Plant Assessment Form
More Ludwigia hexapetala resources
Ludwigia hexapetala
Synonyms: Jussiaea grandiflora (M. Michelli) Greuter & Burdet; Jussiaea repens L var. grandiflora M. Michelli; Jussiaea uruguayensis Camb.; Ludwigia uruguanyensis (Camb.) Hara var. major (Hassler) Munz
Common Names: creeping waterprimrose; Uruguay waterprimrose
Evaluated on: 4/2/04
List committee review date:
Re-evaluation date:
Evaluator(s)
Lily Verdone
Sonoma State University, Marin-Sonoma Mosquito Vector Control District
po boox 751 Monte Rio Ca 95462
cell 707 974 0033 home 707 865 9484
lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
No list committee members listed
General Comments
No general comments for this species
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Overall Score ?
Plant scoring matrix
Based on letter scores from Sections 1 through 3 below
Impact | Invasiveness | Distribution | | |
A | A B | Any | High | No Alert |
A | C D | Any | Moderate | Alert |
B | A B | A B | Moderate | No Alert |
B | A B | C D | Moderate | Alert |
B | C D | Any | Limited | No Alert |
C | A | A B | Moderate | No Alert |
C | A | C D | Limited | No Alert |
C | B | A | Moderate | No Alert |
C | B | B D | Limited | No Alert |
C | C | Any | Limited | No Alert |
D | Any | Any | Not Listed | No Alert |
High
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Alert Status ?
Plant scoring matrix
Based on letter scores from Sections 1 through 3 below
Impact | Invasiveness | Distribution | Alert |
A | A or B | C or D | Alert |
B | A or B | C or D | Alert |
No Alert
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Documentation ?
The total documentation score is the average
of Documentation scores given in Table 2.
Reviewed Scientific Publication | 4 points |
Other Published Material | 3 points |
Observational | 2 points |
Anecdotal | 1 points |
Unknown or No Information | 0 points |
3 out of 5
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Score |
Documentation |
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1.1 |
?Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes
Consider the impact on the natural range and variation of abiotic ecosystem processes and system-wide parameters in ways that significantly diminish the ability of native species to survive and reproduce. Alterations that determine the types of communities that can exist in a given area are of greatest concern. Examples of abiotic processes include:
- fire occurrence, frequency, and intensity;
- geomorphological changes such as erosion and sedimentation rates;
- hydrological regimes, including soil water table;
- nutrient and mineral dynamics, including salinity, alkalinity, and pH;
- light availability (e.g. when an aquatic invader covers an entire water body that would otherwise be open).
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' most severe impact on an abiotic ecosystem process:
A. Severe, possibly irreversible, alteration or disruption of an ecosystem process.
B. Moderate alteration of an ecosystem process.
C. Minor alteration of an ecosystem process.
D. Negligible perceived impact on an ecosystem process.
U. Unknown.
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A. Severe |
Reviewed Scientific Publication |
Impact?
Section 1 Scoring Matrix |
Q 1.1 | Q 1.2 | Q 1.3 | Q 1.4 | Score |
A | A | Any | Any | A |
A | B | A,B | Any | A |
A | B | C,D,U | Any | B |
A | C,D,U | Any | Any | B |
B | A | A | Any | A |
B | A | B | A | A |
B | A | B,C | B-D,U | B |
B | A | C,D,U | A | A |
B | A | C,D,U | B-D,U | B |
B | B | A | A | A |
B | C,D,U | A | A | B |
B | B-D | A | B-D,U | B |
B | B-D | B-D,U | Any | B |
B | D,U | C,D,U | A-B | B |
B | D,U | C,D,U | C,D,U | C |
C-D,U | A | A | Any | A |
C | B | A | Any | B |
C | A,B | B-D,U | Any | B |
C | C,D,U | Any | Any | C |
D | A,B | B | Any | B |
D | A,B | C,D,U | Any | C |
D | C | Any | Any | C |
D | D,U | Any | Any | D |
U | A | B,C | Any | B |
U | B,C | A,B | Any | B |
U | B,C | C,D,U | Any | C |
U | U | Any | Any | U |
Four-part score
AABU
Total Score
A
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1.2 |
?Impact on plant community
Consider the cumulative ecological impact of this species to the plant communities it invades. Give more weight to changes in plant composition, structure, and interactions that involve rare or keystone species or rare community types. Examples of severe impacts include:
- formation of stands dominated (>75% cover) by the species;
- occlusion (>75% cover) of a native canopy, including a water surface, that eliminates or degrades layers below;
- significant reduction or extirpation of populations of one or more native species.
Examples of impacts usually less than severe include:
- reduction in propagule dispersal, seedling recruitment, or survivorship of native species;
- creation of a new structural layer, including substantial thatch or litter, without elimination or replacement of a pre-existing layer;
- change in density or depth of a structural layer;
- change in horizontal distribution patterns or fragmentation of a native community;
- creation of a vector or intermediate host of pests or pathogens that infect native plant species.
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition, structure and interactions:
A. Severe alteration of plant community composition, structure, or interactions.
B. Moderate alteration of plant community composition.
C. Minor alteration of community composition.
D. Negligible impact known; causes no perceivable change in community composition, structure, or interactions.
U. Unknown.
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A. Severe |
Observational |
1.3 |
?Impact on higher trophic levels
Consider the cumulative impact of this species on the animals, fungi, microbes, and other organisms in the communities that it invades. Although a non-native species may provide resources for one or a few native species (e.g. by providing food, nesting sites, etc.), the ranking should be based on the species' net impact on all native species. Give more weight to changes in composition and interactions involving rare or keystone species or rare community types.
Examples of severe impacts include:
- extirpation or endangerment of an existing native species or population;
- elimination or significant reduction in native species' nesting or foraging sites, cover, or other critical resources (i.e., native species habitat), including migratory corridors.
Examples of impacts that are usually less than severe include:
- minor reduction in nesting or foraging sites, cover, etc. for native animals;
- minor reduction in habitat connectivity or migratory corridors;
- interference with native pollinators;
- injurious components, such as awns or spines that damage the mouth and gut of native wildlife species, or production of anti-digestive or acutely toxic chemical that can poison native wildlife species.
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition and interactions:
A. Severe alteration of higher trophic populations, communities, or interactions.
B. Moderate alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions.
C. Minor alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities or interactions.
D. Negligible impact; causes no perceivable change in higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions.
E. Unknown.
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B. Moderate |
Observational |
1.4 |
?Impact on genetic integrity
Consider whether the species can hybridize with and influence the proportion of individuals with non-native genes within populations of native species. Mechanisms and possible outcomes include:
- production of fertile or sterile hybrids that can outcompete the native species;
- production of sterile hybrids that lower the reproductive output of the native species.
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on genetic integrity:
A. Severe (high proportion of individuals).
B. Moderate (medium proportion of individuals).
C. Minor (low proportion of individuals).
D. No known hybridization.
U. Unknown.
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U. Unknown |
Observational |
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2.1 |
?Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment
Assess dependence on disturbance, both human and natural, for establishment of this species in wildlands. Examples of anthropogenic disturbances include:
- grazing, browsing, and rooting by domestic livestock and feral animals;
- altered fire regimes, including fire suppression;
- cultivation;
- silvicultural practices;
- altered hydrology due to dams, diversions, irrigation, etc.;
- roads and trails;
- construction;
- nutrient loading from fertilizers, runoff, etc.
Examples of natural disturbance include:
- wildfire;
- floods;
- landslides;
- windthrow;
- native animal activities such as burrowing, grazing, or browsing.
Select the first letter in the sequence below that describes the ability of this species to invade wildlands:
A. Severe invasive potential: this species can establish independent of any known natural or anthropogenic disturbance.
B. Moderate invasive potential: this species may occasionally establish in undisturbed areas but can readily establish in areas with natural disturbances.
C. Low invasive potential: this species requires anthropogenic disturbance to establish.
D. No perceptible invasive potential: this species does not establish in wildlands (though it may persist from former cultivation).
U. Unknown.
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B. Moderate |
Reviewed Scientific Publication |
Invasiveness?
