American willowherb	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU & ITW 1950
	Drüse-Weideréischen	Status Eur.: established. 1st record: UK 1891.
	Épilobe à tige glanduleuse	RA: ISEIA: B3 – Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,15
	Drüsiges Weidenröschen	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Beklierde basterdwederik	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

Epilobium ciliatum Raf. is a pioneer plant species that thrives mainly in man-made environments such as arable land, gardens, tree nurseries, clearcuts and ruderal areas. It may also become established in open riparian habitats. Its seeds are adapted for wind dispersion and have a high germination rate. It is one of the arable weed species with the highest rate of increase in Europe (Branquart et al. 2010).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Epilobium ciliatum Raf. was first documented under its synonym Epilobium adenocaulon Hausskn. on 1950-07-19 in wasteland on sand between two spruce stands near Croix-des-Bourgeois (Biergerkräiz) near Bridel (municipality of Kopstal) by François Léon Lefort (1917-1975) and Léopold Reichling (1921-2009) (Reichling 1961: 68ff.; MNHNL 2000-; herbarium specimen N°17920).

The species, described by Haussknecht in 1879 based on American herbarium samples, is native to North America where it is widely distributed as several varieties that are difficult to define. Introduction in Europe: < 1900 (Great Britain, Russia), 1900 (Sweden), 1915 (Netherlands), 1916 (Finland), 1931 (East Prussia), 1950 (Luxembourg), 1952 (Belgium, France) (Reichling 1961: 74).

This North American plant species was naturalised in Europe around 1900; it is rapidly expanding (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 434).

700 records of the species are listed in the MNHNL-mdata online portal and the plant is widespread throughout the country (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B3 (3+3+2+1) = Watch List (Ries et al. 2013: 18).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,15 = (Overall Invasion score 0,69 x Overall Impact score 0,22) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum, F. Verloove, 2010. Harmonia database: Epilobium ciliatum Raf.. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-09]
• CABI, 2019. . In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-02-28]
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Epilobium ciliatum Raf. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-09]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Epilobium ciliatum Raf. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-09]
• Reichling, L., 1961. Notes floristiques 1957-1958. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 63: 19-99. [PDF 4612 KB]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2021-03-03. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-17.

	Bohemian Knotweed	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU & ITW 2005.
	Béimescht Knuetkraut	Status Eur.: established. 1st record ITW UK 1954.
	Renouée de bohême	RA: ISEIA: B1 – Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,59
	Bastard-Knöterich	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: n/a | CABI
	Boheemse duizendknoop	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

Like other Asiatic knotweeds, Fallopia ×bohemica (Chrtek & Chrtková) J. P. Bailey colonises a wide range of environments, with a predilection for moist and nitrogen-rich soils. It prefers sunny places or semi-shaded habitats. This pioneer plant proliferates both in ruderal and semi-natural habitats, including riparian areas and open forests. Stem and rhizomes may easily split into small pieces; fragments are able to regenerate a plant, provided a node is present. The Bohemian knotweed may produce seeds but seedling establishment is usually inefficient due to frost sensitivity. Transport of garden waste and soil contaminated with rhizomes are the major dispersal modes. Where the plant is widely consolidated on river banks it is also spread by floods and can easily colonise downstream.

Fallopia xbohemica exhibits hybrid vigour and is reputed to be more invasive than the two parents, F. japonica and F. sachalinensis. It typically forms very dense stands, excluding native vegetation and prohibiting regeneration. It reduces plant and invertebrate species diversity, alters the habitat for wildlife, and changes light and energy conditions of the ecosystem. Once stands become established, they are extremely persistent and difficult to remove. Its development can favour river bank erosion during the winter (Branquart et al. 2010).

Uncertain status of Fallopia × bohemica in Luxembourg

Identification of knotweed species is not always easy, especially the very similar Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Bohemian knotweed (Fallopia ×bohemica), a hybrid between Japanese knotweed and Sakhalin knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis). Until recently, Japanese knotweed was considered much more widespread in Luxembourg than Bohemian knotweed.

During the field trip of the international Neobiota 2016 conference in September 2016, knotweed populations near Michelau that were so far considered as F. japonica, were identified by specialists as F. ×bohemica.

To assess the accuracy of the data collected to date, the Department of Ecology of the Museum carried out a small survey in 2017:  31 specimens of knotweed populations were collected across the country, described and filed in the museum’s herbarium. Genetic analysis of the samples in the museum’s lab showed that in Luxembourg F. ×bohemica is more common than Fallopia japonica. The data of both taxa need to be updated in the Recorder-Lux database (MNHNL, 2000-).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Fallopia ×bohemica (Chrtek & Chrtková) J. P. Bailey was first documented in Luxembourg in the wild by Daniel Thoen on 2005-10-05 on the outskirts of the village of Saeul (Saintenoy-Simon et al. 2008: 32). The species was next reported by Manou Pfeiffenschneider on 2016-09-17 near Wilspull (Municipality of Bourscheid) (MNHNL 2000-).

Currently, 16 records of the hybrid are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019). As far as we currently know, the species is distributed along the rivers Mamer, Black Ernz and Gander.

As in the case of Fallopia sachalinensis, the frequency of male-sterile and male-fertile colonies in the environment should be specified. This hybrid, long unknown, is very variable. It could have been formed by spontaneous hybridisation of both parents; but the introduction by horticulturists of hybrid strains is equally, if not more likely (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 193).

As outlined in the section above, the status of the species has to be revised, as many records could have been misidentified, which is why we describe both Bohemian and Japanese knotweed together in the following section.

