Competitiveness of the Exotic Silphium perfoliatum against the Native Urtica dioica: A Field Experiment

Silphium perfoliatum (cup plant) is native to North America and increasingly used as a bioenergy crop in Germany. Spontaneous occurrences of this species have already been detected several European countries. To assess the possible risk biodiversity by spreading S. perfoliatum, we investigated competitiveness against highly competitive Urtica dioica over four years field experiment Bayreuth (Germany). grew well among U. dioica, although its biomass was strongly reduced surrounding dioica. Projection area, plant height, reproductive potential were less or similarly intraspecific competition. Moreover, significantly suppressed growth A settlement establishment flora Central Europe suppression uncompetitive are therefore conceivable.