Islamorada, Village of Islands LANDSCAPE MANUAL

Islamorada, Village of Islands 

LANDSCAPE MANUAL 

JANUARY 2008 

Introduction and Purpose 

Applicability 

Buffer yard Standards 

Planting and Installation Standards 

Pruning and Tree Removal Standards 

Native Plant List 

Invasive Exotic Plant List

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................................................................................. 2 

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................. 3 

Why was this landscaping manual created? ............................................................................................................... 3 

Why are buffers and landscaping important? ............................................................................................................ 3 

APPLICABILITY ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 

When are you required to install landscaping? .......................................................................................................... 3 

For new development on vacant parcels: ................................................................................................................... 3 

For existing development: ......................................................................................................................................... 3 

What if I cannot fully accommodate the required buffer? ......................................................................................... 4 

What maintenance is required and who is responsible? ............................................................................................ 4 

INVASIVE EXOTIC VEGETATION .......................................................................................................................... 4 

What is invasive exotic vegetation? ........................................................................................................................... 4 

When are you required to remove invasive exotic vegetation? ................................................................................. 4 

Is a permit required to remove invasive exotic vegetation? ....................................................................................... 5 

CALCULATION OF BUFFER REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 5 

How do I calculate what is required for my buffer? .................................................................................................. 5 

What if I am required to plant more than one buffer? ............................................................................................... 5 

What if my required buffer is located along a canal? ................................................................................................ 5 

What if I am required to install a Class E or F buffer? .............................................................................................. 5 

What if I have existing vegetation on my property? .................................................................................................. 5 

BUFFER YARD STANDARDS ................................................................................................................................... 6 

Class A Buffers .......................................................................................................................................................... 6 

Class B Buffers .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Class C Buffers .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 

Class D Buffers .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 

Class E Buffers .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 

Class F Buffers .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 

Class G Buffers .......................................................................................................................................................... 9 

Scenic Corridor And Major Street Buffer Yards ..................................................................................................... 10 

Zoning District Boundary Buffer Yards .................................................................................................................. 10 

Street Trees .............................................................................................................................................................. 11 

Drain Fields ............................................................................................................................................................. 11 

Berms and Swales .................................................................................................................................................... 11 

MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION CRITERIA FOR REQUIRED LANDSCAPING ......................................... 11 

What do I need to consider when choosing the location of plants within my required buffer? ............................... 11 

What do I need to do while planting in order to help ensure the survival of the vegetation? .................................. 11 

What are the minimum size plants that I can use? ................................................................................................... 11 

Do I have to use native vegetation? ......................................................................................................................... 12 

Can I use the same species for all of my required trees? ......................................................................................... 12 

PRUNING AND TREE REMOVAL STANDARDS ................................................................................................. 12 

Is a permit required for minor pruning or the removal of dead portions of a tree, such as palm fronds? ................ 12 

Is a permit required for major pruning or tree removal? .......................................................................................... 12 

Are there any standards that must be met when pruning trees? ............................................................................... 13 

PLANT LISTS AND NOMENCLATURE ................................................................................................................. 14 

Canopy Trees ........................................................................................................................................................... 14 

Understory Trees ..................................................................................................................................................... 15 

Shrubs (Including Palms) ........................................................................................................................................ 17 

Ground Covers ....................................................................................................................................................... 188 

Vines ........................................................................................................................................................................ 19 

Breakaway Vegetation ............................................................................................................................................. 20 

Invasive Exotic Vegetation ...................................................................................................................................... 21 

2

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE 

Why was this landscaping manual created? 

This manual has been prepared to accompany the landscaping regulations of the Islamorada, Village of Islands 

(Village) pursuant to Article VII, Division 4 of the Village Land Development Regulations (LDR). The purpose of 

this manual is to provide standards and guidelines for the installation and maintenance of required landscaping, to 

preserve and maintain natural vegetation and habitat. 

Why are buffers and landscaping important? 

The benefits of landscaping are numerous. Landscaping reduces stormwater runoff, reduces water consumption, 

conserves energy, decreases ambient temperatures, and enhances the value and aesthetic appearance of property. 

The installation of landscaping and the preservation of native vegetation are integral to the prevention of water and 

air pollution. The root systems of trees hold and consolidate soil and other loose earthen materials, thereby helping 

to prevent erosion, reducing non-point-source water pollution and maintaining the continued vitality of natural 

habitats for the propagation and protection of wildlife, birds, game, fish and other aquatic life. Removal of trees 

increases surface runoff, which contributes to water pollution. Trees, especially larger, older trees, are a valuable 

amenity to the urban environment providing historical, physical, aesthetic and physiological benefits. Plant materials 

moderate the effects of cold and heat by providing shade and protection from the wind, reduce glare and noise 

levels, and offer a haven for birds and animals. The preservation of existing vegetation, the selection of appropriate 

native site suitable plant materials, the removal of invasive exotic vegetation, and appropriate maintenance can 

achieve water conservation. 

APPLICABILITY 

When are you required to install landscaping? 

In general, landscaping requirements apply to all development for which a complete application for site plan 

(building permit) is required. All required landscaping must be shown on a site plan submitted for a proposed 

development. Existing native vegetation takes priority and may be counted towards any requirement and should be 

indicated on the submitted plan. 

For new development on vacant parcels: 

All required land use, street and scenic corridor buffer yards shall be installed and maintained as part of the 

proposed development. These buffers are as follows: 

Street Buffer: Properties fronting U.S. 1, SR 905 or Old Highway shall install the required street buffer 

yard. 

Scenic Corridor Buffer: Properties fronting U.S. 1, SR 905 or Old Highway designated as hammock, 

saltmarsh, or wetlands and is vegetated with plants native to the Florida Keys shall install a scenic corridor 

buffer yard 

Land Use Buffer: Properties with a boundary between two (2) zoning districts shall install the required 

land use buffer yard. 