Importance and distribution of Bohemian and Japanese knotweed in Luxembourg

Bohemian and Japanese knotweed are common and widespread invasive neophytes in Luxembourg. They build huge colonies along riparian ecosystems, several major rivers of Luxembourg being affected. They regularly grow in small patches along roadsides and in waste grounds, most of these places having been “contaminated” by people getting rid of knotweed clippings from their gardens. Examples can be seen along the main road leaving Luxembourg City in the direction of Echternach. Nurseries and garden designers sometimes contribute to the spread of knotweed in gardens and public green spaces by using contaminated compost.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B1 (2+2+3+3) = Watch List (Ries et al. 2013: 18). Needs to be reassessed (see above).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,59 = (Overall Invasion score 0,84 x Overall Impact score 0,70) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum, F. Verloove & A. Vervoort, 2010. Harmonia database: Fallopia ×bohemica (Chrtek & Chrtková) J. P. Bailey. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-09]
• Bailey, J.P. & A.P. Conolly, 2000. Prize-winners to pariahs – A history of Japanese Knotweed s.l. (Polygonaceae) in the British Isles. Watsonia. 23: 93–110.[PDF]
• CABI, 2019. Fallopia x bohemica. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-02]
• Glesener, B., M. Pfeiffenschneider & C. Ries, 2009. Die Verbreitung von Impatiens glandulifera, Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis, F. ×bohemica und Heracleum mantegazzianum entlang der Hauptfließgewässer Luxemburgs. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 110: 69-73. [PDF 470 KB]
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2020. Fallopia ×bohemica in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2020-03-02]
• Pfeiffenschneider, M., 2007. Über die Verbreitung von Heracleum mantegazzianum, Impatiens glandulifera, Fallopia japonica und F. sachali­nensis entlang der Gewässer Obersauer, Woltz, Clerve, Wiltz und ihrer Nebengewässer (Luxemburg). Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 108: 7-10. [PDF 400 KB]
• Pfeiffenschneider, M., P. Gräser & C. Ries, 2014. Distribution of selected neophytes along the national railway network of Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 95-100. [PDF 1457 KB]
• Pfeiffenschneider, M., P. Gräser & C. Ries, 2014. Distribution of selected neophytes along the main rivers of Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 101-108. [PDF 3668 KB]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]
• Saintenoy-Simon, J. et coll., 2008. Trouvailles floristiques récentes (2006-2007). Adoxa 59: 17-52.

 Page content last updated on 2021-03-04. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-20.

	Jerusalem artichoke	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU ~1720, ITW <1875.
	Topinambur, Russesch Gromper1	Status Eur.: established. 1st record: UK 1607.
	Topinambour	RA: ISEIA: B2, Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,47.
	Topinambur	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Aardpeer	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

Helianthus tuberosus L. is a plant that prefers well-lit, sandy, moist and nutrient-rich soils. It grows best in habitats repeatedly disturbed by floods (riparian areas) but may also occur in ruderal and agricultural environments. In western European climatic conditions, the plant does not produce viable seeds and propagates vegetatively. Tubers and pieces of rhizomes are transported with rodents and flowing water, especially winter floods. The plant can produce dense and persistent monospecific populations along rivers, where it outcompetes native species, slows down natural colonisation by trees and favours river bank erosion. It can be a weed of agricultural fields either by invading the fields or by reducing the yield of consecutive crops.

Introduction in Luxembourg

The Jerusalem artichoke arrived in Luxembourg at the beginning of the 18th century. In his seminal work “La pomme de terre en Wallonie au XVIIIe siècle” (1976), the Belgian historian Fernand Pirotte draws the following conclusions (Pirotte 1976 cit. in Massard 2009):

1. at the beginning of the 18th century, a first previously unknown tuber plant, the Jerusalem artichoke, probably originating from Lorraine, was introduced into the Duchy of Luxembourg under its name “pomme de terre” (earth apple), which was commonly used in Lorraine.
2. around 1715-1720, another tuber plant, the potato, the ‘poire de terre’ or ‘Grundbirne’, was imported from the Rhineland (later the Rhine province) and was called ‘crompire’ or ‘grompir’ by the people.
3. the two species coexisted for some time, with a rapidly increasing dominance of the potato, which overtook Jerusalem artichoke within 20 to 25 years, before 1740. In the 1750s, or at the beginning of the 1760s at the latest, the potato has definitely replaced the Jerusalem artichoke. Paradoxically, the authorities retained the designation “topinambour”, but from about 1740/50 onward they used it for the potato, which they had virtually ignored until then, since its cultivation had been limited to gardens and had thus remained tithe-free.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

“It seems that the introduction of this tuber, also originating from the New World, dates from the same period as the potato [~1725], and that by the middle of the last century [1750] its cultivation was proportionally more widespread than today” (Fischer 1860: 143; 1872: 77-78). But there may be a confusion of names, as potato cultivation was introduced in the 1720s under the name of topinambour or “ground pear” (De la Fontaine cit. in Fischer 1860: 143).²

In 1741 the tithe (tax) was already raised on the Jerusalem artichoke (Ozeray 1827: 267).

In the middle of the 19th century, “Jerusalem artichokes[…] are so little cultivated in the Grand Duchy that the vast majority of farmers do not yet know its tubers. It is even regrettable that the resources that Jerusalem artichokes can offer in certain circumstances have not yet been fully appreciated” (Fischer 1860: 143).³

Helianthus tuberosus was locally cultivated in Luxembourg throughout the 19th century (Löhr 1844: 126, Fischer 1872: 77), especially around Greisch and Ansembourg castle (Tinant 1836: 434). Krombach (1875: 331) states it is sometimes grown in sandy soils and then occurs also subspontaneously.

