As we spotlight Invasive Species Awareness Week, it’s important to recognize one plant that poses a significant threat to Sanibel’s native ecosystem: the non-native inkberry (Scaevola taccada). While it may look lush and attractive with its shiny green leaves and white berries, this weedy shrub is anything but harmless.
Why It’s a Problem
The non-native inkberry forms dense mounds of foliage that can quickly take over coastal landscapes, outcompeting native vegetation and reducing biodiversity. Its fleshy white fruit can float in water, allowing seeds to travel long distances and spread rapidly along the coast—especially in beach areas where it thrives thanks to its salt tolerance.
This aggressive spread is not just an environmental issue—it’s also a legal one. On Sanibel, the non-native inkberry is prohibited:
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It may not be planted or propagated
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It must be removed from properties slated for development
How to Remove It
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Small plants can be hand-pulled
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Larger shrubs should be cut and treated with herbicide to prevent regrowth
Always use appropriate methods and consult with professionals or city guidelines to ensure safe and effective removal.
Choose Native: Scaevola plumieri
Rather than risking your garden’s health with invasive species, consider planting the native inkberry, Scaevola plumieri. This low-maintenance, drought- and salt-tolerant evergreen shrub is ideal for Sanibel’s beach zones.
Benefits of the Native Inkberry:
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Grows up to 4 feet high
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Forms dense clumps with glossy, thick leaves at the tips
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Thrives in sandy, well-drained soils
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Stabilizes beaches with its trailing stems
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Flowers most of the year with fan-like white blooms featuring yellow centers
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Produces glossy black fruits that attract and feed native birds
Its dense growth offers excellent habitat and shelter for birds and small mammals, making it a smart, sustainable choice for coastal landscaping.
Learn More
To explore other invasive species threatening Sanibel, check out:
The Alien Invasion Brochure (PDF)
For guidance or more information, contact the City of Sanibel’s Natural Resources Department at 239-472-3700.
By choosing native plants like Scaevola plumieri, you’re not just beautifying your property—you’re helping to preserve the island’s fragile coastal ecosystem. Let’s keep Sanibel naturally wild and wonderfully diverse.