Street Trees: All other properties shall install street trees. 

For existing development: 

All required landscaping shall be installed and maintained upon development of accessory structures, increases in 

impervious area, change in use, or substantial improvement. All required landscaping must be shown on the 

submitted site plan for the proposed development. 

3

What if I cannot fully accommodate the required buffer? 

The maximum landscaping that can be established shall be installed, given the existing buildings and required drives 

as determined by the Director of Planning and Development Services. Requests should be submitted in writing to 

the Director prior to application if all of the required landscaping cannot be installed. 

The Director of Planning and Development Services may allow up to 50% percent of the required vegetation to be 

located outside of the buffer area on the property in order reach the minimum standard. If all the required vegetation 

cannot be located onsite as determined by the Director of Planning and Development Services, then the applicant 

shall provide the required landscape material for off-site mitigation pursuant to Article VII, Division 4 of the LDR. 

If the width available is less than 50% of the required width for a land use buffer yard, then a minimum six-foot 

solid fence shall be located on the inner side of the buffer. 

What maintenance is required and who is responsible? 

Landowners and their agents are responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping in a good condition so as to 

present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance. Required vegetation must be replaced if such vegetation dies or is in 

unhealthy condition. Required trees and shrubs must be allowed to mature to their full natural height and size. 

The owner(s) of properties requiring Class “D” greater than 100 linear feet, Class “E” and Class “F” buffer yards 

shall file a bond with the Director of Planning and Development Services in the amount of ten (10) percent of the 

value of the plant material. The bond shall be returned to the owner upon the Director determination that the plant 

material has survived one year from the date of final inspection. 

INVASIVE EXOTIC VEGETATION 

What is invasive exotic vegetation? 

Invasive exotic vegetation destroys native habitat by out competing native vegetation and contributes to the decline 

of threatened and endangered species in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys Invasive Exotics Task Force (FKIETF) 

has identified invasive plants that are harmful to locally occurring habitats and the list has been provided in this 

manual. These plants have been further classified as either Category I or II. Category I invasive exotics are species 

that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological 

functions, or hybridizing with natives. Category II invasive exotics are species that have increased in abundance or 

frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. Plant 

species identified as a Category I or II invasive exotic species shall not be planted (See attached list). 

When are you required to remove invasive exotic vegetation? 

Category I invasive exotic vegetation must be eradicated on all sites as a condition of development, unless 

specifically limited by the Director of Planning and Development Services. 

The eradication of Category II invasive exotic vegetation shall be a condition for a new principal structure, 

replacement or substantial improvement (including a substantial increase in the size) of the principal structure. The 

eradication of Category II invasive exotic vegetation shall also be a condition for development when the total area 

permitted for accessory structures exceeds fifty (50) percent of the allowed area for accessory structures. Contiguous 

lots under the same ownership are included in this requirement. 

4

Is a permit required to remove invasive exotic vegetation? 

The removal of five (5) or less invasive plants (as identified herein) within a ninety (90) day period does not require 

a permit. 

Removal of more than five (5) invasive plant species or removal that would result in clearing and grubbing 

(disturbance of the soil) shall require a development permit and shall be accompanied by a vegetation survey unless 

waived or limited by the Director of Planning and Development Services. 

CALCULATION OF BUFFER REQUIREMENTS 

How do I calculate what is required for my buffer? 

The illustrations contained in this manual specify the number of plants required per 100 linear feet along the 

property line. To determine the total number of plants required, the length of the property boundary or street 

frontage is divided by 100 and multiplied by the number of plants shown in the illustrations. 

What if I am required to plant more than one buffer? 

Any buffer area that overlaps another buffer area shall be subtracted from the total to avoid double counting. 

For properties with frontage on both US1 and Old Highway: the major street buffer yard requirements shall be 

reduced 50 percent along Old Highway unless otherwise required. 

What if my required buffer is located along a canal? 

Where a land use buffer yard is required along a canal, the following rules apply: 

No buffer is required if the specified buffer is an A or B buffer. 

All other buffers shall be reduced by two classes, for example when a Class C buffer is required, a Class A 

buffer yard shall be installed. 

What if I am required to install a Class E or F buffer? 

Where a Class E or F land use buffer is required, each property shall be responsible for 50 percent of the required 

buffer area and required vegetation. 

What if I have existing vegetation on my property? 

Existing native vegetation takes priority and may be counted towards any requirement. 

Where there are existing mangroves along a canal or basin, a mangrove fringe may count towards the buffer yard 

requirements provided a restrictive covenant running with the land is filed containing a conservation easement for 

the width of the fringe. 

Where either side of the boundary is developed, all existing canopy trees, shrubs or understory trees within 10 feet 

of the property may be counted up to 50% of the required plant material, required buffer area and required 

vegetation. 

5

BUFFER YARD STANDARDS 

Buffer yards shall meet the following standards for width and plant quantity as follows. The illustrations below 

specify the number of plants required per 100 linear feet along the property line. To determine the total number of 

plants required, the length of the property boundary or street frontage shall be divided by 100 and multiplied by the 

number of plants shown in the illustrations. Buffers requiring a berm must install a continuous hedge on the berm. 