The first documented observation of the species in Luxembourg dates from 1880. On 21st October 1880, the Société de botanique collected a specimen from a garden in Dommeldange, north of Luxembourg City (Specimen nr. LUX003675, MNHNL 2000-). The first documented observation of the species in the wild dates from 1956. It was found by Léopold Reichling on 30th September 1956 in Born in the municipality of Mompach (MNHNL 2000-). There are 427 observations in the Recorder-Lux database (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019).

According to Lambinon & Verloove (2012: 720), it grows in banks, gravel and mud banks along watercourses, often in large stands, is naturalised in the Lorraine district (rivers Chiers, Moselle and tributaries (AR), but locally very abundant; elsewhere rare (R), subspontaneous or locally naturalised. Rarely cultivated in gardens, especially in the past, for its edible but generally not very appreciated tubers, nowadays sometimes in fallows, for feeding game.

The Jerusalem artichoke is widely distributed along the Lower Alzette, the Lower Sûre and the Moselle. Along the Alzette, important populations of the species often appear at the edge of corn fields.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B2 (2+3+2+2) = Watch List (Ries et al. 2013: 18).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,47 = (Overall Invasion score 0,88 x Overall Impact score 0,53) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• CABI, 2019. Helianthus tuberosus. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-02]
• Fischer, E., 1860. Notices historiques sur la situation agricole du grand-duché de Luxembourg. 2e édition, 254 p. Luxembourg : imprimerie Buck.
• Fischer, E., 1872. Les plantes subspontanées et naturalisées de la flore du grand-duché de Luxembourg. Publications de l’Institut royal grand-ducal de Luxembourg, section des sciences naturelles et mathématiques XII: 1-115. Imprimerie V. Buck, Luxembourg.
• Krippel, Y. & G. Colling, 2006. Notes floristiques. Observations faites au Luxembourg (2004-2005). Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 107: 89-103. [PDF 288 Kb]
• Krombach, J.-H.-G., 1875. Flore du grand-duché de Luxembourg. Plantes phanérogames. 564 p. Luxembourg, Imprimerie Joris.
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• Löhr, M. J., 1844. Taschenbuch der Flora von Trier und Luxemburg : mit Berücksichtigung der Nahe- und Glan-Gegenden. 319 S. Trier, Verlag C. Troschel.
• Massard, J. A., 2009. 300 Jahre Kartoffel in Luxemburg: (I) Europa entdeckt die Kartoffel. (II) Grundbirne, Grompir, Gromper: die Kartoffel erobert Luxemburg. (III) Die Kartoffel in Luxemburg im 19. Jh. Artikel aus: Lëtzebuerger Journal 2009, [I] Nr. 15 (22. Jan.): 23; Nr.16 (23. Jan.): 10, Nr. 17 (24./25. Jan.): 11; [II] Nr. 18 (27. Jan.): 23, Nr. 19 (28. Jan.): 21; [III] Nr. 20 (29. Jan.): 9, Nr. 21 (30. Jan.): 21.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Helianthus tuberosus L. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-09-05]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Helianthus tuberosus L. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-09-05]
• Ozeray, M.-J.-F., 1827. Histoire des pays, château et ville de Bouillon depuis l’origine du Duché jusqu’à la révolution de 1789. 348 p. Imprimerie J. Lamort, Luxembourg. (1re édition) [online source]
• Pfeiffenschneider, M., P. Gräser & C. Ries, 2014. Distribution of selected neophytes along the main rivers of Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 101-108. [PDF 3668 KB]
• Pirotte, F., 1976. La pomme de terre en Wallonie au XVIIIe siècle. Liège, Editions du Musée wallon, 87 p. (= Collection d’études publiée par le Musée de la vie wallonne, 4).
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Tinant, F. A., 1836. Flore luxembourgeoise, ou, Description des plantes phanérogames, recueillies et observées dans le grand-duché de Luxembourg, classées d’après le système sexuel de Linnée. 512 p. Luxembourg, J. P. Kuborn.

 Page content last updated on 2021-03-04. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-18.

1. Cf. Krombach 1875: 331.[↩]
2. Original text: « Il faut croire que l’introduction de ce tubercule, aussi originaire du nouveau monde, date de la même époque que la pomme de terre, et que vers le milieu du siècle dernier la culture en était proportionnellement plus répandue qu’aujourd’hui. » (Fischer 1860: 143) Mais il se peut qu’il y ait une confusion de noms, la culture de la pomme de terre ayant été introduite dans les années 1720 sous le nom de topinambour ou poire de terre (De la Fontaine cit. in Fischer 1860: 143).[↩]
3. Original text: « Les topinambours […] sont si peu cultivés dans le Grand-Duché, que l’immense majorité des laboureurs n’y connaissent pas encore ses racines. Il est même à regretter qu’on n’ait pas jusqu’ici apprécié à leur juste valeur les ressources que le topinambour peut offrir dans certaines circonstances » (Fischer 1860: 143).[↩]

	Garden lupin	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU <1901, ITW 1991.
	Gaarde-Luppéng	Status Eur.: established. 1st record: UK 1826.1
	Lupin des jardins	RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: 0,26.
	Vielblättrige Lupine	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Vaste lupine	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

The pioneer and ruderal plant Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. prefers medium-moist and shaded sites, with a nutrient-poor sandy or loamy soil. It is found in riparian habitats, abandoned grasslands, forest clearings, clearcuts and on road verges. The strong invasion of semi-natural habitats, as it can be seen in Scandinavia for example, has so far been reported only rarely in western Europe. Seeds are dispersed in the immediate vicinity of the mother plant.

