Research directed by C. Daehler (UH Botany) with funding from the Kaulunani Urban Forestry Program and US Forest Service

Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment

Ajuga reptans; common bugleweed

Answer

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=-1, n=-1

y

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

n

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

1

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

y

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

n

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2

?=-1, n=0

y

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

y

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

y

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

y

4.1

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

y

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

1

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

y

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

n

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

y

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

11

Source

Notes

1.01

no evidence

1.02

(1)Floridata.com L.C. (1996-2002) Floridata\Plant Reference. Online database. Available at : <http://www.floridata.com/ref/a/ajug_rep.cfm> (2)Webb et al. 1988. Flora of New Zealan Vol 4. Botany Division, DSIR, Christchurch

(1)"It has escaped cultivation and become naturalized in some parts of the northeastern and northcentral U.S." (2)New Zealand: sporadic throughout but nowhere extensively naturalized

1.03

no evidence

2.01

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?314389 (25 June 2002)

Distributional range:
Native:
Africa: Algeria [n.]; Tunisia
Asia-Temperate: Azerbaijan; Georgia; Iran [n.]; Russian Federation - Ciscaucasia, Dagestan; Turkey [n.]
Europe: Albania; Austria; Belarus; Belgium; Bulgaria; Czechoslovakia; Denmark; Estonia; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Ireland; Italy [incl. Sicily]; Latvia; Lithuania; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russian Federation - European part; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine [incl. Krym]; United Kingdom; Yugoslavia

2.02

2.03

Horticopia, Inc. (2002) Horticopia Plant Information. Available at: <http://www.hortpix.com/index.html>

Hardiness Range: 3A - 10A

2.04

USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: http://www.ars-grin.gov/var/apache/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?314389 (25 June 2002)

Distributional range:
Native:
Africa: Algeria [n.]; Tunisia
Asia-Temperate: Azerbaijan; Georgia; Iran [n.]; Russian Federation - Ciscaucasia, Dagestan; Turkey [n.]
Europe: Albania; Austria; Belarus; Belgium; Bulgaria; Czechoslovakia; Denmark; Estonia; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Ireland; Italy [incl. Sicily]; Latvia; Lithuania; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russian Federation - European part; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Ukraine [incl. Krym]; United Kingdom; Yugoslavia [mostly temperate and mediterranean]

2.05

(1) McKenzie, E. H. C.; Dingley, J. M. (1996) New plant disease records in New Zealand: miscellaneous fungal pathogens III. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 1996, Vol.34, No.2, pp.263-272, 10 ref.
(2) Takeuchi, J.; Horie, H. (1993) Occurrence of southern blight of Peperomia caperata , Ophiopogon japonicus f. nanus and Ajuga reptans caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Tokyo. Proceedings of the Kanto-Tosan Plant Protection Society, 1993, No.40, pp.163-165, 1 ref.
(3) Kwack HyeRan; Lee JongSuk (1997) Effects of uniconazole and gibberellin on leaf-variegation of ornamental plants under different light conditions. Journal of the Korean Society for Horticultural Science, 1997, Vol.38, No.6, pp.754-760, 25 ref.
(4) Fisher, J. R.; Nameth, S. T. (1997) Cucumber mosaic virus, tobacco streak virus, and cucumber mosaic virus satellite RNA associated with mosaic and ringspot symptoms in Ajuga reptans in Ohio. Plant Disease, 1997, Vol.81, No.10, p.1214, 1 ref.

(1) New Zealand (2) Japan (3) Korea (4) USA

3.01

(1)Floridata.com L.C. (1996-2002) Floridata\Plant Reference. Online database. Available at : <http://www.floridata.com/ref/a/ajug_rep.cfm> (2)Webb et al. 1988. Flora of New Zealan Vol 4. Botany Division, DSIR, Christchurch

(1)"It has escaped cultivation and become naturalized in some parts of the northeastern and northcentral U.S." (2)New Zealand: sporadic throughout but nowhere extensively naturalized

3.02

(1)Floridata.com L.C. (1996-2002) Floridata\Plant Reference. Online database. Available at : <http://www.floridata.com/ref/a/ajug_rep.cfm> (2)http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1648.html

(1)"Carpet bugleweed can be invasive and become a persistent weed in lawns that are watered regularly. " (2)can invade adjacent turf areas

3.03

(1) Caputa, J. (1982) Grassland weeds.[FT: Les "mauvaises herbes" des prairies. Revue Suisse d'Agriculture, 1982, Vol.14, No.6, pp.301-311
(2) Bacon, P., P.J. Terry, N. Waltham, & P.Castro S. (1997) An Electronic Atlas of World Weed and Invasive Plants. Version 1.0, 1997. A database based on the original work "A Geographical Atlas of World Weeds" by Holm et al 1979.