Class A Buffers 

Width 

(feet) 

Canopy Trees Understory Trees Shrubs Berm 

(3 Feet) 

Class A 5 2 - 15 

10 2 - 10 

Class B 5 3 1 10 

10 2.5 1 8 

15 2 0.5 6 

Class C 10 5 2 20 

15 4.5 2 18 

20 4 2 16 

Class D 20 6.5 3.5 28 

25 6 3 25 

30 5.5 3 22 

Class E 30 12 6 36 

40 10 5 30 YES 

50 9 5 25 YES 

Class F 75 25 15 50 YES 

100 10 5 30 

Class G 10 2 5 40 

Class A 

Width Canopy Understory Shrubs Berm 

Trees Trees 

5 ft 2 - 15 NO 

Class A 

Width Canopy Understory Shrubs Berm 

Trees Trees 

10 ft 2 - 10 NO 

6

Class B Buffers 

Class C Buffers 

Width Canopy 

Class B 

Understory Shrubs Berm 

Trees Trees 

5 ft 3 1 10 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class B 


Trees Trees 

10 ft 2.5 1 8 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class B 


Trees Trees 

15 ft 2 0.5 6 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class C 


Trees Trees 

10 ft 5 2 20 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class C 


Trees Trees 

15 ft 4.5 2 18 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class C 


Trees Trees 

20 ft 4 2 16 NO 

7

Class D Buffers 

Class E Buffers 

Width Canopy 

Class D 


Trees Trees 

20 ft 6.5 3.5 28 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class D 


Trees Trees 

25 ft 6 3 25 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class D 


Trees Trees 

30 ft 5.5 3 22 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class E 


Trees Trees 

30 ft 12 6 36 NO 

Width Canopy 

Class E 


Trees Trees 

40 ft 10 5 30 YES 

8

Class F Buffers 

Class G Buffers 

Width Canopy 

Class E 


Trees Trees 

50 ft 9 5 25 YES 

Width Canopy 

Class F 


Trees Trees 

75 ft 25 15 50 YES 

Width Canopy 

Class F 


Trees Trees 

100 ft 10 5 30 YES 

Width Canopy 

Class G 


Trees Trees 

10 ft 2 5 40 NO 

9

Scenic Corridor and Major Street Buffer Yards 

Property with frontage on U.S. 1, SR 905 or Old Highway, designated as hammock or wetlands shall install a scenic 

corridor. All other properties on U.S. 1, SR 905 or Old Highway shall establish a major street buffer as specified 

below. Existing native vegetation takes priority and satisfies this requirement. For properties with frontage on both 

U.S. 1 and Old Highway, the major street buffer yard requirements shall be reduced 50 percent along Old Highway 

unless otherwise required in the LDR. 

Zoning 

District 

Major Street 

Buffer 

Scenic 

Corridor 

Native Residential (NR) F F 

Residential Estate (RE) E F 

Residential Single Family (R1, includes R1M) D D 

Residential Mobile Home (RMH) D D 

Residential Duplex (R2) D D 

Residential Triplex (R3) D D 

Residential Fourplex (R4) D D 

Multi-Family (MF) D E 

Mobile Home Park (MH) D D 

Settler’s Residential (SR) C D 

Village Center (VC) C D 

Tourist Commercial (TC) D D 

Commercial Fishing (CF) D E 

Marine Use (MU) C E 

Highway Commercial (HC) C E 

Neighborhood Commercial (NC) B D 

Industrial (I) E F 

Conservation (C) F F 

Tavernaero Airport (TA) - - 

Public-Semi Public Services (PS) C F 

Recreation (RO) D E 

Mariculture (M) E F 

Zoning District Boundary Buffer Yards 

Properties having a common boundary with a different zoning district shall install a zoning district boundary buffer 

yard as specified below. Existing native vegetation takes priority and satisfies this requirement. If the width 

available is less than 50 percent of the minimum width required for a zoning district buffer yard, then a minimum 

six-foot solid fence shall be located on the inner side of the buffer yard. 

NR RE R1-2 R3-4 RMH TA MF MH SR VC NC HC TC CF MU I C PS RO M 

NR - D D E D - E C D E E E E G E D A B B D 

RE D - B C B - C C B D D D D G D D A B B D 

R1-2 D B - B - B B C B D D D D G D D A B B D 

R3-4 E C B - B B A C C C C C C G C D A B B D 

RMH D B - B - B B C B D D D D G D D A B B D 

TA - - B B B - - - - - D D - - D D A B B - 

MF E C B A B - - C C C D D D G D D A B B D 

MH C C C C C - C - B B B B D C B B A B B - 

SR D B B C B - C B - D D D D G D D A B B D 

VC E D D C D - C B D - C C C G C C A A A C 

NC E D D C D D C B D C - C D G C C A A A C 

HC E D D C D D C B D C C - D G - C A A A C 

TC E D D C D - D D D C D D - G D D A B B D 

CF G G G G G - G C G G G G G - G C A B B C 

MU E D D C D D C B D C C - D G - C B B B C 

I D D D D D - D - D C C C D C C - D D E D 

C A A A A A A A A A A A A A A B D - B A D 

PS B B B B B B B B B A A A B B B D B - B B 

RO B B B B B B B B B A A A B B B E A B - C 

M D D D D D - D - D C C C D C C D D B C - 

10

Street Trees 

All street fronts not required to provide a scenic corridor or major street buffer yard shall plant trees pursuant to this 

section. One (1) canopy tree shall be installed for each 50 feet of street frontage provided that in no event will less 

than one (1) canopy tree be provided for every lot. Vegetation shall be non-intrusive to utilities and pavement. 

Fractional street tree requirements shall be rounded up to the next whole number of trees. Existing natural native 

vegetation takes priority and satisfies this requirement. With the approval of the Director of Planning and 

Development Services, rare (i.e., Threatened, Endangered, or Regionally Important) understory trees may be utilized 

to satisfy this requirement. 

Drain Fields 

Drain fields shall be planted and maintained with shallow root grasses, shrubs or vines at one (1) foot centers. 

Berms and Swales 

All berms and swales installed for stormwater retention must be planted with ground covers, grasses and/or shrubs at 

a minimum of one (1) plant per foot. Berms provided to meet buffer yard provisions must be planted with a 

continuous hedge. Native vegetation shall not be removed to install swales or berms. Trees shall not be planted in 

swales. 

MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION CRITERIA FOR REQUIRED LANDSCAPING 

What do I need to consider when choosing the location of plants within my required buffer? 

