African lovegrass (Eragrostris echinochloidea) is a large perennial bunchgrass (family Poaceae) that is native to seasonally dry tropical areas of South Africa. It was introduced into Mexico and Arizona in the 1940’s, where it has been slowly expanding, most recently into California (San Diego County). It grows to over 1m height, has a fibrous root […]
Creeping groundsel (Senecio angulatus) is a fast-growing, scrambling, vining, perennial herbaceous herb (family Asteraceae) that is native to South Africa and has recently become established in coastal Southern California. It is grown as an ornamental plant for its satiny foliage and sweet-scented flowers but can become an aggressive weed once established. Plants form dense tangled […]
Prickly goldenfleece (Urospermum picroides) is an annual or biennial forb (family Asteraceae) that is native to Eurasia and has naturalized in a number of locations worldwide. In California, the species has been spreading in the coastal regions of Southern and Central California, forming dense patches in some locations. Although evidence of ecological/environmental impacts are limited, […]
Asparagus setaceus is a perennial vine native to South Africa. It is popular in the horticultural industry, especially as a houseplant. Asparagus setaceus reproduces by seed and rhizome; and it is dispersed by birds and humans. This species is invasive in Australia, Cuba, and New Zealand. It can be distinguished by its wiry stems with […]
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is a globally invasive perennial grass native to South America, where it occurs in warm temperate grasslands. It is a major pasture weed in Australia and South Africa, where it is widespread and invades agricultural areas, grasslands, and some woodlands. In the US, serrated tussock was likely introduced accidentally and is […]
Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam) is a succulent annual that is native to the Himalayas and introduced into many other temperate regions. It was introduced into Europe and likely North America as an ornamental but has naturalized and spread quickly since then across much of its introduced range. Its stems are flesh, leaves are simple, hairless, […]
Cuscuta japonica, or Japanese dodder (family Convolvulaceae), is an annual (occasionally perennializing in warm climates), holoparasitic (requires host plant to survive) vine native to East Asia. It can be differentiated from native dodders by its floral features. Due to its parasitic nature, this plant has the ability to weaken or kill a wide range of […]
Osteospermum calendulaceum (family Asteraceae) is a yellow-flowered annual to short-lived perennial plant that is native to the Cape region of southern Africa. It was first detected in the continental United States in Orange County, California, in 2022. Osteospermum calendulaceum and has also been introduced into Hawaii, and Australia, where it does not appear to be […]
Pulicaria paludosa (Spanish false fleabane; Asteraceae) is an annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial that thrives in moist areas. It has simple, clasping leaves, a branched growth habit, and can grow up to a meter tall with a woody rhizomatous root system. It is native to the Mediterranean region of Portugal and Spain and was first […]
Coastal Galenia (Galenia pubescens; family Aizoaceae) is a perennial, prostrate, mat forming member of the Aizoaceae (iceplant family) native to South Africa. The species was likely introduced to California between the years of 1970-78, by the US Forest Service (and provided to the Los Angeles County Fire Department) when it was grown in nursery conditions […]