Friends of the Hammock of Dunedin, Inc.

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Friends of the Hammock of Dunedin, Inc. The Friends of the Hammock is a non-profit group created in 1995 to support education, beautification, management and charitable programs in Hammock Park.

Chinaberry was introduced in the late 1800s as an ornamental. The deciduous tree produces fragrant clusters of lavender...
10/16/2026

Chinaberry was introduced in the late 1800s as an ornamental. The deciduous tree produces fragrant clusters of lavender flowers in spring yielding persistent, yellow berries that can remain in the tree after the leaves fall. Don’t be fooled by its ornamental beauty, every part of this tree - including the berries, flowers, and bark - is poisonous to humans, some livestock, and mammals, including cats, dogs, and horses! Cattle and some birds can eat the berries without harm. Chemicals in leaves inhibit insects’ digestion. In general, this is not a friendly plant!

Unfortunately it is relatively resistant to insects and pathogens. Seedlings can be hand-pulled when the soil is damp to get the entire root out. Saplings can be cut, but must be immediately painted with a systemic herbicide. Unfortunately, mature trees can only be eradicated with herbicides as the entire tree, including the roots must be destroyed.

This beautiful ornamental is deadly to Florida’s native habitats. Since its introduction it has quickly escaped cultiva...
10/14/2026

This beautiful ornamental is deadly to Florida’s native habitats. Since its introduction it has quickly escaped cultivation. The edible fruit is favored by birds who distribute the seeds through native areas.

The evergreen shrub invades the understory of native pinelands, forming dense monoculture thickets that displace native flora and fauna through overcrowding and competition. It is highly fire-resistant and resprouts rapidly after fires. It has the potential to alter the natural fire regimes of invaded areas.

Seedlings can be hand-pulled. Repeatedly cutting and mowing the shrub can weaken the roots, though you must monitor and re-cut new shoots before they build a strong canopy. Avoid mowing if fruit and seeds have formed, as this spreads the seeds. Avoid using fire as this shrub will prolifically resprout and spread aggressively. Controlling this noxious w**d is possible but diligence is a must.

Introduced to Florida in the late 1800’s for cattle fodder and erosion control. This tree grows rapidly while toleratin...
10/12/2026

Introduced to Florida in the late 1800’s for cattle fodder and erosion control. This tree grows rapidly while tolerating drought, salt, and poor soil. It has high photosynthetic rates which aids in producing large biomass which can form dense thickets quickly. Its prolific seed production spreads by wind and wildlife. Additionally, its surface roots invade the soil and increase competition for other plants.

Management and control of the invasive, Chinaberry is difficult as burning and cutting are ineffective. Small seedlings and plants can be removed by hand, but larger trees require chemical treatment as stumps and roots regrow aggressively.

Fortunately, Florida has made it illegal to possess, transport, sell, or cultivate this noxious w**d.

Introduced to Florida in the late 19th century, this highly aggressive tree has proven to be a very destructive invasive...
10/09/2026

Introduced to Florida in the late 19th century, this highly aggressive tree has proven to be a very destructive invasive. It destroys foraging and nesting grounds for endangered species like the Florida panther, wood stork, and Cape Sable seaside sparrow.

The bark o this tree shreds like paper and burns at extremely high temperatures during wildfires. This causes the trees woody capsules to release millions of seeds. It also releases oils along with the shedding bark that trigger severe human allergies, rashes, and respiratory irritation.

State and federal agencies are using biological control to reduce seed production. This includes the release of the melaleuca weevil and leaf-galling midges. This along with mechanical removal and herbicides have dramatically decreased the total invaded acreage significantly from its peak.

This Florida noxious w**d is illegal to plant, sell, or cultivate. It alters coastal strands, mangroves, pinelands and ...
10/07/2026

This Florida noxious w**d is illegal to plant, sell, or cultivate. It alters coastal strands, mangroves, pinelands and dunes as it creates its dense monocultures.

Small seedlings can be pulled by hand, but larger trees must be cut at ground level, and their roots removed. While herbicides are something that is normally avoided, it is recommended for complete eradication.

Rosary pea originated from the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa. It was introduced as an ornamental plan...
10/06/2026

Rosary pea originated from the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa. It was introduced as an ornamental plant. This woody climbing vine not only smothers trees, but also shrubs and understory vegetation, destroying natural habitats like pine lands, hammocks and scrubs.

Removing this vine can prove difficult. Protective clothing and gear must be worn to prevent coming in contact with the natural poison that the vine produces. Small seedlings can be pulled by hand or loosened with a shovel. A medium to large plant will develop a tap root which must be completely removed. Leftover root fragments will rapidly re-sprout. Dig deeply as taproots go deep and are difficult to remove.
To halt above-ground growth cut the vine at ground level before digging. This will kill the vine and lessen further seeding. Keep monitoring the area and watch for new growth. Remove as necessary.

Be sure to bag the debris. Never use as yard waste. Do not put plant material into municipal green waste or compost bins. Processing can shred and disperse seeds into public mulch and green spaces.

Let’s work together to help eradicate this noxious w**d.

The air potato was introduced to Florida in the early 1900’s. It has rapidly spread to all 67 counties and is listed a...
10/03/2026

The air potato was introduced to Florida in the early 1900’s. It has rapidly spread to all 67 counties and is listed as a Florida noxious w**d. It is illegal to plant, possess, or remove without a permit.

Plants and their bulbils can be removed by hand pulling and by collecting the fallen bulbils. Even the smallest bulbil will root and become a vine. This will significantly limit local spread, however deep underground tubers may re-sprout unless they are dug out and thoroughly removed.

Introducing October’s Educational Series. This series will be covering Florida invasive plants that are appearing in Ha...
10/03/2026

Introducing October’s Educational Series. This series will be covering Florida invasive plants that are appearing in Hammock Park. Identifying these plants is the start to eradicating them and helping to strengthen the ecosystem.

As the Monarch butterflies begin their migration it is a good time to reflect on how we affect their survival. Wildflow...
09/30/2026

As the Monarch butterflies begin their migration it is a good time to reflect on how we affect their survival. Wildflowers, especially native milkw**d, are an essential part of the monarch lifecycle. Knowing what to plant can be life or death for this beautiful butterfly. Fortunately there is a lot of native milkw**d in Florida, but the non-native tropical milkw**d is still sold through some retailers. It is not only invasive, it can be a source of deadly parasites that kill monarchs. Native milkw**d, like butterfly milkw**d, is not only beautiful, but it is an important food source for pollinators and a larval host for the monarch butterfly.

Here’s another one of the many wildflowers that can be found in Hammock Park. If you see it, snap a pic and post it her...
09/26/2026

Here’s another one of the many wildflowers that can be found in Hammock Park. If you see it, snap a pic and post it here for others to see!

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1945 San Mateo Drive
Dunedin, FL
34698

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