(1) AB: Plantago lanceolatea, P. media, P. major, Ajuga reptans and Cardamine pratensis are described with the aid of illustrations. The habit, means of propagation, forage value and control of each sp. is outlined.
(2) A. reptans was listed as a common weed in Germany.

3.04

Invasive Exotic Species Ranking for Southern Ontario. Urban Forest Associates Inc.
January 2002. Available at: <http://www.serontario.org/pdfs/exotics.pdf>

"persists in forest understorey & edges"
Category 4: Exotic species that do not pose a serious threat to natural areas unless they are competing directly with more desirable vegetation. These can often be tolerated in restoration projects if they are already present. They may eventually be replaced through natural succession or management. Control where necessary and limit their spread to other areas.

3.05

Bacon, P., P.J. Terry, N. Waltham, & P.Castro S. (1997) An Electronic Atlas of World Weed and Invasive Plants. Version 1.0, 1997. A database based on the original work "A Geographical Atlas of World Weeds" by Holm et al 1979.

A. bracteosa was listed as a common weed in Taiwan; A. ducumbens was listed as acommon weed in Japan;

4.01

Dehgan, B. (1998) Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University Press of Florida., Gainesville, FL. 638pp. p.419

no description of these traits

4.02

no evidence

4.03

no evidence

4.04

(1) The development of feeding behaviour and recognition of preferred and non-preferred plant species were studied in 9 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus ) fawns separated from their mothers 3 days after birth. From age 15 days to 1.5 months they were offered species always avoided by roe deer (Arum italicum, A. maculatum and Euphorbia amygdaloides ), species normally avoided but which could be eaten occasionally (Primula veris, Ajuga reptans and Viburnum lantana ) and preferred species (Carpinus betulus and Acer monspessulanum ). Feeding behaviour of the fawns was compared with that of 8 adults living in a forested enclosure. Fawns displayed selectivity towards the different plant species from their first contact, probably in response to taste. Thereafter, consumption of the 2 preferred species rapidly increased, while use of the others remained at very low levels. Fawn selectivity was similar to that of the adults from the third contact with the plant species (before they were one month old). This learning pro

4.05

no evidence

4.06

AB: Ajuga reptans is an herbaceous ornamental mint grown in borders or as a groundcover, and is commonly propagated vegetatively and by seed. A total of 356 A. reptans samples were obtained from growers in Washington, Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio, USA, and screened for alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), tobacco streak virus (TSV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), tomato aspermy virus (TAV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), potato virus X (PVX), and 80 potyviruses, using direct antibody sandwich (DAS) and indirect ELISA. Viral-associated double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) analysis was used to detect an apparent satellite (sat) RNA, and northern hybridization using a digoxigenin (DIG) labelled (S) CARNA-5 cDNA probe was used to confirm the identity of the apparent satRNA. No incidences of TAV, TMV, TSWV, INSV, PVX, or potyviruses were detected. CMV was detected in 11%, AMV in 22.2%, TSV in 3.7%, and mixed infections of CMV and AMV in 1.1% of the samples

4.07

no evidence

4.08

http://www.hcs.ohio-state.edu/plantlist/description/aj_ptans.html

no evidence [semi-evergreen species]

4.09

Dymova, O. V.; Golovko, T. K. (1998) Light adaptation of photosynthetic apparatus in Ajuga reptans L., a shade-tolerant plant as an example. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology, 1998, Vol.45, No.4, pp.440-446, 38 ref.

