Historical contingency and spatial processes rather than ecological niche differentiation explain the distribution of invasive goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia)

Abstract

The effectiveness of invasion depends on the interacting environmental factors and biology of the invader. The effects of these interactions are contingent on their contexts and difficult to predict. Among the most successful plant invaders in Europe are the goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia genera). We assessed the roles of ecological niche differentiation and historical contingency on their distribution in Silesia (Central Europe, studied area approximately 32,000 km 2 ). The distributions of the two most common species (S. gigantea and S. altissima) were clumped, and the species dominated different areas. The distribution was unrelated to ecological niche differences but originates rather from the history of invasion and subsequent density-dependent spread; the species that was first introduced occupied available habitats and prevented the establishment of other species. Solidago canadensis was distributed randomly throughout the entire region and did not differ from S. altissima in its ecology. Euthamia graminifolia differed from the other goldenrods in habitat preferences and environmental requirements. Its distribution was strongly spatially structured, clumping around initial infestation sites. The extents of the differences resulting from ecological niche differentiation and the limitation of long-range dispersal are unclear. We argue that the under-representation of E. graminifolia in abandoned fields originates from the inhibition of establishment in habitats already occupied by other goldenrods. The results underline that the effect of historical contingency can be more prominent than ecological niche differentiation on invasive species distribution and invasion effectiveness.

Resolving the naturalization strategy of Solidago × niederederi (Asteraceae) by the production of sexual ramets and seedlings

“…1) suggest the most successful establishment occurred in the abandoned fields. Simultaneously, it is worth mentioning that both parental species also show effective colonization of abandoned fields (Guzikowa and Maycock 1986;Tokarska-Guzik 2005;Lu et al 2007;Priede 2008;Szymura and Szymura 2011;Karpavičien_ e et al 2015;Dyderski and Jagodziński 2016;Szymura and Szymura 2016). The low number of hybrid ramet clusters observed mainly in the forest clearing, roadside ditches, and on the roadside slopes suggests the early stage of colonization, which can be explained by the young age of the habitat or relatively recent disturbance in the habitat (e.g., deforestation, modernization of roads).…”

Comparison of Methods for Restoring Meadows Invaded by Solidago Species

“…These species were introduced to Europe in the 18th century as ornamental plants that escaped from gardens into the natural environment. Nowadays, they are one of the most common invasive species in the world and are most often found on roadsides, railways, abandoned fields, and meadows [15][16][17][18]. These species have a strong ability to colonize new sites by producing a large number of light seeds, rapid clonal growth, high environmental plasticity, and high biomass production [16,19].…”

Defense with benefits? Ducking plants outperformed erect plants in the goldenrod Solidago gigantea in the absence of herbivory

“…Along with several other goldenrods, Solidago gigantea Aiton (“giant goldenrod”) is an herbaceous perennial that often dominates old fields, roadsides, and other disturbed areas (Abrahamson et al., ). This species is native to eastern North America, but it has become an important invasive weed in much of Europe and eastern Asia (Weber, ; Schlaepfer et al., ; Hull‐Sanders et al., ; Szymura and Szymura, ; Uesugi and Kessler, ). Solidago gigantea flowers in late summer‐to‐early fall, with branching inflorescences (panicles) bearing numerous flower heads (capitula) that contain female ray florets and perfect (cosexual) disk florets (Abrahamson and Weis, ).…”