L. polyphyllus may occur in extensive, rather dense stands. It reduces the diversity of early successional plant communities, but has little effect on later successional stages. In central Europe, the plant replaces species-rich dry acidic grasslands with monocultures. Due to the nitrogen-fixing nodules it may change the soil chemistry in favour of nitrogen-demanding species; eutrophication of nutrient-poor sites and consequent changes in community structure and diversity is the main problem when it invades an area (Branquart et al. 2010).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. was first mentioned at a meeting of the Luxembourg Naturalist Society on 1901-05-19 in Diekirch: “Mr. Klein ² shows: (1) a specimen of Lupinus polyphyllus, a perennial plant that overwinters and, because it is very rich in nitrogen, is most suitable for green manure. […]” (Bricher 1901: 179).

The oldest herbarium specimen at the Museum was collected in June 1949 by Jos. Witry in a garden in Bergem (Specimen № 51392, MNHNL 2000-).

Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. was first documented in the wild in Luxembourg by Yves Krippel (1992) in the forest Bambësch in Luxembourg City. The species was next documented in the wild by Guy Colling on 2002-06-15 during the Biodiversity Weekend 2002 in the municipality of Bettembourg (MNHNL 2000-).

While only few records of the species were listed in the MNHNL-mdata online portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019) a few years ago, more and more occurences of L. polyphyllus have been documented recently.

The melliferous garden lupin originates from western North America. Under the name of Lupinus polyphyllus several species, hybrids or cultivars may be confused; next to L. polyphyllus s. str., characterised by the entire upper lip of the calyx, one could observe L. perennis L., L. nootkatensis Donn ex Sims and L. ×regalis Bergm. (L. arboreus Sims × polyphyllus), recognisable by the emarginated upper lip of the calyx (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 392).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (1+2+2+2) (Ries et al. 2013: 18).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,26 = (Overall Invasion score 0,55 x Overall Impact score 0,47) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum, F. Verloove & A. Vervoort, 2010. Harmonia database: Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl.. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-11]
• Bricher, E., 1901. Wanderversammlung in Diekirch am 19. Mai. Bulletin de la Société des Naturalistes Luxembourgeois 11 (6): 178-183.
• CABI, 2021. Lupinus polyphyllus. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2021-03-04]
• Krippel, Y., 1992. Effets à court terme d’un apport de fertilisants sur la forêt du Bambësch (Luxembourg-Ville). Travail de fin d’études d’Ingénieur agronome à l’Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), section interfacultaire d’agronomie, orientation agronomie générale. [mémoire non publié].
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-11]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-11]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2022-06-14. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-19.

1. Cf. CABI 2021.[↩]
2. Ed.: Edmond Joseph Klein (1866-1942)[↩]

	Oregon-grape	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU 1842, ITW <1875.
	Gewéinlech Mahonie	Status Eur.: established. 1st record: 1822.1
	Mahonia faux houx	RA: ISEIA: B1 – Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,35.
	Gewöhnliche Mahonie	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Mahonie	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

The shrub Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. (Syn.: Berberis aquifolium Pursh.) occurs in a wide range of semi-natural habitats like dunes, rock outcrops, grasslands and woodlands. They prefer calcic soils and can grow in dry to moist conditions, often in shaded habitats. Mahonia produces numerous flowers and berries that are dispersed by birds over long distances. The recent expansion of this species in western Europe is probably triggered by climate warming.

Mahonia aquifolium has a high growth rate due to hybridisation and subsequent selection by breeders. Rapid clonal growth takes place through root suckers and stem layering, leading to the formation of large and dense populations that are known to overgrow and outcompete native species and accelerate the colonisation of open habitats by woody vegetation (Branquart et al. 2010).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. is a common ornamental plant in Luxembourg which regularly escapes from cultivation in private and public gardens to form spontaneous woody vegetation. While documented occurrences in the wild remained rare until a few years ago the actual distribution map seems to indicate that uncultivated populations of the species are much more common now.

Koltz (1875:18) reports that the species was introduced into the Walferdange Park in 1842 (= 1st record); furthermore, it sometimes occurs subspontaneously, e.g. in the fir grove above the Jewish cemetery in Clausen (Luxembourg City), which is why we consider <1875 as the date of 1st record in the wild.

It was next documented in the wild in Luxembourg on 1950-07-20 by Léopold Reichling (1921-2009) in Verluerekascht (Municipality of Larochette) (MNHNL 2000-).

The oldest herbarium specimen at the MNHNL was collected by Jos. Witry on 1935-04-21 in a park in Bergem (Specimen № 51941, MNHNL 2000-).

The melliferous Oregon-grape originates from North America (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 92).

Other Mahonia species, cultivars and hybrids

Various cultivars and hybrids of this species are planted for ornamental purposes, the latter resulting from hybridisation with other North American species Mahonia pinnata (Lag.) Fedde and M. repens (Lindl.) D. Don in particular. The following taxa could thus be observed escaping from culture: M. aquifolium, M. ×wagneri (Jouin) Rehd. (M. aquifolium × pinnata) and M. ×decumbens Stace (M. aquifolium × repens) (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 92).

Krombach (1875: 38) mentions Mahonia repens (Lindl.) G.Don for Luxembourg: “Introduced from America and cultivated for its early flowering and evergreen foliage.”

In total, Jean-Pierre-Joseph Koltz (1875: 18) mentions six Mahonia species introduced to Luxembourg:

• Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.: introduced into the Walferdange Park in 1842;
• Mahonia fascicularis DC.: introduced into the Walferdange Park in 1842;
• Mahonia fortunei (Lindl.) Fedde: introduced into the Dominican Park in 1853;
• Mahonia japonica (Thunb.) DC.: introduced into the Dominican Park in 1854;
• Mahonia nervosa (Pursh) Nutt.: introduced into the Dominican Park in 1861;
• Mahonia repens (Lindl) G. Don: introduced into the Walferdange Park in 1842.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B1 (3+2+2+2) = Watch List (Ries et al. 2013: 18). Because of the growing number of documented observations the ISEIA evaluation should probably be changed to B2.

