Family: Asteraceae
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized on Hawaii and possibly Oahu (Hawaiian Islands), Puerto Rico, elsewhere in the Caribbean, possibly the Canary Islands, and adventive in Florida
- Regarded as aggressive, and potentially weedy in landscaping
- Handling may result in dermatitis and an itching rash
- Tolerates many soil types
- Climbing and smothering habit
- Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rooting stem fragments
- Able to reach maturity in <1 year
- Seeds dispersed by wind, and intentionally by people
- Able to resprout after cutting and severe pruning
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Values as an ornamental, despite potential weediness
- Grows best in full sun; dense shade may inhibit or prevent spread