?Phenology and morphology of the invasive legume Lupinus polyphyllus along a latitudinal gradient in Europe

Plant phenology, i. e. the timing of life cycle events, is related to individual fitness and species distribution ranges. Temperature one most important drivers plant phenology together with day length. The adaptation their may be for success invasive species. present study aims at understanding how performance legume Lupinus polyphyllus vary latitude. We sampled data across a >2000 km latitudinal gradient from Central Northern Europe. quantified variation in flowering fruiting L. using >1600 digital photos inflorescences 220 plants observed weekly 22 sites. year which different phenological phases were reached, increased 1.3–1.8 days per degree latitude, whereas growing (gdd) required these decreased 5–16 gdd However, this difference disappeared, when length each included calculation was considered. earliest latest climatic zone reach any three studied differed by 23–30 temperature requirements stages between 62 236 gdd. Probably, invasion will further increase northern part Europe over next decades due climate warming. For control, our results suggest that countries large extent, mowing date should shift ca. week 500 sites similar elevations.