Family: Asteraceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Verbesina turbacensis is a flowering shrub in the sunflower family native to tropical regions of the Americas. It typically grows as a many-branched shrub with opposite leaves and clusters of small yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract a variety of pollinating insects. It thrives in warm, sunny environments and is well adapted to disturbed sites, roadsides, and open habitats. Although it is not widely cultivated, it may occasionally be grown as an ornamental or for habitat restoration in its native range because of its attractive flowers and ability to establish readily.

Risks & Threats
Verbesina turbacensis has been reported as naturalized on Hawaiʻi Island, indicating that it is capable of establishing self-sustaining populations outside cultivation. The species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including vigorous growth, abundant seed production, and an ability to colonize disturbed habitats. While its full invasive potential in Hawaiʻi is still being evaluated, these characteristics suggest it could spread into natural or managed areas and compete with desirable vegetation if left unmanaged. Ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand its impacts, and caution is recommended when considering this species for planting to help ensure it does not negatively affect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized on Hawaii Island
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Broad elevation range exceeding 1000 m
  
• Congeneric weed, Verbesina encelioides, is highly invasive
  
• May be able to exploit or colonize disturbed sites
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite ability to spread, no negative impacts have been documented to date
  
• Fodder tree
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic