Family: Verbenaceae
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability
- Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized on Kauai, Molokai, Lanai. Maui and controlled on Oahu (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
- A common weed of roadsides, pastures, grasslands, open woodlands, riparian vegetation, crops, orchards, gardens, disturbed sites, and waste areas
- A potential agricultural and environmental weed (although impacts are generally unspecified)
- Other Verbena species are invasive weeds
- May have low palatability (although some sources state it is browsed by cattle)
- May be toxic to grazing animals (unconfirmed)
- Tolerates many soil types
- Can form dense, localized stands that may exclude other vegetation
- Reproduces by prolific seed production
- Self-compatible
- An annual or perennial, capable of reaching maturity in one growing season
- Seeds dispersed externally and internally by animals, by wind, in water, as a seed contaminant and through intentional cultivation
- Seeds may form a persistent seed bank (longevity not determined)
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of serious detrimental impacts in the Hawaiian Islands
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Herbicides may provide effective control