Section 2 Scoring Matrix |
Total points | Score |
17-21 | A |
11-16 | B |
5-10 | C |
0-4 | D |
More than two U's | U |
Total Points
15
Total Score
B
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2.2 |
?Local rate of spread with no management
Assess rate of spread in existing localized infestations where the proportion of available habitat invaded is still small when no management measures are implemented.
Select the one letter below that best describes the rate of spread:
A. Increases rapidly (doubling in <10 years)
B. Increases, but less rapidly
C. Stable
D. Declining
U. Unknown
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A. Increases rapidly |
Observational |
2.3 |
?Recent trend in total area infested within state
Assess the overall trend in the total area infested by this species statewide. Include current management efforts in this assessment and note them.
Select the one letter below that best describes the current trend:
A. Increasing rapidly (doubling in total range statewide in <10 years)
B. Increasing, but less rapidly
C. Stable
D. Declining
U. Unknown
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B. Increasing less rapidly |
Other Published Material |
2.4 |
?Innate reproductive potential (see Worksheet A)
Assess the innate reproductive potential of this species. Worksheet A is provided for computing the score.
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A. High |
Reviewed Scientific Publication |
2.5 |
?Potential for human-caused dispersal
Assess whether this species is currently spread: or has high potential to be spread: by direct or indirect human activity. Such activity may enable the species to overcome natural barriers to dispersal that would not be crossed otherwise, or it may simply increase the natural dispersal of the species. Possible mechanisms for dispersal include:
- commercial sales for use in agriculture, ornamental horticulture, or aquariums;
- use as forage, erosion control, or revegetation;
- presence as a contaminant (seeds or propagules) in bulk seed, hay, feed, soil, packing materials, etc.;
- spread along transportation corridors such as highways, railroads, trails, or canals;
- transport on boats or boat trailers.
Select the one letter below that best describes human-caused dispersal and spread:
A. High: there are numerous opportunities for dispersal to new areas.
B. Moderate: human dispersal occurs, but not at a high level.
C. Low: human dispersal is infrequent or inefficient.
D. Does not occur.
U. Unknown.
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B. Moderate |
Observational |
2.6 |
? Potential for natural long-distance dispersal
We have chosen 1 km as the threshold of "long-distance." Assess whether this species is frequently spread, or has high potential to be spread, by animals or abiotic mechanisms that can move seed, roots, stems, or other propagules this far. The following are examples of such natural long-distance dispersal mechanisms:
- the species' fruit or seed is commonly consumed by birds or other animals that travel long distances;
- the species' fruits or seeds are sticky or burred and cling to feathers or hair of animals;
- the species has buoyant fruits, seeds, or other propagules that are dispersed by flowing water;
- the species has light propagules that promote long-distance wind dispersal;
- The species, or parts of it, can detach and disperse seeds as they are blown long distances (e.g., tumbleweed).
Select the one letter below that best describes natural long-distance dispersal and spread:
A. Frequent long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
B. Occasional long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
C. Rare dispersal more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
D. No dispersal of more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
U. Unknown.
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B. Occasional |
Observational |
2.7 |
?Other regions invaded
Assess whether this species has invaded ecological types in other states or countries outside its native range that are analogous to ecological types not yet invaded in your state (see Worksheets B, C, and D for California, Arizona, and Nevada, respectively, in Part IV for lists of ecological types). This information is useful in predicting the likelihood of further spread within your state.
Select the one letter below that best describes the species' invasiveness in other states or countries, outside its native range.
A. This species has invaded 3 or more ecological types elsewhere that exist in your state and are as yet not invaded by this species (e.g. it has invaded Mediterranean grasslands, savanna, and maquis in southern Europe, which are analogous to California grasslands, savanna, and chaparral, respectively).
B. Invades 1 or 2 ecological types that exist but are not yet invaded in your state.
C. Invades elsewhere but only in ecological types that it has already invaded in the state.
D. Not known as an escape anywhere else.
U. Unknown.
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C. Already invaded |
Other Published Material |
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3.1 |
?Ecological amplitude/Range (see Worksheet C)
Refer to Worksheet C and select the one letter below that indicates the number of different ecological types that this species invades.
