Family: Eleagnaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Able to spread in regions with temperate to tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii Island, and elsewhere in North America, Europe and Australia
  
• A disturbance adapted weedy shrub to small tree that impacts agriculture and the natural environment
  
• Related species are invasive
  
• Spiny branches
  
• Host of Puccinia coronata, a pathogen of important crop species
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense, impenetrable thickets
  
• Nitrogen fixing, may modify soil chemistry and fertility
  
• Reproduces through prolific seed production
  
• Reaches maturity in 2-3 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animals, water, and intentionally cultivated
  
• Resprouts after fires of low to moderate severity

Low Risk Traits:

• Non-toxic
  
• Thrives in full sun (dense shade may limit fruit production)
  
• Largely self-incompatible
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control