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