The applicant shall determine the arrangement of plant material. However, property owners are encouraged to use 

certified arborists or County licensed landscapers for planting as these individuals have the training and expertise to 

achieve successful results. Growth of plant material at maturity shall be considered prior to planting to avoid 

possible future conflicts such as with views, signs, overhead and underground utilities, lighting, fire access, drainage 

and traffic circulation. All shade trees installed within six (6) feet of public infrastructure shall install a root barrier 

system, as approved by the Public Works and Utilities Department. Street trees should not be planted below power 

or telephone lines. Instead, refer to the species listed as Breakaway Vegetation in this Manual. 

What do I need to do while planting in order to help ensure the survival of the vegetation? 

Plant material shall be healthy, free of disease, and shall be installed with sufficient organic material to ensure 

survival. All plant material shall be installed in a fashion that ensures the availability of sufficient soil and water to 

sustain healthy growth. All plant material shall be planted with a minimum of six (6) inches of organic soil and 

mulched to a depth of three (3) inches. 

Required vegetation must be replaced if such vegetation dies or is in unhealthy condition. 

The owner(s) of properties requiring Class “D” greater than 100 linear feet, Class “E” and Class “F” buffer yards 

shall file a bond with the Director of Planning and Development Services in the amount of ten (10) percent of the 

value of the plant material. The bond shall be returned to the owner upon the Director’s determination that the plant 

material has survived one year from the date of final inspection. 

Property owners are encouraged to use certified arborists or County licensed landscapers for planting as these 

individuals have the training and expertise to achieve successful results. 

What are the minimum size plants that I can use? 

Canopy trees shall have a minimum of three (3) inches diameter at breast height (dbh) or eight (8) feet in height. 

Understory trees shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height. Shrubs shall be a minimum of three (3) feet in height. 

11

The Director of Planning and Development Services may reduce the height requirement 50 percent for applicants 

using rare native plant species (i.e., listed as Threatened, Endangered, or Regionally Important). 

Do I have to use native vegetation? 

Seventy-five (75) percent of the required vegetation must be native to the Florida Keys as listed in this manual. The 

applicant may determine the variety and species of required vegetation unless otherwise specified by the Director of 

Planning and Development Services. 

Existing developments are not required to meet the required 75% native species ratio for required landscaping if 

mature non-invasive vegetation exists on the parcel sufficient to meet the standards of Article VII, Division 4 of the 

LDR. 

Plant species identified as a Category I or II invasive exotic species shall not be planted (See list below). 

Can I use the same species for all of my required vegetation? 

No one species shall exceed 50 percent, per category (e.g., canopy, understory, shrub), of the vegetation required. 

Neither existing vegetation nor vegetation in excess of the minimum number required shall be subject to this 

limitation. 

PRUNING AND TREE REMOVAL STANDARDS 

Is a permit required for minor pruning or the removal of dead portions of a tree, such as palm fronds? 

The removal of diseased or dead portions (such as palm fronds) of a tree or the removal of an interfering, obstructing 

or weak branch such that the tree will not be a threat to public safety or to adjacent property, does not require a 

permit. Pruning to reduce or eliminate interference with or obstruction of streetlights, stop signs or traffic signals is 

an example of an allowed pruning activity. All pruning shall adhere to practices and principles set by the National 

Arborists Association. 

Is a permit required for major pruning or tree removal? 

Major pruning is defined as partial removal of a tree for any purpose other than detailed above for minor pruning. A 

development permit is required for major pruning or tree removal as follows: 

Removal or major pruning of any native or non-invasive tree greater than the listed dbh below, requires a 

development permit. 

Class I 

Undisturbed Wetlands – any tree 

Mangrove wetlands and submerged lands – any tree 

Saltmarsh and/or buttonwood association wetlands – 3½" dbh 

High quality tropical hardwood hammock - 3½" dbh 

Moderate quality tropical hardwood hammock - 3½" dbh 

Low quality tropical hardwood hammock - 3½" dbh 

Beach or berm - 3½" dbh 

Class II 

Disturbed beach or berm – 6” dbh 

Disturbed with salt marsh and/or buttonwood association wetlands - 6" dbh 

Disturbed with tropical hardwood hammock - 6" dbh 

Class III 

Distubed - 6" dbh 

Disturbed with exotics - 6" dbh 

12

All specimen and champion trees shall be preserved in their natural condition. Specimen tree means any 

tree with a diameter at breast height that is 75% of the record tree of the same species for the state. 

Champion tree means any tree listed by the National Register for Big Trees as the record tree for the state. 

Non-native palms, such as coconut, do not require a permit for relocation or removal provided they are not 

part of any required landscaping. 

Removal of any vegetation in required open space areas, buffer yards, hammocks, wetlands, or beach berm 

habitats require a development permit subject to Article VII, Division 4 of the LDR. If you do not know 

how to identify these habitats please call Planning and Development Services and a staff member will assist 

you. 

The removal of up to five (5) invasive exotic trees or shrubs within a 90-day period does not require a 

development permit. 

Removal of more than five (5) invasive plant species or removal that would result in clearing and grubbing 

shall require a development permit and shall be accompanied by a vegetation survey unless waived or 

limited by the Director of Planning and Development Services. 

In hammock areas, a certified arborist or County licensed landscaper shall be used for the removal or 

planting of more than five trees. 

Are there any standards that must be met when pruning trees? 

All pruning must comply with the practices and principles set by the National Arborists Association and trees must 

be pruned in accordance with the American National Standards Institute guidelines. When trimming large trees 

property owners are encouraged to secure the services of a certified arborist or County licensed landscaper. These 

guidelines include, but are not limited to: 

All trees shall be trimmed in a manner to maintain the natural form and balance of the tree. 

No tree shall be reduced by more than one-third of its height and/or head in any one trimming. 

No trees are to be topped without a permit, and then only in cases to alleviate a hazardous condition. When 

topping is necessary, attention shall be given to reshaping the trees to maintain a typical tree form for the 

species. 