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,35 = (Overall Invasion score 0,72 x Overall Impact score 0,48) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum, F. Verloove & A. Vervoort, 2010. Harmonia database: Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-11]
• CABI, 2021. Mahonia aquifolium. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2021-03-04]
• Koltz, J.-P.-J., 1875. Dendrologie luxembourgeoise. Catalogue des arbres, arbrisseaux et arbustes spontanés, subspontanés ou introduits dans la culture du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg. Imprimerie V. Buck, Luxembourg, 217 pp.
• Krombach, J.-H.-G., 1875. Flore du grand-duché de Luxembourg. Plantes phanérogames. 564 p. Luxembourg, Imprimerie Joris.
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-11]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-11]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2023-05-05. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-19.

1. Cf. CABI 2021.[↩]

	Cherry laurel	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU <1875, ITW 1989.
	Lorber-Kiischtebam	Status Eur.: established. 1st record: IT ~1550.
	Laurier-cerise	RA: ISEIA: B3, Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,45.
	Lorbeer-Kirsche	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies:
	Laurierkers	Back to the list of neophytes

Spot the cherry laurel – citizen science with children

The Department of Ecology of MNHNL carried out a citizen science survey with children who are members of the Panda Club of the Luxembourg National Museum of Natural History (Schaltz 2017). See the post Spot the cherry laurel – A citizen science survey with children for more details.

Brief description

Prunus laurocerasus L. is a shrub that thrives in woodland areas with moist, slightly acidic soils, both in well-lit and shaded conditions. Fruits are dispersed over long distances by birds. In recent years, seedlings have increasingly been observed in the wild.

So far, strong invasion by cherry laurel is not known in western Europe. Invasion histories are, however, numerous in southern and central Europe, where the plant rapidly expands by root-suckering, layering and stump-sprouting. It has a dense and permanent canopy that outcompetes native species, prevents forest regeneration and reduces biodiversity. Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and global warming recently favoured plant installation in Atlantic conditions as well, where it is likely to become a new threat for native biodiversity. The plant is a potential vector of different Phytophtora pathogens. Leaves contain cyanogenic glucoside that are toxic for humans (Branquart et al. 2010).

A field survey in the region of Basel, Switzerland, assessed the impact of the invasive shrub Prunus laurocerasus on the native vegetation and soil properties in suburban deciduous forests. A lower native plant species richness in both the ground vegetation and shrub layer was observed in plots with presence of P. laurocerasus. A different species composition of the ground vegetation was also found among plots with and without the invasive shrub. Plots invaded by P. laurocerasus had a lower soil moisture content than control plots. The intensity, diversity and substrate richness of the carbon sources were elevated in soil from invaded plots compared to soil in control plots. However, the chemical soil characteristics examined and the activities of enzymes were not influenced by the invasive plant. The effects of P. laurocerasus became more pronounced with the time elapsed since the establishment of the invasive plant. Thus, the removal of young P. laurocerasus individuals would be an appropriate management practice for this invasive shrub species (Rusterholz et al. 2018).

Picture galleries

Prunus laurocerasus near the natural reserve Haard – Hesselsbierg – Staebierg, Dudelange. Photos by Tiago de Sousa (ANF), 15 March 2017.

Disposal of hedge cuttings of Prunus laurocerasus in the forest at the edge of the road between Meysembourg and Angelsberg. Photos: C. Ries, 2021-03-12.

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Koltz (1875: 55) lists Prunus laurocerasus L. under its synonym Padus laurocerasus (L.) Mill. as cultivated for a long time. Krombach (1875: 145) lists the species under its synonym Cerasus laurocerasus DC. as a cultivated evergreen shrub.

The oldest herbarium specimen at the MNHNL was collected in 1952 by Adolphe Molitor in Höhenhof near Luxembourg City (Specimen № MNHNL34303, MNHNL 2000-).

Kariger states “This ornamental shrub, which originates from south-eastern Europe and often runs wild in the Mediterranean region and in western France, is rarely found in this condition in our country”. He then reports first observations in the wild for Luxembourg: the variety with narrow-pointed, sharply toothed leaves in late 1989 (seminary garden on the Würthsberg in Clausen, Luxembourg City; Kuebebierg near Weimerskirch) (Kariger 1990: 86) and the variety with oval leaves in 1990 (Pulvermühl, Luxembourg City; Schlaed, Dommeldange) (Kariger 1990: 94).¹

Since 2017, the plant was discovered in forest areas west of Steinsel, between Steinsel and Bridel, in Bereldange, close to the Haard – Hesselsbierg – Staebierg nature reserve next to Dudelange, near Cruchten (Krippel et al. 2018: 70). Since then, further locations have been found which suggest that the species is expanding into the wild (e.g. Findel, Remich). A similar behaviour can be observed in neighbouring Belgium (Henneresse 2014).

Currently, 120 records (2019: 75) of the cherry laurel are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2021). This trend confirms this species is more and more often observed far from any dwelling (Krippel et al. 2020: 45).

Nowadays in Luxembourg, cherry laurel is a common garden plant, mostly planted to build hedges.

Management

Since 2020, a project has been running on behalf of the MNHNL in cooperation with two forestry offices to map Prunus laurocerasus in their forest areas and to develop control methods: in principle, small specimens are uprooted, medium-sized ones are dug up and large ones are curled. The experience and knowledge gained have been incorporated into control recommendations. A manual has been prepared in German, French and Portuguese.