A. Widespread: the species invades at least three major types or at least six minor types.
B. Moderate: the species invades two major types or five minor types.
C. Limited: the species invades only one major type and two to four minor types.
D. Narrow: the species invades only one minor type.
U. Unknown.
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B. Moderate |
Reviewed Scientific Publication |
Distribution?
Section 3 Scoring Matrix |
Q 3.1 | Q 3.2 | Score |
A | A, B | A |
A | C,D,U | B |
B | A | A |
B | B,C | B |
B | D | C |
C | A,B | B |
C | C,D | C |
D | A | B |
D | B,C | C |
D | D | D |
A,B | U | C |
C,D | U | D |
U | U | U |
Total Score
C
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3.2 |
?Distribution/Peak frequency (see Worksheet C)
To assess distribution, record the letter that corresponds to the highest percent infested score entered in Worksheet C for any ecological type.
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U. Unknown |
Reviewed Scientific Publication |
Scores are explained in the "Criteria for Categorizing Invasive Non-Native Plants that Threaten Wildlands".
Section 1: Impact |
Question 1.1 Impact on abiotic ecosystem processes?
Consider the impact on the natural range and variation of abiotic ecosystem processes and system-wide parameters in ways that significantly diminish the ability of native species to survive and reproduce. Alterations that determine the types of communities that can exist in a given area are of greatest concern. Examples of abiotic processes include:
- fire occurrence, frequency, and intensity;
- geomorphological changes such as erosion and sedimentation rates;
- hydrological regimes, including soil water table;
- nutrient and mineral dynamics, including salinity, alkalinity, and pH;
- light availability (e.g. when an aquatic invader covers an entire water body that would otherwise be open).
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' most severe impact on an abiotic ecosystem process:
A. Severe, possibly irreversible, alteration or disruption of an ecosystem process.
B. Moderate alteration of an ecosystem process.
C. Minor alteration of an ecosystem process.
D. Negligible perceived impact on an ecosystem process.
U. Unknown.
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A
Reviewed Scientific Publication
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Identify ecosystem processes impacted:
Species alters sedimentation and water flow, sequesters nutrients, creates anerobic conditions Species forms large, dense mats of vegetation above and below the water surface. Root and vegetative growth trap sediment, block hydrolic flow and shade soil and water surfaces disturbing natural ecosystem processes
Sources of information:
Ellmore, G.S., 1981. Root dimorphism in Ludwigia peploides (Onagraceae): Structure and gas content of mature roots. American Journal of Botany, 68: 557-568.
Verdone, Lily, 2004. From data collected in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Ca. 2003-present. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
Westerdahl, H.E. and Getsinger, K.D. (editors), 1988. Aquatic Plant Identification and Herbicide Guide Volume II: Aquatic Plant and Susceptibility to Herbicides. US Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station. Technical Report A-88-9.
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Question 1.2 Impact on plant community composition, structure, and interactions?
Consider the cumulative ecological impact of this species to the plant communities it invades. Give more weight to changes in plant composition, structure, and interactions that involve rare or keystone species or rare community types. Examples of severe impacts include:
- formation of stands dominated (>75% cover) by the species;
- occlusion (>75% cover) of a native canopy, including a water surface, that eliminates or degrades layers below;
- significant reduction or extirpation of populations of one or more native species.
Examples of impacts usually less than severe include:
- reduction in propagule dispersal, seedling recruitment, or survivorship of native species;
- creation of a new structural layer, including substantial thatch or litter, without elimination or replacement of a pre-existing layer;
- change in density or depth of a structural layer;
- change in horizontal distribution patterns or fragmentation of a native community;
- creation of a vector or intermediate host of pests or pathogens that infect native plant species.
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition, structure and interactions:
A. Severe alteration of plant community composition, structure, or interactions.
B. Moderate alteration of plant community composition.
C. Minor alteration of community composition.
D. Negligible impact known; causes no perceivable change in community composition, structure, or interactions.
U. Unknown.
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A
Observational
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Identify type of impact or alteration:
Species out competes native aquatic and terrestrial vegetation, covers open water and terrestrial zones impacting native fauna, lowering species diversity and creates habitat benifical for disease vectors Once established, the species dominates and out competes native vegeation covering aquatic and transitional zones with a dense canopy above and below the water surface. Dense vegetative growth covers areas of once open water, degrading bird habitat, blocking fish passage and lowering the quality of water. The dnese canopy allows for standing water and moist conditions to persist years round creating ideal condtions for mosquitoes, possible West Nile Virus vectors.