When it is necessary to reduce limb lengths, cut the limb in sections (drop crotch) as much as possible and 

avoid cutting back the support limbs to laterals less than one-third the diameter of the supporting limbs. 

When thinning out dense tree canopies, care shall be taken to get the right effect without causing large 

openings sufficient to cause sunscald problems. Generally, not more than one-third of the total leaf area 

should be removed from each tree. 

All cuts shall be made sufficiently close to the trunk or parent limb, without cuffing into the branch collar 

or leaving a protruding stub, so that closure can readily start under normal conditions. 

Clean cuts shall be made at all times. 

It is necessary to precut branches too heavy to handle to prevent splitting or peeling the bark. Where 

necessary, to prevent tree or property damage, branches shall be lowered to the ground by proper ropes or 

equipment. 

Any pruning performed without conformance to the American National Standards Institute as provided above shall 

be subject to enforcement by the Village. 

All landscape contractors who provide services in the Village must hold a valid occupational license in Monroe 

County. Property owners are encouraged to use certified arborists or County licensed landscapers for tree trimming 

and/or removal as these individuals have the training and expertise to achieve the desired result without damaging 

the tree. 

Utility companies shall comply with the Hazard Pruning Standards and the Crown Reduction Standards of the 

American National Standards Institute, as may be amended from time to time. 

13

PLANT LIST AND NOMENCLATURE 

Plant materials listed below include the characteristics, common and scientific name, status (threatened, endangered 

or regionally important) and possible uses of various plants. There are hundreds of plants that will grow well in the 

Village. Included on the list are native landscape plants that are attractive in appearance, require little maintenance, 

require little water and are usually highly salt tolerant. Some herbaceous (non-woody) plants have been included, 

however the list should not be considered comprehensive because of their great numbers. 

A minimum of 75% of required plants per category (e.g., canopy, understory, shrub) must be native species. Status 

refers to the status as Endangered (E), Threatened (T), or Regionally Important (RI) by the federal, state or local 

government. 

Some species listed in more than one category are noted in the Notes column. 

Canopy Trees 

A species of tree that normally grows to a mature height of 40 feet or more. Canopy trees 

are typically shade-producing trees and usually have one (1) vertical stem or main trunk 

that naturally develops a more or less distinct and elevated crown and provides at maturity 

a minimum shade crown of 30 feet in diameter. 

Common Name Scientific Name Status Notes 

Black ironwood Krugiodendron ferreum RI 

Black mangrove Avicennia germinans 

Wetland areas or 

shores 

Cinnamon bark Canella winterana E 

Cinnecord Acacia choriophylla E 

Coffee colubrina Colubrina arborescens E 

Green buttonwood Conocarpus erectus Shrub 

Guiana plum Drypetes lateriflora T 

Gumbo limbo Bursera simaruba 

Inkwood Exothea paniculata RI 

Jamaican dogwood Piscidia piscipula 

Lancewood Ocotea coriacea RI 

Mahogany Swietenia mahogani E 

Mastic Sideroxylon foetidissimum RI 

Milkbark Drypetes diversifolia E 

Pale lidflower or Spicewood Calyptranthes pallens T 

Paradise tree Simarouba glauca RI 

Pigeon plum Coccoloba diversifolia 

Poisonwood Metopium toxiferum 

Pond apple Annona glabra RI 

Princewood Exostema caribaeum E 

Red bay or Swamp bay Persea borbonia RI 

Red mangrove Rhizophora mangle Shorelines 

Satinleaf Chrysophyllum oliviforme T 

Seagrape Coccoloba uvifera 

Shortleaf fig Ficus citrifolia Large open areas 

Silver buttonwood Conocarpus erectus Shrub 

14

Soldierwood Colubrina elliptica E 

Spicewood or Pale lidflower Calyptranthes pallens T 

Strangler fig Ficus aurea Large open areas 

Swamp bay or Red bay Persea borbonia RI 

White ironwood Hypelate trifoliata E 

White mangrove Laguncularia racemosa 

Wild dilly Manilkara bahamensis T 

Wild tamarind Lysiloma latisiliquum 

Willow bustic Sideroxylon salicifoliuma 

Understory Trees 

A species of tree or palm that normally grows to a mature height of 10 to 25 feet and often 

grow beneath canopy trees. They provide the mid-level landscaping within the specified 

height range. 


Blackbead Pithecellobium keyense 

Bay cedar Suriana maritima E 

Blacktorch Erithalis fruticosa T 

Blolly Guapira discolor 

Buccaneer palm Pseudophoenix sargentii E Shrub 

Cabbage palm or Sabal palm Sabal palmetto Shrub 

Cat's claw Pithecellobium unguis-cati 

Coral bean Erythrina herbacea RI 

Crabwood Gymnanthes lucida 

Cuba colubrina Colubrina cubensis var. floridana E 

Darling plum or Red Ironwood Reynosia septentrionalis T 

Everglades velvetseed Guettarda elliptica 

False boxwood Gyminda latifolia E 

Fiddlewood Citharexylum fruticosum RI 

Florida boxwood Schaefferia frutescens E 

Florida privet Forestiera segregata RI 

Florida thatch palm Thrinax radiata E Shrub 

Geiger tree Cordia sebestena RI 

Graytwig Schoepfia chrysophylloides RI 

Hog Plum or Tallowood Ximenia americana 

Jamaica caper Capparis cynophallophora Shrub 

Joewood Jacquinia keyensis T 

Key thatch palm Thrinax morrisii E Shrub 

Lignumvitae Guajacum sanctum E 

Limber caper Capparis flexuosa 

Long spined acacia or Porknut Acacia macracantha RI 

Maidenberry or Rhacoma Crossopetalum rhacoma E 

Marlberry Ardisia escallonioides 

Myrsine Rapanea punctata 

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Porknut or Long spined acacia Acacia macracantha RI 