Initial mapping shows that the species has spread rapidly in recent times.

Management in the Steinsel forestry district

The cherry laurel is mainly found on the Luxembourg sandstone plateaus, usually around nurseries and on the outskirts of settlements. In general, a main plant establishes itself in the forest and multiplies horizontally by shoots. Removal from sandy soil is fairly easy and allows the plant to be removed almost entirely.

About 30 cherry laurel plants were removed in the Steinsel forest district in 2020. The removal of this plant is done manually, with simple tools (square cross pick, spade). Moving through the forest is done on foot. The uprooted cherry laurels are then thrown into a communal “household waste” container which will be transferred to the SIDOR incineration plant in Leudelange. The only thing left to do is to check the areas for rootlets later (Lichtenberger 2020).

Cultivated evergreen Prunus species and cultivars

Two species of hardy, evergreen Prunus are grown for ornamental purposes in parks and gardens: P. laurocerasus L. (Syn.: Laurocerasus officinalis M.J. Roem.) [of which two varieties are mainly cultivated: P. laurocerasus var. caucasica (Kirchner) Jaeger and P. laurocerasus var. schipkaensis Späth ex H. Späth] and P. lusitanica L. [Syn. : Laurocerasus lusitanica (L.) M.J. Roem.] ; these two species are sometimes observed in a subspontaneous state, the first more and more often, the second very rarely (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 365).

Native hedge plants as alternatives to the cherry laurel

The following species are good alternatives² for creating a privacy hedge:

• Carpinus betulus: leaves deep green, bright yellow to brown in autumn; there are varieties that lose their leaves only at the end of winter.
• Fagus sylvatica: orange-red leaves in autumn; there are varieties that lose their leaves only at the end of winter.
• Acer campestre: grows quickly, popular for higher hedges.
• Prunus spinosa: dense hedge; good retreat and food source for animals; fruits can be harvested after the first night frosts and made into jam or liqueur.
• Cornus mas: three to six metres high; flowers from February, valuable food for bees; leaves yellow to orange in autumn; red, edible fruits very rich in vitamins; good protective hedge for birds.
• Corylus avellana: up to 7 m high; from late January to April it forms flowers in golden-yellow catkins; pollen allergy sufferers should avoid these plants, however, as the male catkins release a lot of pollen; nuts are a food source for native wildlife, birds use the hedge for nesting.
• Sorbus aucuparia: up to 15 m high, red fruit clusters in autumn; berries are eaten by many bird species; very rich in vitamins.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B3 (3 + 2 + 2 + 2) = Watch list, reassessed on 2021-03-21 by C. Ries & M. Pfeiffenschneider. First assessed as C1 (2+2+0+1) (Ries et al. 2013: 18).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,45 = (Overall Invasion score 0,70 x Overall Impact score 0,63) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., P. Dupriez, S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum & F. Verloove, 2010. Harmonia database: Prunus laurocerasus L.. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-15]
• GBIF 2020. Prunus laurocerasus in GBIF Secretariat (2019). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei accessed via GBIF.org on 2020-03-02.
• Henneresse, T., 2014. Notes floristiques inédites sur la Lorraine belge et l’Ardenne méridionale (2009–2013). Adoxa 81: 29-40.
• Kariger, J.-J., 1990. Auf der Suche nach Seltenheiten und verschwundenem 1970-1989. Bericht und Auswahl floristischer Tätigkeit ergänzt durch ökologische Betrachtungen.. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 90: 71-101. [PDF 1762 KB]
• Koltz, J.-P.-J., 1873. Prodrome de la flore du grand-duché de Luxembourg. Première partie. Plantes phanérogames. Imprimerie V. Buck, Luxembourg. 279 S.
• Krippel, Y., T. Helminger & G. Colling, 2018. Notes floristiques. Observations faites au Luxembourg (2016-2017). Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 120: 57-76. [PDF 265 KB]
• Krippel, Y., T. Helminger & G. Colling, 2020. Notes floristiques. Observations faites au Luxembourg (2018-2019). Bulletin Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122 : 29-55. [PDF 132 KB]
• Krombach, J.-H.-G., 1875. Flore du grand-duché de Luxembourg. Plantes phanérogames. 564 p. Luxembourg, Imprimerie Joris.
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• Lichtenberger, G., 2020. Traitement de Prunus laurocerasus dans le triage forestier de Steinsel, Luxembourg. Rapport non publié, 2020-10-22, 4 pp.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Prunus laurocerasus L. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-15]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2021. Prunus laurocerasus L. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2021-01-13]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]
• Rusterholz, H.P., J. Schneuwly, B. Baur, 2018. Invasion of the alien shrub Prunus laurocerasus in suburban deciduous forests: Effects on native vegetation and soil properties. Acta Oecologica 92, 44-51.
• Schaltz, Michèle, 2017. Fuerschung am ‘Natur Musée’: Ekologie. Panewippchen 4: 6-11. [PDF 2.2 MB]

 Page content last updated on 2023-03-14. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2021-03-26.