Sources of information:
Main Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District, 2004. Observations and collection data from the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Ca., 2000-present. www.msmosquito.com
Verdone, Lily, 2004. From data collected in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Ca. 2003-present. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 1.3 Impact on higher trophic levels?
Consider the cumulative impact of this species on the animals, fungi, microbes, and other organisms in the communities that it invades. Although a non-native species may provide resources for one or a few native species (e.g. by providing food, nesting sites, etc.), the ranking should be based on the species' net impact on all native species. Give more weight to changes in composition and interactions involving rare or keystone species or rare community types.
Examples of severe impacts include:
- extirpation or endangerment of an existing native species or population;
- elimination or significant reduction in native species' nesting or foraging sites, cover, or other critical resources (i.e., native species habitat), including migratory corridors.
Examples of impacts that are usually less than severe include:
- minor reduction in nesting or foraging sites, cover, etc. for native animals;
- minor reduction in habitat connectivity or migratory corridors;
- interference with native pollinators;
- injurious components, such as awns or spines that damage the mouth and gut of native wildlife species, or production of anti-digestive or acutely toxic chemical that can poison native wildlife species.
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on community composition and interactions:
A. Severe alteration of higher trophic populations, communities, or interactions.
B. Moderate alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions.
C. Minor alteration of higher trophic level populations, communities or interactions.
D. Negligible impact; causes no perceivable change in higher trophic level populations, communities, or interactions.
E. Unknown.
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B
Observational
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Identify type of impact or alteration:
Reduction of open water and riverine habitat for fish, migratory birds and waterfowl Possible reduction in connectivity in fish passages to upstream tributaries (example of Salmon moving up the Russian River Watershed through the Laguna de Santa Rosa) due to plant growth blocking waterways, lowering water quality (sedimentation, anerobic conditions and high nutrient levels). Reduction of open water may reduce nesting, feeding, breeding and resting sites for watrfowl and migratory birds (as seen in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, part of the Pacific Flyway).
Sources of information:
Verdone, Lily, 2004. From data collected in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Ca. 2003-present. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 1.4 Impact on genetic integrity?
Consider whether the species can hybridize with and influence the proportion of individuals with non-native genes within populations of native species. Mechanisms and possible outcomes include:
- production of fertile or sterile hybrids that can outcompete the native species;
- production of sterile hybrids that lower the reproductive output of the native species.
Select the one letter below that best describes this species' impact on genetic integrity:
A. Severe (high proportion of individuals).
B. Moderate (medium proportion of individuals).
C. Minor (low proportion of individuals).
D. No known hybridization.
U. Unknown.
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U
Observational
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Unknown, low possibility of hybridization Species was tested for seed viability in Fall 2003, results conclued population of species in the Laguna de Santa Rosa produces sterile seeds
Sources of information:
Verdone, Lily, 2003. Lab experiment: Testing for seed viability using Tetrazolium. Sonoma State University, lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Section 2: Invasiveness |
Question 2.1 Role of anthropogenic and natural disturbance in establishment?
Assess this species' dependence on disturbance: both human and natural: for establishment in wildlands. Examples of anthropogenic disturbances include:
- grazing, browsing, and rooting by domestic livestock and feral animals;
- altered fire regimes, including fire suppression;
- cultivation;
- silvicultural practices;
- altered hydrology due to dams, diversions, irrigation, etc.;
- roads and trails;
- construction;
- nutrient loading from fertilizers, runoff, etc.
Examples of natural disturbance include:
- wildfire;
- floods;
- landslides;
- windthrow;
- native animal activities such as burrowing, grazing, or browsing.
Select the first letter in the sequence below that describes the ability of this species to invade wildlands:
A. Severe invasive potential: this species can establish independent of any known natural or anthropogenic disturbance.
B. Moderate invasive potential: this species may occasionally establish in undisturbed areas but can readily establish in areas with natural disturbances.