Potato tree Solanum donianum T 

Potato tree Solanum erianthum 

Randia or White indigoberry Randia aculeata 

Red ironwood or Darling plum Reynosia septentrionalis T 

Red stopper Eugenia rhombea E 

Redberry stopper Eugenia confusa E 

Rhacoma or Maidenberry Crossopetalum rhacoma E 

Rough velvetseed Guettarda scabra RI 

Sabal palm or Cabbage palm Sabal palmetto Shrub 

Saffron plum Sideroxylon celastrina 

Seven year apple Genipa clusiifolia E 

Silver palm Coccothrinax argentata T Shrub 

Snowberry Chiococca alba 

Soapberry Sapindus saponaria RI 

Spanish stopper Eugenia foetida 

Stopper, Red Eugenia rhombea E 

Stopper, Redberry Eugenia confusa E 

Stopper, Spanish Eugenia foetida 

Stopper, White Eugenia axillaris 

Strongbark Bourreria succulenta 

Sweet acacia Acacia farnesiana 

Tallowwood or Hog Plum Ximenia americana 

Torchwood Amyris elemifera RI 

White indigoberry or Randia Randia aculeata 

White stopper Eugenia axillaris 

Wild lime Zanthoxylum fagara 

Yellow nickerbean Caesalpinia major E 

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Shrubs (Including Palms) 

A bushy, woody plant, usually with several permanent stems, that grows to a mature 

height under 10 feet. Some large shrubs can grow to a much higher height and are suitable 

for screening. 


Buccaneer palm Pseudophoenix sargentii E Understory tree 

Cabbage palm or Sabal palm Sabal palmetto Understory tree 

Florida thatch palm Thrinax radiata E Understory tree 

Key thatch palm Thrinax morrisii E Understory tree 

Sabal palm or Cabbage palm Sabal palmetto Understory tree 

Silver palm Coccothrinax argentata T Understory tree 

Bahama cassia Senna mexicana var. chapmanii 

Bahama nightshade Solanum bahamense 

Bay cedar Suriana maritima E 

Beautyberry Callicarpa americana 

Blue porter weed Stachytarpheta jamaicensis 

Butterflybush or Geiger bush Cordia globosa E 

Christmas berry Lycium carolinianum RI 

Cocoplum Chrysobalanus icaco 

Firebush Hamelia patens 

Florida trema Trema micranthum 

Geiger bush or Butterflybush Cordia globosa E 

Golden creeper Ernodea littoralis RI 

Gray nickerbean Caesalpinia bonduc 

Green buttonwood Conocarpus erectus Canopy tree 

Inkberry Scaevola plumieri T 

Jamaica caper Capparis cynophallophora Understory tree 

Locustberry Byrsonima lucida T 

Mayten Maytenus phyllanthoides T 

Necklace pod Sophora tomentosa var. truncata RI 

Pearlberry or Tear shrub Vallesia antillana E 

Rougeplant Rivina humilis 

Sea lavender Argusia gnaphalodes E 

Sensitive plant or Tropical-puff Neptunia pubescens RI 

Silver buttonwood Conocarpus erectus var. sericeus Canopy tree 

Tear shrub or Pearlberry Vallesia antillana E 

Tropical-puff or Sensitive plant Neptunia pubescens RI 

West Indies trema Trema lamarckianum E 

Wild bamboo Lasciacis divaricata 

Wild coffee Psychotria nervosa 

Wild cotton Gossypium hirsutum E 

Wild lantana Lantana involucrata 

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Ground Covers 

A species which is normally grows to a mature height of less than 18 inches in height. 

Ground covers may be used as an alternative to grasses. On slopes and berms, ground covers 

control erosion while eliminating the maintenance of mowing. Many ground covers survive 

in poor soils and high salt exposure or other adverse conditions. 


Beach lily Hymenocallis latifolia 

Beggars tick or Tick trefoil Desmodium incanum 

Bladdermallow or Lantern vine Herissantia crispa 

Blodgett's wild mercury Argythamnia blodgettii E 

Blue hearts Buchnera americana RI 

Brake fern Pteridium aquilinum var. caudatum 

Bushy fleabane Pluchea carolinensis 

Caltrop Kallstroemia maxima 

Capeweed Phyla nodiflora 

Coinwort Centella asiatica 

Cordgrass Spartina spp. 

Coastal bedstraw or Galium Galium hispidulum RI 

Dayflower Commelina erecta RI 

Diamond flower Hedyotis nigricans var. floridana RI 

Dog fennel Eupatorium capillifolium 

False foxglove Agalinis fasciculata RI 

False willow Baccharis angustifolia 

Florida white-top sedge Rhynchospora floridensis RI 

Galium or Coastal bedstraw Galium hispidulum RI 

Glades lobelia Lobelia glandulosa RI 

Glasswort Salicornia spp. 

Goatweed Capraria biflora 

Golden leather fern Acrostichum aureum T 

Groundcherry Physalis angustifolia RI 

Indigofera Indigofera mucronata var. keyensis E 

Keysgrass Monanthochloe littoralis 

Ladder break fern Pteris bahamensis RI 

Lantern vine or Bladdermallow Herissantia crispa 

Leather fern Acrostichum danaefolium RI 

Maidenhair anemia fern Anemia adiantifolia RI 

Marsh elder Iva imbricata 

Marsh heliotrope Heliotropium curassavicum 

Marsh pink Sabatia stellaris RI 

Melanthera Melanthera nivea RI 

Milkwort Polygala grandiflora RI 

Parsley fern Odontosoria clavata E 

Pectis Pectis glaucescens RI 

Pencil flower Stylosanthes hamata RI 

Poor man's patches Mentzeli floridana RI 

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Purple thistle Cirsium horridulusm 

Purslane Portulaca oleraceae 

Quailberry Crossopetalum ilicifolium T 

Rosy fleabane Pluchea odorata 

Salt marsh aster Aster subulatus RI 

Saltbush Baccharis halimifolia 

Saltwort Batis maritima Shoreline plant 

Samphire Blutaparon vermiculare 

Saw grass Cladium jamaicensis 

Scorpion tail Heliotropium angiospermum 

Sea gentian or Sea-Lavender Limonium carolinianum 

Sea oats Uniola paniculata 

Sea oxeye daisy, green Borrichia arborescens 

Sea oxeye daisy, silver Borrichia frutescens Shoreline plant 

Sea purslane Sesuvium portulacastrum Shoreline plant 

Sea-blite Sueda linearis 

Sea-Lavender or Sea gentian Limonium carolinianum 

Seaside gentian Eustoma exaltatum 

Shield fern Thelypteris kunthii RI 

Sleepy morning Waltheria indica 

Spanish needles Bidens alba var. radiata 

Spike Rushes Eleocharis spp. 

Spurge or Garber’s sandmat Chamaesyce garberi E 

Spurge or Porter’s sandmat Chamaesyce porteriana E 

Teaweed Sida rubromarginata RI 

Teaweed Sida elliottii 

Water pimpernel Samolus ebracteatus RI 

Wild hibiscus Hibiscus poeppigii E 

Yellow joyweed Alternanthera flavescens 

Yellowtop Flaveria linearis 

Vines 

A species that has a spreading pattern of growth. Vines may be used on the ground, on walls 

and on trellises. 


Bahama morninglory Jacquemontia pentantha E 

Beach morning glory Jacquemontia pentanthos E 

Swartz’s snout bean Rhynchosia swartzii E 

Brown snout bean Rhynchosia minima RI 

Butterfly pea Centrosima virginianum E 

Calusa grape Vitis rotundifolia 

Chew stick Gouania lupuloides 

Climbing hemp weed Mikania scandens 

Cockspur Pisonia aculeata 

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Coin vine Dalbergia brownei 

Corky-stemmed passion vine Passiflora suberosa 

Devil's potato vine Echites umbellata 

Greenbriar Smilax havanensis T 

Hairnet vine Cynanchum angustifolium RI 

Havana morning glory Jacquemontia havanensis E 

Love vine Cassytha filiformis 

Many-flowered passion vine Passiflora multiflora E 

Milkpea Galactia spp. E 

Morning glory Ipomea indica var. acuminata 

Mouse's pineapple or Yellowroot Morinda royoc 

Possum grape Cissus verticillata 

Possum grape Cissus trifoliata 

Railroad vine Ipomoea pes-caprae Beach plant 

Virginia creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia 

Mouse's pineapple or Yellowroot Morinda royoc 

Breakaway Vegetation 

Breakaway vegetation are trees, shrubs, or other vegetation with mature trunk diameters less than or equal to four (4) 

inches measured six (6) inches above the ground. All native cactus, shrubs and groundcovers are considered 

breakaway. Please note that the Florida Department of Transportation standards may deviate from the list below and 

planting in the US1 or Old Highway require FDOT approval. The following canopy, understory trees and palms are 

considered to meet this requirement: 

Common Name Scientific Name Type Status Notes: 

Pale lidflower or Spicewood Calyptranthes pallens C T 

Spicewood or Pale lidflower Calyptranthes pallens C T 

Cinnamon bark Canella winterana C E 

Satinleaf Chrysophyllum oliviforme C T 

Coffee colubrina Colubrina arborescens C E 

Guiana plum Drypetes lateriflora C T 

Princewood Exostema caribaeum C E 

Lancewood Nectandra coriacea C RI 

Key thatch palm Thrinax morrisii P E 

Florida thatch palm Thrinax radiata P E 

Saw palmetto Serenoa repens P 

Yellow nickerbean Caesalpinia major U E 

Torchwood Amyris elemifera U RI Attracts Butterflies 

Crabwood Gymnanthes lucida s U 

Strongbark Bourreria succulenta U 

Snowberry Chiococca alba U 

Fiddlewood Citharexylum fruticosum U RI 

Cuba colubrina Colubrina cubensis var. floridana U E 

Stopper, White Eugenia axillaris U 

White stopper Eugenia axillaris U 

Redberry stopper Eugenia confusa U E 

Stopper, Redberry Eugenia confusa U E 

Red stopper Eugenia rhombea U E 

Stopper, Red Eugenia rhombea U E 

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Florida privet Forestiera segregata U RI Wild Olive 

Lignumvitae Guajacum sanctum U E 

Everglades velvetseed Guettarda elliptica U 

Rough velvetseed Guettarda scabra U RI 

Graytwig Schoepfia chrysophylloides U RI 

Marlberry Ardisia escallonioides U 

Jamaica caper Capparis cynophallophora U 

Rhacoma or Maidenberry Crossopetalum rhacoma U E 

Coral bean Erythrina herbacea U RI 

False boxwood Gyminda latifolia U E 

Joewood Jacquinia keyensis U T 

Blackbead Pithecellobium keyense U T 

Cat's claw Pithecellobium unguis-cati U Thorns 

White indigoberry or Randia Randia aculeata U 

Darling plum or Red ironwood Reynosia septentrionalis U T 

Florida boxwood Schaefferia frutescens U E 

Potato tree Solanum donianum U T 

Potato tree Solanum erianthum U 

Hog Plum or Tallowwood Ximenia americana U RI Fleshy fruits, thorns 

Wild lime Zanthoxylum fagara U Attracts butterflies 

INVASIVE EXOTIC VEGETATION 

Invasive exotic vegetation destroys native habitat by out competing native vegetation and contributes to the decline 

of threatened and endangered species in the Florida Keys. 

Category I Invasive exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing 

community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. 

Category II Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida plant 

communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These species may become ranked Category I, if ecological 

damage is demonstrated. 

Category III Invasive exotics that have not yet become a serious problem in the Florida Keys, but are to be watched 

(TBW). 

