Family: Amaranthaceae

Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris, commonly known as the sugar beet, is a cultivated root crop that traces its origins to Europe, where it was developed from the wild sea beet. This biennial plant is grown primarily for its large, white, cone-shaped root, which is rich in sucrose and serves as a major global source of sugar. Sugar beets thrive in temperate climates and are valued not only for sugar production, but also for animal feed (from both the root pulp and leaves) and as a rotational crop that can help improve soil structure. While not a tree, sugar beet is an important agricultural plant with a long history of cultivation and economic significance.

Sugar beet poses no known invasive threat in Hawai‘i. It is not known to naturalize or spread outside of cultivation and requires specific temperate conditions that are not well-suited to the Hawaiian climate. There is no evidence of environmental harm, aggressive growth, or impacts to native ecosystems. As a result, sugar beet is considered safe for planting in appropriate agricultural settings, though it is rarely grown in Hawai‘i due to the warm climate.

High Risk Traits:

• Has weedy races ("weed beets")
  
• Broad climate and soil tolerance
  
• History of repeated introductions
  
• Host for significant pests/pathogens
  
• Hybridizes with wild relatives
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Forms persistent seed bank (>10 years)
  
• Tolerates cultivation

Low Risk Traits:

• Highly domesticated
  
• Not naturalized
  
• Not reported as a weed
  
• No spines/thorns
  
• Palatable to livestock
  
• Non-toxic to humans
  
• Requires full sun
  
• Non-climbing
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Limited dispersal ability
  
• Self-incompatible