C. Low invasive potential: this species requires anthropogenic disturbance to establish.
D. No perceptible invasive potential: this species does not establish in wildlands (though it may persist from former cultivation).
U. Unknown.
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A
Observational
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Describe role of disturbance:
The species establishes in areas with disturbed hydrology, high nutrient loading and flooding. Spread may be facilitated by nursery cultivation/commercial use and animals. Species favors areas of shallow, stagent, nutrient rich water such as flood control channels, irrigation ditches, holding ponds, ect. Species established in upland areas through flood deposition and is possibly spread by waterfowl. It may be used in bioremediation to remove excess nutrients and herbicides from agriculutral waters and waste water treatment ponds (as in Ludwigia peploides).
Sources of information:
Bayer, D.E. and Rejmankova, E., 1990. Removal of herbicide residua and nitrates from agricultural waters by aqutic plants. WRC Project W-727. Report of Water Resources Center. University of California, Riverside, CA. 32 pp.
DiTomaso, J. M. and Healy, E.A., 2003. Aquatic and Riparian Weeds of the West. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Oakland, CA. pp. 253.
Verdone, Lily, 2004. From data collected in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Ca. 2003-present. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 2.2 Local rate of spread with no management?
Assess this species' rate of spread in existing localized infestations where the proportion of available habitat invaded is still small when no management measures are implemented.
Select the one letter below that best describes the rate of spread:
A. Increases rapidly (doubling in <10 years)
B. Increases, but less rapidly
C. Stable
D. Declining
U. Unknown
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A
Observational
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Describe rate of spread:
Rate of spread for species is rapid, in ideal conditions, exponential In the Laguna de Sata Rosa, Sonooma County, Ca. Ludwigia hexapetala coverd approximately 1450 acres in roughly 3 miles of main channel of 100% cover in 2 years.
Sources of information:
Verdone, Lily. 2004. GIS/GPS mapping of the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Ca. August 2003. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 2.3 Recent trend in total area infested within state?
Assess the overall trend in the total area infested by this species statewide. Include current management efforts in this assessment and note them.
Select the one letter below that best describes the current trend:
A. Increasing rapidly (doubling in total range statewide in <10 years)
B. Increasing, but less rapidly
C. Stable
D. Declining
U. Unknown
|
B
Other Published Material
|
Describe trend:
Trend of infestation is increasing. Exact rate of spread is unknown, possibly due to lack of information on the species as well as the difficulty to identify the species from others in its genera which are phenotypically plastic. Using Sonoma Coutny as an example, the species has been documented in herbarium specimens and other reliable sources for over 25 years. Only in the last two - five years has the growth been documneted as invasive or weedy. In that time, the species has grown exponentially.
Sources of information:
California Department of Fish and Game, 2003. Invasive Exotic Plant Control on California Department of Fish and Game Lands During 2002. Office of Spill Preventation and response. Administrative Report 03-001.
Vedone, Lily, 2004. Finding from the North Coast Herbarium, Sonoma State University and the Jepson Herbarium, U.C. Berkeley. Agust 2003. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 2.4 Innate reproductive potential?
Assess the innate reproductive potential of this species. Worksheet A is provided for computing the score.
|
A
Reviewed Scientific Publication
|
Describe key reproductive characteristics:
Species reproduces vegetatively (roots, rhizomes, plant fragments) and produces only non viable, sterile seeds. Species is polyploid (2n=80), polyploides are characterized as having non viable seeds and vegetative growth. Seeds were tested from the Laguna de Santa Rosa population and found not to be viable. Literature shows Ludwigia peploides to reproduce sucsessfully when 95% of the stem material is removed.
Sources of information:
Rejmankova, E., 1992. Ecolgy of creeping macrophytes with special reference to Ludwigia peploides (H.B.K.) Raven. Aquatic Botany. 43 283-299.
Verdone, Lily, 2003. Lab experiment: Testing for seed viability using Tetrazolium. Sonoma State University, lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 2.5 Potential for human-caused dispersal?
