Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated? (If answer is 'no' then go to question 2.01)

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=-1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

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

1

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

n

0

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

n

-2

3.02

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

n=0

y

1

3.03

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

n=0

n

0

3.04

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

n=0

n

0

3.05

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

n=0

y

1

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.09

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

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.10

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

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

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

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

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

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.07

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

See left

7.01

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

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

y

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

8.05

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

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

4

1.01

No, this species has not been in cultivation for at least 20 generations nor has it diverged from wild varieties.

1.02

Answer not scored because conditions for scoring (1.01 must = y) were not met

1.03

Answer not scored because conditions for scoring (1.01 must = y) were not met

2.01

(1)"Native to central and southern Europe, commonly in alpine regions" (2)"A perennial (USDA Hardiness Zones 5) that originally came from Alpine Europe" (3)"Snowy woodrush is native to the cold regions of Eurasia and central Europe; it is adapted to plant hardiness zones 4-8" (4)"Native: Central and southern Europe, Alps"

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for the Livable Landscape. Timber Press, OR. 484 pages (2)Northwest horticulture. Webpage: Wholesale perennial growers in Mount Vernon, Washington. Accessed 2008. http://www.northwesthort.com/catalog.asp (3)Oakes, A.J. 1990. Ornamental Grasses and Grasslike Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold 614 pages (4)Heritage Flower Farm, Wisconsin. Webpage: Heirloom Plants. Accessed 2008. http://www.heritageflowerfarm.com/

2.02

Native range well known

2.03

(1)"Zone: 4 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness) I have heard that this survives in Calgary, Alberta" (2)"Zone 6" (3)"A perennial (USDA Hardiness Zones 5) that originally came from Alpine Europe" (4)"USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 9"

(1)Bluestem nursery. Webpage: Ornamental grasses. Accessed 2008. http://www.bluestem.ca/ornamental-grass.htm (2)Darke, R. 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for the Livable Landscape. Timber Press, OR. 484 pages (3)Northwest horticulture. Webpage: Wholesale perrenial growers in Mount Vernon, Washington. Accessed 2008. http://www.northwesthort.com/catalog.asp (4)Hodgeson, L. 2005. Making the most of shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden. Rodale Books. 380 pages

2.04

(1)"Native: EUROPE Middle Europe: Austria; Germany; Switzerland Southeastern Europe: Italy; Yugoslavia Southwestern Europe: France; Spain" (2)"Found in the Alps and Pyrenees, from Austria, Slovenia and Germany to NE Spain and S and C France."

(1)Sinnott, Q. Webpage: USDA Agricultural Research Service Germplasm Resources Information Network- Species Search. Accessed 2008. http://www.ars.usda.gov/search/advanced.htm (2)Species 2000. Webpage: Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist. Accessed 2008. http://www.catalogueoflife.org/search.php

2.05

Cultivated in at least three locations outside of its native range (1)Grown in Washington State, USA (2)Grown in California, USA (3)Grown in Wisconsin, USA

(1)Northwest horticulture. Webpage: Wholesale perrenial growers in Mount Vernon, Washington. Accessed 2008. http://www.northwesthort.com/catalog.asp (2)Bluestem nursery. Webpage: Ornamental grasses. Accessed 2008. http://www.bluestem.ca/ornamental-grass.htm (3)Heritage Flower Farm, Wisconsin. Webpage: Heirloom Plants. Accessed 2008. http://www.heritageflowerfarm.com/

3.01

No evidence

3.02

(1)"This species … is invasive and is not recommended for rock gardens because of its invasiveness. The plants are an ideal cover in ground-cover and group plantings in naturalized areas." (2)"It is commonly cultivated and may escape from gardens."

(1)Oakes, A.J. 1990. Ornamental Grasses and Grasslike Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold 614 pages (2)Species 2000. Webpage: Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist. Accessed 2008. http://www.catalogueoflife.org/search.php

3.03

No evidence

3.04

No evidence

3.05

Luzula luzuloides is an environmental weed in New England (1)

(1)Mehrhoff, L. Webpage: The Invasive Plant Atlas of New England. Accessed 2008. http://nbii-nin.ciesin.columbia.edu/ipane/aboutproject/about.htm

4.01

No see growth form description: (1)"Narrow green basal leaves less than 0.25 inch (6 mm) wide with conspicuously hairy margins."

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for the Livable Landscape. Timber Press, OR. 484 pages

4.02

Not allelopathic. In the wild, co-occurs with other species (1)"Deschampsia flexuosa, Oxalis acetosella, Luzula nivea."

