Phylogenetic relationships of invasive plants are useful criteria for weed risk assessments

Abstract Risk assessments are conservation tools used to prevent the introduction of invasive species. Many ask whether a taxon has close relatives, but it is unclear this phylogenetic information useful, and which taxonomic scales (e.g., genus, family) most predictive risk. Combining clustering analyses with models predicting invasion risk, we found plants were clustered within nonnative flora conterminous United States. Taxonomic in improved their capacity; risk for taxa confamilials, congeners, or sister increased by 9%, 16%, 19% respectively. Phylogenetic did not improve inference species without any those from large genera. The common approach—assessing congeners—is well suited identify invaders, particularly genera 2–10 established While existing can enhance biologists regulators should collaborate phylogenies.