Assess whether this species is currently spread: or has high potential to be spread: by direct or indirect human activity. Such activity may enable the species to overcome natural barriers to dispersal that would not be crossed otherwise, or it may simply increase the natural dispersal of the species. Possible mechanisms for dispersal include:
- commercial sales for use in agriculture, ornamental horticulture, or aquariums;
- use as forage, erosion control, or revegetation;
- presence as a contaminant (seeds or propagules) in bulk seed, hay, feed, soil, packing materials, etc.;
- spread along transportation corridors such as highways, railroads, trails, or canals;
- transport on boats or boat trailers.
Select the one letter below that best describes human-caused dispersal and spread:
A. High: there are numerous opportunities for dispersal to new areas.
B. Moderate: human dispersal occurs, but not at a high level.
C. Low: human dispersal is infrequent or inefficient.
D. Does not occur.
U. Unknown.
|
B
Observational
|
Identify dispersal mechanisms:
Commercial use, spread through waterways, possible spread by boat and/or eqipetment Species could have been sold in the past or present as an aquatic nursery plant or used in bioremediation applications to sequester excess nutrients in foul waters. It is know to spread through waterways.
Sources of information:
Verdone, Lily, 2004. From data collected in the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, Ca. 2003-present. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 2.6 Potential for natural long-distance dispersal?
We have chosen 1 km as the threshold of "long-distance." Assess whether this species is frequently spread, or has high potential to be spread, by animals or abiotic mechanisms that can move seed, roots, stems, or other propagules this far. The following are examples of such natural long-distance dispersal mechanisms:
- the species' fruit or seed is commonly consumed by birds or other animals that travel long distances;
- the species' fruits or seeds are sticky or burred and cling to feathers or hair of animals;
- the species has buoyant fruits, seeds, or other propagules that are dispersed by flowing water;
- the species has light propagules that promote long-distance wind dispersal;
- The species, or parts of it, can detach and disperse seeds as they are blown long distances (e.g., tumbleweed).
Select the one letter below that best describes natural long-distance dispersal and spread:
A. Frequent long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
B. Occasional long-distance dispersal by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
C. Rare dispersal more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
D. No dispersal of more than 1 km by animals or abiotic mechanisms.
U. Unknown.
|
B
Observational
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Identify dispersal mechanisms:
Long distance dispersal includes vegetative propagules transported by flowing water and may also include movement by waterfowl. Main dispersal is by moving water. The species has been documented to be consumed and possibly transported by ducks and other waterfowl in the Laguna de Santa Rosa and the Delta regions.
Sources of information:
Verdone, Lily, 2004. Email conversation with Thomas Moore, Bay/Delta Cluster Biologist Natural Resources Conservation Service. May 14, 2003. lilyverdone@ecoisp.com
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Question 2.7 Other regions invaded?
Assess whether this species has invaded ecological types in other states or countries outside its native range that are analogous to ecological types not yet invaded in your state (see Worksheets B, C, and D for California, Arizona, and Nevada, respectively, in Part IV for lists of ecological types). This information is useful in predicting the likelihood of further spread within your state.
Select the one letter below that best describes the species' invasiveness in other states or countries, outside its native range.
A. This species has invaded 3 or more ecological types elsewhere that exist in your state and are as yet not invaded by this species (e.g. it has invaded Mediterranean grasslands, savanna, and maquis in southern Europe, which are analogous to California grasslands, savanna, and chaparral, respectively).
B. Invades 1 or 2 ecological types that exist but are not yet invaded in your state.
C. Invades elsewhere but only in ecological types that it has already invaded in the state.
D. Not known as an escape anywhere else.
U. Unknown.
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C
Other Published Material
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Identify other regions:
Lakes, ponds, slow moving streams and marshes throughout California and other Western and Southern States Considered a State noxious weed in Florida, Oregon, Washingtion, North Carolina and Oklahoma.
Sources of information:
Invasive Plants of the Thirteen Southern Sates. Accessed online at: http://www.invasive.org/seweeds.cfm
North Carolina Center for Agriculture Services. Accessed online at: http://www.ncagr.com/plantind/plant/weed/urwpros.htm
Washington State Department of Ecology: Water quality home. Accessed online at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/weeds/water_primrose.html
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Section 3: Distribution |
Question 3.1 Ecological amplitude/Range?
