Family: Plantaginaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Broad distribution, climate tolerance, and elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in temperate and tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Hawaii and Midway (Hawaiian Islands), and widely naturalized worldwide
  
• Weed of disturbed sites, agriculture and the natural environment
  
• Identified as a threat to the endangered fern Microlepia strigosa var. mauiensis
  
• Other Plantago species are invasive
  
• Host for recognized pests and pathogens
  
• Prolific pollen can cause hay fever
  
• Partial shade tolerance
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• May form dense stands that can exclude other vegetation
  
• Produces seeds which are dispersed by adhering to people, animals and equipment
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds also dispersed by water and internally by other animals
  
• Able to reach maturity in 1 year
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Can form a persistence seed bank (seeds viable for 40+ years)
  
• Can tolerate mowing and resprouts after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Not able to hybridize with other Plantago species
  
• Herbicides provide effective control