(1)Salmon, S., J. Mantel, L. Frizzera and A. Zanella. 2006. Changes in humus forms and soil animal communities in two developmental phases of Norway spruce on an acidic substrate. Forest Ecology and Management 237(1-3) :47-56

4.03

Luzula not a parasitic plant genera (1)

(1)USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service Staff. 2008. Parasitic Plant Genera List

4.04

Unknown, however congeners are known to be palatable (1)"This species is very palatable to sheep so the absence and scarcity of Luzula sylvatica in the other woodlands may be because they have been more heavily grazed by sheep in recent years."

(1)Botanical Society of the British Isles. 1967-1969. Proceedings of the Botanical Society of the British Isles Volume 7

4.05

No evidence

4.06

In regards to Luzula in general (1)"Problems and solutions. Woodrushes seem immune to insects. Leaf disease problems are possible but easily solved: Cut back infected plants to stimulate a fresh set of leaves."

(1)Hodgeson, L. 2005. Making the most of shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden. Rodale Books. 380 pages

4.07

No evidence

4.08

Its preference for moist soil reduces fire risk: (1)"moist-loving semi-evergreen" (2)"Unlike other luzulas, this species can tolerate full sun although it needs moist soil."

(1)Missouri Botanical Garden. Webpage: PlantFinder Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Accessed 2008. http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Search.asp (2)British Broadcasting Company, UK. Webpage: Garden Plant Finder. Accessed 2008. http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/

4.09

(1)"Ideal conditions: full sun in cool climates or light shade in hot dry conditions; moist soil" (2)"An excellent ornamental grass that makes a good groundcover in shady areas. Unlike other luzulas, this species can tolerate full sun although it needs moist soil." (3)"Durable and useful as a groundcover in sun or partial shade" (4)"Light: Shade to Part Shade" (5)"Differences in shade tolerance also exist among species. Snowy woodrush, Luzula nivea, adapted as far north as zone 4, thrives in full sun or light shade, in contrast to the colorful, gold-margined woodrush, Luzula sylvatica 'Marginata,' a weak perennial, which prefers deep shade."

(1)Bluestem nursery. Webpage: Ornamental grasses. Accessed 2008. http://www.bluestem.ca/ornamental-grass.htm (2)British Broadcasting Company, UK. Webpage: Garden Plant Finder. Accessed 2008. http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/ (3)Darke, R. 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for the Livable Landscape. Timber Press, OR. 484 pages (4)Northwest horticulture. Webpage: Wholesale perrenial growers in Mount Vernon, Washington. Accessed 2008. http://www.northwesthort.com/catalog.asp (5)Oakes, A.J. 1990. Ornamental Grasses and Grasslike Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold 614 pages

4.10

(1)"Soil type: Well-drained/light, Clay/heavy, Acidic, Chalky/alkaline" (2)"Soil: Loamy Moisture: Moist"

(1)British Broadcasting Company, UK. Webpage: Garden Plant Finder. Accessed 2008. http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/ (2)Northwest horticulture. Webpage: Wholesale perrenial growers in Mount Vernon, Washington. Accessed 2008. http://www.northwesthort.com/catalog.asp

4.11

Not a vine or woody liana

4.12

No. Plant is not tall and only slowly spreading (see 6.06 comment section) (1)"The final height is 2 feet by 1½ feet spread with flat, deep green leaves fringed in white hairs." (2)"Quite a show for such as small plant! Height (foliage): 8 inches (20 cm). Height (Flower): 16 inches (40 cm). Spread: 12 inches (30 cm)."

(1)Northwest horticulture. Webpage: Wholesale perrenial growers in Mount Vernon, Washington. Accessed 2008. http://www.northwesthort.com/catalog.asp (2)Hodgeson, L. 2005. Making the most of shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden. Rodale Books. 380 pages

5.01

A terrestrial sedge.

5.02

No, Luzula is in Juncaceae (1)

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for the Livable Landscape. Timber Press, OR. 484 pages

5.03

Not a Nitrogen fixing plant

5.04

Not a geophyte

6.01

(1)"The vegetation reflects the climate. Below 1000 m, deciduous forests are dominated by … Prominent shrubs and herbs include … Luzula nivea." (2)"Dominant plant species of the ground vegetation were as follows: Hieracium murorum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Oxalis acetosella, Luzula nivea."

