Family: Myricaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical to subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• A weed of pastures and pine plantations in the southern U.S.
  
• An environmental weed in the Hawaiian Islands
  
• Other Morella species are invasive
  
• Allelopathic
  
• Potential skin irritant
  
• Increases fire risk in natural systems
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Capable of forming dense stands
  
• Nitrogen fixing (may alter soil nutrients)
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by root suckers
  
• Hybridizes with other Morella species
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, possibly water and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds may remain viable in soil for 4 or more years
  
• Able to resprout after cutting
  
• No natural enemies known to be present in the Hawaiian Islands

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to browsing animals (although may not be preferred)
  
• Valued as an ornamental
  
• Dioecious
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control