Origin
West Indies
Ecological Impact
Invades areas and can become the dominant understroy, eliminating native flora and fauna. In Florida, Lantana camara forms thickets in sunny open areas and can hybridize with some varieties of Lantana depressa (Langeland and Burks, 1998). Listed as a Category I invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council.
Description
A deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. Stems are square and may have tiny prickles. Leaves are simple and opposite with blunt-toothed (serrated) margins, and a strong, musty aroma. Blade base is broad and squared off or truncate. Flowers are multicolored in small clusters up to 4 cm. across. In a single cluster, flowers may be white to pink, yellow to orange to red, or may change colors over time. Fruit is round and green, which turns from purple to a blue-black color (Langeland and Burks, 1998).
Identification Tips
May be confused with the native Florida lantana (Lantana depressa). Look at the base of the leaf blades. Native Lantana has blades that are tapered, not truncate.
History
Introduced to Florida in the early 1800s as an ornamental plant.
Florida Range
Found throughout the state of Florida, including the keys.
Prevention/Management Strategies
Do not plant.