(1)Blaser, P., P. Kernebeek, L. Tebbens, N. Van Breemen and J. Luster. 1997. Cryptopodzolic Soils in Switzerland. European Journal of Soil Science 48: 411-423 (2)Salmon, S., J. Mantel, L. Frizzera and A. Zanella. 2006. Changes in humus forms and soil animal communities in two developmental phases of Norway spruce on an acidic substrate. Forest Ecology and Management 237(1-3) :47-56

6.02

(1)"Flowering stalks to 24 inches (60 cm) tall in early summer, with dense clusters of off-white flowers that become increasingly pendulous as seeds mature." (2)[In regards to Luzula in general] "All can be propigated by division … also by seed"

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for the Livable Landscape. Timber Press, OR. 484 pages (2)Webpage: SABONET: Southern African Botanical Diversity Network. Accessed 2008. http://www.sabonet.org.za/publications/publications_reports_shortlist.htm

6.03

Unknown

6.04

Unknown. Some congeners are self-pollinating such as Luzula confusa (1)

(1)Alsos, I.G., G. Arnesen and B.E. Sandbakk. Webpage: Vascular plants native in Svalbard and some introduced species. Accessed 2008. http://svalbardflora.net/index.php?id=345

6.05

Many species of the otherwise anemophilous genus Luzula (Juncaceae) such as L. lutea, L. nivea and L. lactea produce brilliantly coloured flowers with brightly coloured pseudo-nectaries; in these species pollen is dispersed by both insects and the wind

Cox, P.A. and P.J. Grubb. 1991. Abiotic Pollination: An Evolutionary Escape for Animal-Pollinated Angiosperms [and Discussion]. Philosophical Transactions: Biological Sciences 333(1267): 217-224

6.06

(1)"The plants are slow spreading and form loose clumps of flat, dark green leaves" (2)"Loosely tufted and slowly rhizomatous"

(1)British Broadcasting Company, UK. Webpage: Garden Plant Finder. Accessed 2008. http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/ (2)Darke, R. 2007. The Encyclopedia of Grasses for the Livable Landscape. Timber Press, OR. 484 pages

6.07

Unknown

7.01

Plants are not grown in heavily trafficked areas also (1)"The tan seedheads are quite showy during the fall and into the winter" making them sonewhat conspicuous

(1)Oakes, A.J. 1990. Ornamental Grasses and Grasslike Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold 614 pages

7.02

(1)"A very attractive woodrush for use in groups or in masses where it displays a profusion of snow white blossoms. As an added bonus, this tough hardy plant is also used in dried flower arrangements." (2)"The White Woodrush that is available and sold in the trade in the United States has rather large clusters of white or slightly ivory flowers. Most of these specimens do not fit the description of Luzula sylvatica or L. nivea, even though that is how they are listed in the trade. Despite the confusion over nomenclature, the two species just mentioned, as well as those sold in the U.S., are all members of the Woodrush family and are decorative additions to the garden."

(1)Bluestem nursery. Webpage: Ornamental grasses. Accessed 2008. http://www.bluestem.ca/ornamental-grass.htm (2)Meyer, M.H. 1975. Onamental Grasses: Decorative Plants for Home and Garden. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York

7.03

Grown as an ornamental not likely to be grown necessarily in proximity to agricultural crops.

7.04

Possibly, at least one other species of Luzula may be wind-pollinated "The seeds of Luzula campestris, which occupies open habitats, develop a rather dry appendage, so they are less attractive to ants and in consequence, despite the plant's low growth, wind may play a significant part in their dispersal."

Salisbury, E. 1976. Seed Output and the Efficacy of Dispersal by Wind. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 192(1108): 323-329

7.05

Seed Output and the Efficacy of Dispersal by Wind

7.06

Unknown

7.07

Possible. "If we now consider the Luzulas, in this same family, their seeds bear an oily appendage, which in some species is large, and in consequence they are sought for and dispersed by ants. After the eliasomes are consumed the ants tend to abandon the seeds most often in situations that are not unfavourable to survival … In contrast we may note the absence of such a relationship in the species of Luzula which are dispersed wholly, or mainly, by ants."

Salisbury, E. 1976. Seed Output and the Efficacy of Dispersal by Wind. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences 192(1108): 323-329

7.08

Unknown

8.01

(1)"fruit a one-locular, three-seeded capsule" (2)"Approximately 2,500 seeds per gram"

(1)Oakes, A.J. 1990. Ornamental Grasses and Grasslike Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold 614 pages (2)B & T World Seeds. Webpage: B & T World Seeds Facts. Accessed 2008. http://www.b-and-t-world-seeds.com/letters.htm

8.02

Possibly "Halpern et al. (1999) identified the seed banks in closed-canopy forests of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, finding L. parviflora to be an important component, whereas McGraw et al. (1991) extracted buried seeds from Alaskan tundra and found L. Parviflora to comprise one of the two, oldest, seed bank species identified, remaining viable for at least 200 years or more."

8.03

Unknown

8.04

Unknown. In regards to Luzula in general (1)"Problems and solutions. Woodrushes seem immune to insects. Leaf disease problems are possible but easily solved: Cut back infected plants to stimulate a fresh set of leaves."

(1)Hodgeson, L. 2005. Making the most of shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden. Rodale Books. 380 pages

8.05

Unknown