The invasive herb Lupinus polyphyllus can reduce plant species richness independently of local invasion age

Abstract The ecological impacts of invasive species may change or accumulate with time since local invasion, potentially inducing further changes in communities and the abiotic environment. Yet, invasion is rarely considered when investigating non-native species. To examine effect on Lupinus polyphyllus , a perennial nitrogen-fixing herb, we surveyed vascular plant presence absence L. young, intermediate, old semi-natural grassland sites (ca. 5, 10, 15 years representing both lupine community age). We analyzed composition, richness, cover various groups . In contrast to our hypotheses, found no mean (about 35%) an ordination did not suggest marked composition. was associated lower richness invaded but this invasion. Invaded were also occurrence generalist, oligotrophic (low-nutrient-adapted) copiotrophic (nutrient-demanding) temporal dynamics detected. conclude that even intermediate can reduce impact caused by invader might dramatically