Invasiveness Ranking System for Non-Native Plants of Alaska

Competitive Ability (0–3) 3Baby’s-breath has been observed to outcompete native perennialplants (Darwent 1975, MAFF 2005, Robson 2004, Rutledgeand McLendon 1996, Wisconsin DNR 2005). It has the abilityto thrive in a variety of climatic conditions and soil types; waterand nutrient allocation is facilitated by its deep tap root. Grassesexhibited reduced growth rates in the micro-environment closesto the largest plants (Robson 2004).Thicket-forming/Smothering growth form (0–2) 0Baby’s-breath forms dense stands, but it does not have climbingor smothering growth habit (Douglas et al. 1998, Royer andDickinson 1999, Whitson et al. 2000).Germination requirements (0–3) 2Maximum germination occurs at temperatures ranging from50–82 °F from a depth no more then 0.25 cm in the soil (Rutledgeand McLendon 1996, Wisconsin DNR 2005). Germination is notlight sensitive (Darwent and Coupland 1966), therefore, it is likelyto occur in vegetated areas.Other invasive species in the genus (0–3) 0Other introduced species of the genus are known in U.S. but theyare not listed as weeds (Royer and Dickinson 1999, USDA 2002).Aquatic, wetland or riparian species (0–3) 0Baby’s-breath occurs in pastures, roadsides, hayfields, and wasteplaces (Royer and Dickinson 1999, Rutledge and McLendon1996, Wisconsin DNR 2005).Total for Biological Characteristics and Dispersal 14/25Ecological Amplitude and Distribution ScoreHighly domesticated or a weed of agriculture (0–4) 4Baby’s-breath is cultivated in gardens and flower beds. It hasescaped cultivation into pastures and rangelands (Darwent 1975,Rutledge and McLendon 1996, Whitson et al. 2000).Known level of impact in natural areas (0–6) 3Baby’s-breath has invaded grasslands in Canada (MAFF 2005).Large infestations occurred in lightly-grazed pastures located onsand dunes (Darwent 1975). It is known to invade sand dunes inWisconsin (Wisconsin DNR 2005). Baby’s-breath is becominga threat to semi-disturbed areas of native grasslands in Idaho(Robson 2004).Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in3establishment (0–5)Baby’s-breath occurs in lightly grazed pastures and grasslands(Robson 2004, Wisconsin DNR 2005), and on stabilized sanddunes in Saskatchewan (Darwent and Coupland 1966).Current global distribution (0–5) 3Baby’s-breath is native to Europe and temperate Asia. It is nowwidespread throughout North America (MAFF 2005, Royer andDickinson 1999, USDA, ARS 2004).Extent of the species U.S. range and/or occurrence of5formal state or provincial listing (0–5)Baby’s-breath is widespread across Canada and the NorthernUnited States (MAFF 2005, Royer and Dickinson 1999, USDA,ARS 2004). This species is listed as a noxious weed in Californiaand Washington (USDA 2002).Total for Ecological Amplitude and Distribution 18/25Feasibility of ControlScoreSeed banks (0–3)UThere is no data concerning seed viability.Vegetative regeneration (0–3) 0The plant does not sprout from root or stumps (MAFF 2005,Rutledge and McLendon 1996, Wisconsin DNR 2005).Level of effort required (0–4) 3Annual tilling is very effective in control of baby’s-breath. Thisspecies is also sensitive to herbicides. In Canada, heavy grazinghas suppressed growth of plants and prevented the establishmentof seedlings. Mowing or clipping does not appear effective(Robson 2004, Rutledge and McLendon 1996, Wisconsin DNR2005).Total for Feasibility of Control 3/7Total score for 4 sections 55/97§B-43