The delicate white flowers and overlapping leaves of the aquatic Nymphoides cristata, commonly known as crested floating heart, can feel reminiscent of a Claude Monet painting.

But don't be fooled by its beauty — it's one of the many invasive plant species found in Florida that experts say needs to go.

"People see green as good," said Jason Ferrell, a professor and director of the University of Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. "Just because it doesn't have scales, fangs and a forked tongue doesn't mean it's good for the environment."

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In 2017, one or more non-native plants were found in 96% of Florida's public waters that were inventoried, according to the center's website.

Here are 10 of the most problematic invasive flora in Florida and 10 native plants that are better for the state's ecosystems:

Eichhornia crassipes, also called water hyacinth, grow in myriad freshwater environments, providing an ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes. The weed, which grows lavender-colored flowers, forms mats that can degrade water quality, clog waterways and reduce biodiversity, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

"Because of its aggressive growth rate, water-hyacinth is illegal to possess in Florida without a special permit," according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Cyperus blepharoleptos, also known as Cuban bulrush, is most common in north and central Florida's freshwater marshes. It has dense, burr-like heads at the tip of the stem.

It was introduced to Florida in the late 1880s by migratory birds and the ballast tanks of ships, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Bulrush grows into dense, overgrown mats that outcompete native plants.

Salvinia minima, also known as water fern or water spangles, was first reported in Florida in 1930, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The floating fern, which is often used in home aquariums, often is found in freshwater ponds and swamps, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Schinus terebinthifolia, more commonly known as Brazilian peppertree, is "one of the most aggressive and wide-spread of the invasive non-indigenous exotic pest plants" in Florida, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. As a result, it's illegal to sell or transport it.

In addition to shading out other plants and not providing a good habitat for native species, Brazilian peppertree is in the same family as poison ivy and can cause dermatitis and respiratory issues for people.

Hydrilla verticillata, typically referred to as hydrilla, can form dense mats and reach the surface of waters 25 feet deep. The weed can grow in nearly every type of freshwater body.

In Florida, millions of dollars are spent yearly on trying to control hydrilla, which can hinder water flow, clog irrigation, change water chemistry and oxygen levels, and interfere with recreation activities, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Although listed as a federal noxious weed and state prohibited aquatic plant, hydrilla can still be found on the internet and through aquarium supply dealers.

Lygodium japonicum, also known as Japanese climbing fern, was added to the state's Noxious Weed List in 1999. It was originally brought to Florida as an ornamental in the 1930s.

It grows in just about any conditions and can become "so dense that it forms a living 'wall', leading to the elimination of seedlings and other native vegetation," according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Solanum viarum, commonly known as tropical soda apple, was accidentally introduced to Florida in 1985, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. It has its origins in Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

Tropical soda apple, which is on the federal list of noxious weeds, produces small fruits and is toxic to livestock.

Alternanthera philoxeroides, better known as, alligatorweed, can be found growing throughout Florida. It was accidentally introduced into the state in ballast water of ships in 1894, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Alligatorweed is on both the federal and state noxious weed lists. Three insect species have been used as a biological means of controlling alligatorweed. Experts have found efforts to control it mechanically usually end up just spreading it.

Lantana strigocamara, usually just referred to as lantana, is known for its brightly-colored blooms, so while it may appeal to gardeners, it's not the best choice due to its toxicity to pets, livestock and sometimes people, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

This particular species of lantana, which came from the West Indies, has out-competed Florida's native lantana depressa to the point of leaving the latter endangered.

Cinnamomum camphora, known as the camphor tree, is native to East Asia, but has quickly become a problem in Florida given its ability to thrive in myriad ecosystems.

It has pointy leaves and shiny berry-like fruit that, like most of the other parts of the tree, are toxic to people and pets, according to the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.