Lantana
Lantana Overview
Lantana is a shrub that blooms continuously. The flowers are a bright yellow and orange and look pretty. However, the shrub is armed with thorns and the plant often grows into an impenetrable thicket, so people in Hawaii rather consider it an annoyance or pest. It has infiltrated rangelands and forests and biologists have even brought insects that are known to parasitize this plant in order to get rid of it. These attempts have been very successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do lantana flowers look like?
Lantana flowers are small, tubular, and brightly colored - often yellow, orange, or pink - and grow in dense, round clusters.
Is lantana considered invasive in Hawaii?
Yes. Despite its beauty, lantana forms dense, thorny thickets that invade forests and pastures, making it a problematic weed in Hawaii.
Has Hawaii tried to control lantana?
Yes, biologists introduced specific insects that parasitize lantana to help control its spread, and the method has shown success.
Does lantana bloom year-round?
Yes. In Hawaii’s warm climate, lantana blooms continuously, adding color but also contributing to its invasive spread.
Is lantana toxic?
Yes. All parts of the lantana plant are toxic to humans and animals if ingested, and its thorns can irritate the skin.