Family: Asteraceae
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability and elevation range
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Unconfirmed reports of naturalization in SE USA
- Described as a weedy plant of vacant lots and disturbed sites
- Medicinal uses, with potential toxic properties
- Reproduces by seeds
- Self-compatible but protogynous
- Seeds dispersed by wind and through intentional cultivation
- Resprouts after cutting and grazing
- Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy or risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- Calea ternifolia (mexican dream herb, bitter grass) is an herbaceous plant native to Mexico and Central America. This plant has gained attention for its historical and cultural significance in indigenous Mesoamerican traditions, where it has been used for its purported dream-enhancing properties. The legal status of Calea ternifolia varies by country. In some places, it may be classified as a herbal remedy, while in others, it could be subject to restrictions or regulations. Some known side effects include nausea and vomiting related to the taste and mild-to-severe allergic reaction. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable, and readily browsed, by cattle and goats
- Thrives in high light environments (dense shade may limit ability to spread)
- Seed set and viability of seeds reported to be low in cultivation
- Limited seed production and reduced seed viability may lower risk of long distance or accidental dispersal