1. Original text: “Dieser aus Südosteuropa stammende Zierstrauch, der im Mittelmeergebiet und in Westfrankreich häufig verwildert, ist bei uns nur selten in diesem Zustand anzutreffen.
   Am 2.12.1989, nicht selten am schattig-feuchten, mit Mischwald bestandenen Westhang des Clausener Würthsberg (‘Seminärsgaard’).
   Am 11.12.1989 im thermophilen Eichen-Haselstrauchgestrüpp am Südhang des ‘Kuebebierg’ bei Weimerskirch. Einige Schösse. Beide Standorte auf Lux. Sandstein. Vorgefundene Varietät jedesmal die der schmalspitzen, scharfgezähnten Blätter.” (Kariger 1990: 86)
   “Am 1.2.1990, zerstreut, auf Pulvermühl eingebürgert vorgefunden; waldiger Nordwesthang zum “Hammerdällchen”, Carpinion mit Quercion pubescentis-Elementen. Lux. Sandstein. Etwa um dieselbe Zeit, zerstreut, “Schlaed” bei Dommeldingen; Fagion sylvaticae auf Lux. Sandstein. An diesen beiden Orten Varietät mit ovalen Blättern.” (Kariger 1990: 94)[↩]
2. Source: https://www.haus.de/garten/heckenpflanzen-8-alternativen-zum-kirschlorbeer[↩]

	Stag’s-horn sumach	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU <1875, ITW 1986.
	Essegbam	Status Eur.: established. 1st record: unkn.
	Sumac vinaigrier	RA: ISEIA: B1, Watch List. Harmonia+: 0,28.
	Essigbaum	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Fluweelboom	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

Rhus typhina L. is a tree species generally preferring fertile, upland sites, but tolerating a wide range of conditions. Typical habitats of this pioneer plant include ruderal areas, open fields and roadsides, fence rows, railroad rights-of-way and burned areas, but also forest edges, clearings, and shrublands. It is resistant to abiotic stresses, can thrive in polluted city air and grow in inhospitable sites such as pavement cracks. However, R. typhina is not very shade-tolerant and is considered to be an early successional species. The plant has the potential to inhibit vegetation succession and tree regeneration. Contact with its sap causes dermatitis in humans (Branquart et al. 2011).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Rhus typhina L. is first mentioned for Luxembourg by Koltz (1875: 38); “Native to Canada. Introduced from ancient times and also cultivated under the name of R. canadensis.” The 1st record is thus anterior to 1875.

The first documentation of Stag’s-horn sumach dates from 1886, when Jean Feltgen (1833-1904) included a specimen from a garden in Berschbach in his herbarium (Specimen № 15466, MNHNL 2000-). The next documentation of Stag’s-horn Sumach dates from 1981. It was recorded on 9th September 1981 by Léopold Reichling (1921-2009) in Avenue Guillaume in the Belair district of Luxembourg City (MNHNL 2000-). The species was first documented in the wild by Léopold Reichling on 26 June 1986 at Léiffrächen on the Bromeschbierg, municipality of Kayl (MNHNL 2000-).

Until 2012 only four occurrences were documented in Recorder-Lux. In 2013, systematic inventories of invasive species along Luxembourg’s main watercourses (Pfeiffenschneider et al. 2014a) and along the railway lines (Pfeiffenschneider et al. 2014b) showed that the species is more common in Luxembourg than earlier data suggested.

Currently, 76 records are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019).

According to Lambinon & Verloove (2012: 463) Rhus typhina (Syn.: R. hirta) is planted in parks, as well as R. glabra and their hybrid R. ×pulvinata.

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

B1 (2+2+3+3) = Watch List (Ries et al. 2013: 18).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,28 = (Overall Invasion score 0,57 x Overall Impact score 0,50) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., P. Dupriez , S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum & F. Verloove, 2011. Harmonia database: Rhus typhina L. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-28]
• CABI, 2019. Rhus typhina. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-02]
• Koltz, J.-P.-J., 1875. Dendrologie luxembourgeoise. Catalogue des arbres, arbrisseaux et arbustes spontanés, subspontanés ou introduits dans la culture du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg. Imprimerie V. Buck, Luxembourg, 217 pp.
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Rhus typhina L. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-09-05]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Rhus typhina L. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-09-06]
• Pfeiffenschneider, M., P. Gräser & C. Ries, 2014a. Distribution of selected neophytes along the main rivers of Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 101-108. [PDF 3668 KB]
• Pfeiffenschneider, M., P. Gräser & C. Ries, 2014b. Distribution of selected neophytes along the national railway network of Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 95-100. [PDF 1457 KB]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2021-03-11.

	Japanese rose	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU <1923, ITW 2002.
	Geradderegt Rous	Status Eur.: established. 1st record: 1796.1
	Rosier rugueux	RA: ISEIA: C1. Harmonia+: 0,18.
	Kartoffel-Rose	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Rimpelroos	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

Rosa rugosa Thunb. is a predominantly coastal shrub species, which grows on dunes, in grasslands and healthlands but also in coastal woodlands. However, it can grow further inland, where it can be found in fields, boreal forest, disturbed areas, grasslands, heathlands, riparian zones, temperate broadleaf forest and in urban areas. Open dry grasslands, as well as heathlands, especially those with bare patches, are potentially in danger of an invasion by R. rugosa. The species also occurs in various open ruderal habitats like road verges, railway embankments or waste ground (garden escape), but appears to grow less vigorously there.

Rosa rugosa forms extensive impenetrable thickets due to root and stem suckering. It displaces the natural flora of beach and dune vegetation and outcompetes early successional plant species in these habitats (Arenaria serpyllifolia, Empetrum nigrum, Festuca rubra, Veronica arvensis, Viola tricolor, etc.). Thickets of R. rugosa are species-poor, irrespective of the dune type on which the shrub has established. They change humus conditions, favour the installation of other neophytes like Lupinus polyphyllus and Parthenocissus inserta and alter habitat structure through shading effect and initiation of dune formation. They may also act as a reservoir for potential pest species like gall-forming insects. Hybrids with native Rosa species occur (Branquart et al. 2010).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Rosa rugosa Thunb. is commonly planted in public green areas and private gardens in Luxembourg since a long time, as documented in old newspapers (Anonym 1923): “Large-fruited rosehips Rosa rugosa and Rosa villosa are popular rosehip varieties for conserving.”² We thus consider the first record of Rosa rugosa as cultivated species to be anterior to 1923.