AB: The characteristics of the photosynthetic apparatus of A. reptans plants grown under a forest canopy and in an open plot were examined. Shaded plants had leaves with lower weight per unit leaf area (2.5-fold reduction) and 1.3 times higher chlorophyll content. The chlorophyll a :b ratio varied within the limits of 2.2-2.8 and 2.5-3.2, with light-harvesting complexes comprising 57-69 and 53-62% of the total chlorophyll, respectively. Leaves did not markedly differ in their maximum photosynthetic rates (3-5 mg CO2 dm-2 h-1) and photosynthetic rates at the intensity of radiation of adaptation (IRA) (1.8 mg CO2 dm-2 h-1). The IRA (5-10 W/m2) and light compensation point (1-3 W/m2) were significantly lower in shaded plants. On the whole, morphological and physiological characteristics of the photosynthetic apparatus varied within a rather narrow range, which characterizes A. reptans as a shade-tolerant plant. It is concluded that shade tolerance is a hereditary trait, and that plant viability under shade cond

4.1

(1)Dehgan, B. (1998) Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University Press of Florida., Gainesville, FL. 638pp. p.419 (2)http://www.floridata.com/ref/A/ajug_rep.cfm (3)http://www.thegardenhelper.com/ajuga.html (4)http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP016 (5)http://ohioline.osu.edu/textline/nltr/almc/1995/05-15.txt

(1)"require fertile soil which is moist but not soggy" (2)Carpet bugleweed needs moist conditions. It does best in fairly well drained soils with frequent watering. (3)Ajuga tolerates a wide range of soil conditions as long as soil is well drained. The soil pH should be somewhere within the range of 3.7 to 6.5.Ajuga prefers moist soil, but will tolerate drought remarkably well. (4)Does not do well on sandy soils in Central & South Florida. (5)tolerates poor soil

4.11

Dehgan, B. (1998) Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University Press of Florida., Gainesville, FL. 638pp. p.419

perennial herb

4.12

no evidence

5.01

terrestrial

5.02

Lamiaceae

5.03

no evidence

5.04

perrenial

6.01

AB: Distribution patterns (frequency and percentage cover) of 18 forest plant species were studied in 34 ha of mixed deciduous forest (Muizen Forest, north Belgium). Stands varied in age between 6 and more than 223 years and both slow and fast colonizing species were studied. Detailed land use history data were combined with the species distribution maps to identify species-specific colonization sources and calculate colonization distances. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed with four covariables: pH (which can impose limits on the potential species-distribution), secondary forest age, distance from nearest colonization source and age-distance interaction, to allow us to account for the gradual completion of colonization over time. We could distinguish species which are limited by both dispersal and recruitment (Primula elatior, Arum maculation and Lamium galeobdolon [Lamiastrum galeobdolon ]), mainly by dispersal (Anemone nemorosa and Deschampsia cespitosa ), mainly by recruitment (Paris q

6.02

Fisher, J. R.; Nameth, S. T. (2000) Virus assessment of Ajuga reptans cultivars reveals alfalfa mosaic, tobacco streak, and cucumber mosaic (CMV) viruses, and a CMV satellite RNA. HortScience, 2000, Vol.35, No.2, pp.230-234, 23 ref.

AB: "Ajuga reptans is an herbaceous ornamental mint grown in borders or as a groundcover, and is commonly propagated vegetatively and by seed."

6.03

no evidence

6.04

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/buglec82.html

"The flowers are adapted by their lipped formation for cross-fertilization by bees, a little nectar being found at the base of the long tube of the corolla. The upper lip is very short and the lower three-cleft. The stamens project. The flowers have practically no scent. After fertilization, small blackish seeds are formed, but many of the ovules do not mature" - [Dont know whether it is an obligate or facultatice crosser]  

6.05

(1) Intoppa, F.; Pace, F. de (1983) Bumble bees of central Italy and their pollinating activity. First contribution. [FT: Bombi dell'Italia centrale e loro attività impollinatrice. I. Contributo.] Redia, 1983, Vol.66, pp.389-399
(2) Jovancevi, R.; Popovi, B.; Ivezi, D. (1984) Bee plants of the Labiatae family growing in the Lim river basin. [FT: Medonosno bilje familije usnatica - Lamiaceae u slivu lima.] Poljoprivreda i Sumarstvo, 1984, Vol.30, No.2/3, pp.65-84

