they will still spread via creeping lateral roots1.
Florida Range
Found throughout the state of Florida; mainly central and southern.
Prevention/Management Strategies
Do not plant in the landscape. Invades habitats rapidly and is very adaptable, able to tolerate a variety of environmental conditions. Mexican petunia can also resprout from crowns or rootstocks when cut back or killed back by frost1. Hand-pulling and removal of plants is suitable for small groups. Aggressive tillage and mowing may also be effective. All vegetative material must be removed to prevent regrowth. A follow up removal may be necessary1.
References
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Plant Directory. https://plant-directory.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/. Accessed Sept. 17, 2025. Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville.