Family: Poaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Lamarckia aurea, commonly known as golden dog’s tail, is a small annual grass native to regions spanning Macaronesia, the Mediterranean, northern India, and parts of Ethiopia. It is valued for its soft, golden, oval-shaped flower heads that resemble fluffy tails, making it a popular choice for ornamental plantings, dried flower arrangements, and decorative landscapes. This species typically grows in open, sunny areas and is well adapted to dry, disturbed soils, where it can establish quickly and produce abundant seeds within a single growing season.

Risks & Threats:
Although golden dog’s tail is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that raise concern for tropical ecosystems. As a fast-growing annual grass that produces large quantities of easily dispersed seeds, it has the potential to spread rapidly in disturbed areas, outcompeting native vegetation and altering plant community structure. Grasses like this can also contribute to increased fire risk by adding fine fuels to the landscape. Because of these characteristics, its introduction could detrimentally impact Hawaii’s unique and sensitive environments. For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid planting this species and instead choose a low-risk or native alternative better suited for local ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range (e.g., California)
  
• Broad climate suitability (0–2165 ft elevation)
  
• History of repeated introductions
  
• High self-fertility (82 seeds/100 fascicles)
  
• Annual (1 year generation time)
  
• Prolific seed production (79–94 seeds/panicle)
  
• Propagules dispersed unintentionally (cling to surfaces)
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally (ornamental use)
  
• Propagules dispersed externally by animals
  
• Tolerates or benefits from fire/disturbance

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans (used as fodder)
  
• Not shade tolerant (requires full sun)
  
• Wind-pollinated (no specialist pollinators needed)
  
• No evidence of produce contamination
  
• No evidence of persistent seed bank (>1 year)