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:

• 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