Family: Asteraceae

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in subtropical-temperate
  
• Other Parthenium species are invasive
  
• Possibly allelopathic
  
• Potentially toxic and allergenic sap
  
• Forms dense stands in parts of native range (although reported to be a poor competitor)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Hybridizes with Parthenium incanum
  
• Apomictic races exist
  
• May be capable of spreading vegetatively
  
• Capable of reaching maturity as early as 6 months
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, and possibly water
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Seeds exhibit dormancy and may be capable of forming a persistent seed bank
  
• Tolerates pollarding (pruning system in which the upper branches are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches)

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to grazing animals (despite potential toxicity/allergenicity)
  
• Source of fuel and rubber
  
• Reportedly intolerant of shade and a poor competitor with other vegetation