Refer to Worksheet C and select the one letter below that indicates the number of different ecological types that this species invades.
A. Widespread: the species invades at least three major types or at least six minor types.
B. Moderate: the species invades two major types or five minor types.
C. Limited: the species invades only one major type and two to four minor types.
D. Narrow: the species invades only one minor type.
U. Unknown.
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B
Reviewed Scientific Publication
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Freshwater aqutic systems (lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, streas, canals), Bog and marsh, riparian and bottomland Species is an aquatic freshwater vascular plant able to persist in dry transitional zones
Sources of information:
Hickman, J.C. (editor)., 1996. The Jepson Manual Higher Plants of California. University of California Press. Berkeley, CA.
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Question 3.2 Distribution/Peak frequency?
To assess distribution, record the letter that corresponds to the highest percent infested score entered in Worksheet C for any ecological type.
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U
Reviewed Scientific Publication
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Describe distribution:
Percent of distibution is unknown for this species no information
Sources of information:
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Reaches reproductive maturity in 2 years or less |
Yes |
Dense infestations produce >1,000 viable seed per square meter |
No |
Populations of this species produce seeds every year. |
Yes |
Seed production sustained over 3 or more months within a population annually |
No |
Seeds remain viable in soil for three or more years |
No |
Viable seed produced with both self-pollination and cross-pollination |
No |
Has quickly spreading vegetative structures (rhizomes, roots, etc.) that may root at nodes |
Yes |
Fragments easily and fragments can become established elsewhere |
Yes |
Resprouts readily when cut, grazed, or burned |
Yes |
Total points: |
6
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Total unknowns: |
0 |
Total score: |
A?
Scoring Criteria for Worksheet A
A. High reproductive potential (6 or more points).
B. Moderate reproductive potential (4-5 points).
C. Low reproductive potential (3 points or less and less than 3 Unknowns).
U. Unknown (3 or fewer points and 3 or more Unknowns).
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Related traits:
Worksheet B - Arizona Ecological Types is not included here
(sensu Holland 1986)
Major Ecological Types |
Minor Ecological Types |
Code?
A means >50% of type occurrences are invaded;
B means 20% to 50%;
C means 5% to 20%;
D means present but <5%;
U means unknown (unable to estimate percentage of occurrences invaded)
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Marine Systems | marine systems | |
Freshwater and Estuarine | lakes, ponds, reservoirs | U, Unknown |
Aquatic Systems | rivers, streams, canals | U, Unknown |
estuaries | |
Dunes | coastal | |
desert | |
interior | |
Scrub and Chaparral | coastal bluff scrub | |
coastal scrub | |
Sonoran desert scrub | |
Mojavean desert scrub (incl. Joshua tree woodland) | |
Great Basin scrub | |
chenopod scrub | |
montane dwarf scrub | |
Upper Sonoran subshrub scrub | |
chaparral | |
Grasslands, Vernal Pools, Meadows, and other Herb Communities | coastal prairie | |
valley and foothill grassland | |
Great Basin grassland | |
vernal pool | |
meadow and seep | |
alkali playa | |
pebble plain | U, Unknown |
Bog and Marsh | bog and fen | U, Unknown |
marsh and swamp | U, Unknown |
Riparian and Bottomland habitat | riparian forest | U, Unknown |
riparian woodland | U, Unknown |
riparian scrub (incl.desert washes) | |
Woodland | cismontane woodland | |
piñon and juniper woodland | |
Sonoran thorn woodland | |
Forest | broadleaved upland forest | |
North Coast coniferous forest | |
closed cone coniferous forest | |
lower montane coniferous forest | |
upper montane coniferous forest | |
subalpine coniferous forest | |
Alpine Habitats | alpine boulder and rock field | |
alpine dwarf scrub | |
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Amplitude (breadth): |
- |
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Distribution (highest score): |
- |
Infested Jepson Regions
Click here for a map of Jepson regions
- Cascade Range
- Central West
- Great Valley
- Northwest
- Sierra Nevada
- Southwest
- Modoc Plateau