(1) AB: The foraging activity of bumble bees was studied in Monte Rufeno, Acquapendente, Italy, in 1982, and compared with that of honeybees in the same area. In all, 9 species of Bombus and 3 species of Psithyrus were identified. The flora visited by Bombus queens during the period March-July included 77 species. Among the plants visited frequently by bumble bees and little by honeybees were Ajuga reptans, Primula vulgaris, Digitalis lutea. Genista spp., Papaver rhoeas, Crataegus spp., and Pyrus communis were foraged by honeybees, and not by bumble bees.
(2) AB: "In this part of the Lim river basin, Yugoslavia, several labiate bee plants are relatively abundant up to an altitude of 1300 m. They include: Ajuga reptans, Ballota nigra, Prunella vulgaris, Lamium maculatum, Lamium purpureum, Leonurus cardiaca, Mentha pulegium, Origanum vulgare, Salvia verticillata and Thymus serpyllum ."

6.06

Dehgan, B. (1998) Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University Press of Florida., Gainesville, FL. 638pp. p.419

"spreads by above-ground stolons"

6.07

(1)Kristensen, L. N.; Friis, K.; Bovre, O. (1988) Ajuga as a pot plant in a combination culture. [FT: Ajuga som potteplante i kombineret dyrkning. Gron Viden, Havebrug, 1988, No.10, 4 pp. (2)http://www.thegardenhelper.com/ajuga.html

(1) Two offsets/pot are planted in July in 10-cm-diameter pots and held outdoors until Nov. onwards when they can be forced under glass at 12-14 deg C. The later the forcing, the more rapidly plants come into flower. Plants forced from 1 Jan. flower in about 7 weeks. A. reptans cultivars Braunherz, Folia Variegata, Alba and Burgundy Glow and A. metallica cv. Pink Elf are recommended. (2)its rapid growth rate may create problems.

7.01

Floridata.com L.C. (1996-2002) Floridata\Plant Reference. Online database. Available at : <http://www.floridata.com/ref/a/ajug_rep.cfm>

a lawn weed [seeds or vegetative fragments may be dispersed with lawn clippings]

7.02

Dehgan, B. (1998) Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University Press of Florida., Gainesville, FL. 638pp. p.419

Landscape uses-A ground cover, rock garden plant, showy when in bloom."

7.03

no evidence

7.04

gravity

7.05

no evidence

7.06

no evidence

7.07

no evidence

7.08

no evidence

8.01

Dehgan, B. (1998) Landscape Plants for Subtropical Climates. University Press of Florida., Gainesville, FL. 638pp. p.419

"Fruit: Four very small, obovid nutlets within the withered remains of each pollinated flower.

8.02

http://hardyplants.com/A.htm

Lightly cover seeds and use a germination temperature of F 50, 21-30 days. Grow seedlings out cool for the first 1-2 months. Or try: , 70ºF, if no germination in 4 weeks, move to the fridge for 4 weeks. [cool temperatures, cold stratification

8.03

Salihu, S.; Derr, J. F.; Hatzios, K. K. (1999) Differential response of ajuga (Ajuga reptans ), wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei ), and dwarf burning bush (Euonymus alatus 'Compacta') to root- and shoot-applied isoxaben. Weed Technology, 1999, Vol.13, No.4, pp.685-690, 24 ref.

AB: Hydroponics and sand culture studies evaluated the effects of isoxaben rate (0.84, 1.69, and 3.39 kg/ha) and application type (root only, shoot only, and root plus shoot) on the growth of ajuga, wintercreeper, and dwarf burning bush. Similar responses were exhibited by the three species tested in both hydroponics and sand culture studies. Based on shoot weight reductions, dwarf burning bush was one to three times more sensitive than wintercreeper, which was the most tolerant of the three species, and ajuga was five to 20 times more sensitive than wintercreeper. Isoxaben applied to the root system at all three rates injured ajuga root tips and foliage and reduced root weight by approximately 40% and shoot weight by 20 to 30%. Isoxaben applications to ajuga foliage damaged the roots and leaves and caused over 30% reductions in shoot and root weights at the highest rate tested. Isoxaben applied to dwarf burning bush roots caused less than 20% shoot injury, reduced root weight by 8 to 18%, and reduced shoot

8.04

http://www.cvwd.org/lush&eff/lsh&ef39.htm

Should be mowed after bloom. [also, spreads by rooted runners]

8.05

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP016

Sensitive to nematodes.