Family: Gentianaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Eustoma russellianum, commonly known as lisianthus or prairie gentian, is native to the southern United States, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean. It is valued for its elegant, rose-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. This herbaceous plant is typically grown as an annual or short-lived perennial and is widely used in cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting blooms. It is also a popular ornamental plant for gardens and containers.

Risks & Threats:
Lisianthus is considered low risk and is not known to be invasive or naturalized in Hawaii. It generally requires specific growing conditions, which limits its ability to spread outside cultivation. There are no significant reports of ecological impacts, but as with any ornamental species, occasional monitoring is recommended to ensure it does not escape into natural areas.

High Risk Traits:

• Unpalatable to grazing animals
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Able to reach maturity in 1 year
  
• Produces small seeds that are probably wind-dispersed
  
• Widely and intentionally planted by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness to date
  
• Unarmed (lacks spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental
  
• Does not spread vegetatively