Plant species identified as a Category I or II invasive exotic species cannot be planted within the Village. 

Plant species identified as a Category III invasive exotic species are not prohibited, but are discouraged from 

planting within the Village. 

Category I - Invasive exotics that are altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing 

community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives. 

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Common Name Scientific Name 

FLEPPC 

Category Listed 

Asiatic colubrina Colubrina asiatica I N 

Australian pine Casuarina spp. I P, N 

Beach naupaka Scaevola sericea I N 

Bowstring hemp/Mother-In-Law Tongue Sansevieria hyacinthoides II 

Brazilian pepper Schinus terebinthifolius I P, N 

Guinea grass Panicum maximum II 

Lead tree Leucaena leucocephala II N 

Sapodilla Manilkara zapota I 

Seaside mahoe Thespesia populnea I 

FLEPPC = Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council, P = Prohibited by Fla. Dept. of Environmental Protection, N = 

Noxious weed listed by Fla. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services. 

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Category II - Invasive exotics that have increased in abundance or frequency but have not yet altered Florida 

plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species. These species may become ranked Category I, if 

ecological damage is demonstrated. 


FLEPPC 


Air Potato Dioscorea bulbifera I N 

Asparagus fern Asparagus aethiopicus I 

Burma reed Neyraudia reynaudiana I N 

Central American sisal Furcraea cabuya N/A 

Crowfoot grass Dactyloctenium aegyptium N/A 

Danglepod, Sesbania Sesbania herbacea N/A 

Fountain grass Pennisetum setacea II 

Golden Pothos Epipremnum pinnatum cv.Aureum II 

Jumbie bean, siratro Macroptilium artopurpureum N/A 

Lantana, shrub verbena Lantana camara I 

Laurel fig Ficus microcarpa I 

Life plant, Chandelier plant Kalenchoe spp. II 

Madagascar periwinkle Catharanthus roseus N/A 

Madagascar rubber vine Cryptostegia madagascariensis II 

Melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia I P, N, U 

Napier grass Pennisetum purpureum I 

Nettle-leaf Porterweed Stachytarpheta cayennensis N/A 

Night-blooming cereus Hylocereus undatus N/A 

Oyster plant Tradescantia spathacea II 

Papaya Carica papaya TBW 

Phasey bean Macroptilium lathyroides N/A 

Pink shower tree Tabebuia heterophylia N/A 

Puncture weed Tribulus cistoides II 

Queensland umbrella tree Schefflera actinophylla I 

Red sandlewood Adenanthera pavonina II 

Sea hibiscus Hibiscus tiliaceus II 

Sisal hemp Agave sisalana II 

Texas Necklace pod Sophora tomentosa var. occidental N/A 

Torpedograss Panicum repens I 

Tropical almond Terminalia catappa II 

Wedelia Sphagneticola trilobata II 

Woman's tongue Albizia lebbeck I 

Yellow elder Tecoma stans N/A 

FLEPPC = Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council, P = Prohibited by Fla. Dept. of Environmental Protection, N = 

Noxious weed listed by Fla. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services, U = Noxious weed listed by U.S 

Department of Agriculture, N/A = Not Assessed, TBW = To be watched. 

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Category III - Invasive exotics that have not yet become a serious problem in the Florida Keys, but are to be 

watched (TBW). Plant species identified as a Category III invasive exotic species are not prohibited, but are 

discouraged from planting within the Village. 


FLEPPC 


African Fire Bush Hamelia patens var. glabra N/A 

Am. evergreen, Arrowhead vine Syngonium podophyllum I 

Asian sword fern Nephrolepis multiflora I 

Black Olive Bucida bucera N/A 

Bracelet Wood Jacquinia arbora N/A 

Brazilian jasmine Jasminum fluminense I 

Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides I N 

Castor bean Ricinus communis II 

Chastetree Vitex trifolia N/A 

Chinaberry Melia azedarach II 

Christmas senna Senna pendula I 

Coral Vine Antigonan leptopus II 

Date palm Phoenix reclinata N/A 

Earleaf acacia Acacia auriculiformis I 

False banyan Ficus altissima II 

Ganges primrose Asystasia gangetica II 

Governor's plum Flacourtia indica II 

Guava Psidium guajava I 

Indigofera Indigofera spicata N/A 

Java Plum Syzygium cumini I 

Kopsia Ochrosia parviflora N/A 

Ming Tree Bucida spinosa N/A 

Natal grass Melinis repens I 

Orange-jessamine Murraya paniculata II 

Orchid tree Bauhinia variegata I 

Paper mulberry Broussonetia papyrifera II 

Pencil cactus, Pencil tree Euphorbia tirucalli N/A 

Pitch apple/autograph tree Clusia rosea N/A 

Pongamia Pongamia pinata N/A 

Royal Poincianna Delonix regia N/A 

Senegal Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera II 

Shoebutton ardisia Ardisia elliptica I 

Sickle bush, Marabu Dichrostachys cinera N/A 

Snake Cactus Celenicereus pteranthus N/A 

St. Augustine grass Stenotaphrum secundatum N/A 

Strawberry guava Psidium cattleianum I 

Tamarind Tamarindus indicus N/A 

Tropical soda apple Solanum viarum I 

Wandering Jew Tradescantia spp. N/A 

Wood rose Merremia tuberosa II 

Yellow alder, RamGoat Turnera ulmifolia N/A 

Zoysia grass Zoysia japonica N/A 

FLEPPC = Florida Exotic Pest Plan Council, N = Noxious weed listed by Fla. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer 

Services, N/A = Not Assessed. 

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Any questions regarding this manual should be directed to: 

Islamorada, Village of Islands 

Planning and Development Services Director 

PO Box 568 

Islamorada, FL 33036 

305.664.6400 Fax 305.664.6467 

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Islamorada, Village of Islands LANDSCAPE MANUAL

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