Family: Lamiaceae

Salvia hispanica (chia, mexikansk chia-salvia) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Mexico and Guatemala. Chia’s primary use is being grown for its seed. Chia seed is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are known for their health benefits. The nutritional value of chia seed is why they are incorporated into preventive measures for various non-infectious conditions like obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, and diabetes. This plant has been documented as possibly naturalized on the islands of Oʻahu and Maui.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Able to grow and naturalize in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in a number of introduced locations; showing signs of naturalization on Maui (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Reported to be weedy, but negative impacts are generally not documented
  
• Other Salvia species are weedy and/or invasive
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces through prolific seed production
  
• Self-pollinated
  
• An annual, reaching maturity in under one year
  
• Seeds dispersed by gravity, people, possibly as a contaminant, and potentially by adhering to dispersal vectors
  
• Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (longevity to be determined)

Low Risk Traits:

• A domesticated and widely cultivated species with no negative impacts reported from introduce range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Thrives in full sun (dense shade may inhibit ability to establish or spread)
  
• Not reported to hybridize
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Chemical and mechanical control methods are effective if needed