Rosa rugosa Thunb. was first documented in the wild by Guy Colling on 15th June 2002 in the Stréissel nature reserve, north of the municipality of Bettembourg (MNHNL 2000-).

Currently, 15 records of Japanese rose are accessible through the MNHNL-mdata portal (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019).

The east Asian melliferous species is often cultivated for ornamental purposes in parks and along roadsides. Subspontaneous or naturalised: coastal dunes, roadsides, embankments, stream banks, especially in the west (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 362).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C1 (1+1+1+1) (Ries et al. 2013: 19).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,18 = (Overall Invasion score 0,45 x Overall Impact score 0,38) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Anonym, 1923. Hof, Garten, Land. Praktische Winke für den Kleingärtner und Tierhalter für den Monat April. Rubrik. Obermosel-Zeitung 55: 2 (1923-04-07).
• Branquart Etienne, Vanderhoeven Sonia, Van Landuyt Wouter, Van Rossum Fabienne, Verloove Filip
• Branquart, E., S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum & F. Verloove, 2010. Harmonia database: Rosa rugosa Thunb.. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-15]
• CABI, 2019. Rosa rugosa. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2020-03-02]
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Rosa rugosa Thunb. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-15]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Rosa rugosa Thunb. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-15]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]

 Page content last updated on 2021-03-11. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-21.

1. Cf. CABI 2019.[↩]
2. Original on a-z.lu: Großfrüchtige Hagebutten Rosa rugosa und Rosa villosa sind beliebte Hagebuttensorten zum Einmachen.[↩]

	Small balsam	Status LU: established. 1st record: LU & ITW 1956.
	Klengt Sprangkraut	Status Eur.: established. 1st record CH: <1831.1
	Balsamine à petites fleurs	RA: ISEIA: C3. Harmonia+: 0,13.
	Kleines Springkraut	Wikipedia: | Wikispecies: | CABI
	Klein springzaad	Back to the list of neophytes

Brief description

Impatiens parviflora DC. is an annual herb that is widely dispersed in European forests. It prefers shaded and moist nutrient-rich stands, but can also grow in acidic conditions. It thrives in beech and alder forests, but can also be found in parks, along hedgerows, on forest edges, in waste grounds and ruderal habitats (Branquart et al. 2010).

Status and distribution in Luxembourg

Impatiens parviflora DC. was first documented by Jean-Jacques Kariger (1925-2018) in late June 1956 in an alluvial forest along the Attert, downstream of Redange (Reichling 1958, Specimen № 24952, MNHNL 2000-, Krippel & Proess 2017: 57).

456 records of the species are listed in the MNHNL-mdata online portal and the plant is widespread throughout the country’s forests (MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF 2019). Most of these data have been collected during systematic inventories along the main watercourses in 2013 (Pfeiffenschneider et al. 2014).

This annual plant species from central and eastern Asia is naturalised in a large part of Europe (Lambinon & Verloove 2012: 480).

Alien Impatiens taxa

Six alien balsam species have been reported in Luxembourg, Impatiens noli-tangere L. being the only native species.

• Impatiens balfourii Hook.f.: Balfour’s touch-me-not, first observed in 2016 in the wild in Luxembourg.
• Impatiens balsamina L.: the garden balsam is already mentioned in Krombach’s flora of 1875 as “Introduced from the East Indies and grown in all gardens” (Krombach 1875: 56).
• Impatiens capensis Meerb. is an annual plant native to eastern North America that is currently spreading across Europe. In Luxembourg, it was first reported on 2021-10-11 from the Moselle valley.
• Impatiens glandulifera Royle: the invasive Himalayan Balsam, which is widespread in riparian ecosystems and forests across Luxembourg.
• Impatiens parviflora DC.: the small balsam, which is widespread in forests across Luxembourg.
• Impatiens walleriana Hopok. f. was reported once as cultivated in Rumelange in 1946.

In 2011 the annual hybrid Impatiens parviflora × I. balfourii was discovered in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland. The fertile hybrid with alternating leaves can be up to 60 cm high. Considerable populations of the hybrid were observed in 2014 in the canton of Ticino in the absence of the parent species (Van Valkenburg et al. 2019).

Risk assessment

ISEIA protocol

C3 (3+2+1+1) (Ries et al. 2013: 18).

Harmonia+ protocol

Overall risk score 0,13 = (Overall Invasion score 0,63 x Overall Impact score 0,20) (Ries et al. 2020).

Worldwide distribution

Bibliography

• Branquart, E., S. Vanderhoeven, W. Van Landuyt, F. Van Rossum, F. Verloove & A. Vervoort, 2010. Harmonia database: Impatiens parviflora DC. Harmonia version 1.2, Belgian Forum on Invasive Species. URL: http://ias.biodiversity.be [accessed on 2019-10-09]
• CABI, 2021. Impatiens parviflora. In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. URL: www.cabi.org/isc [accessed 2021-03-04]
• Krippel, Y. & R. Proess, 2017. Impatiens balfourii Hook. f. (Balsaminaceae), nouvelle espèce subspontanée au Luxembourg ?. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 119: 55-61.
• Krombach, J.-H.-G., 1875. Flore du grand-duché de Luxembourg. Plantes phanérogames. 564 p. Luxembourg, Imprimerie Joris.
• Lambinon J. & F. Verloove, 2012. Nouvelle flore de la Belgique, du grand-duché de Luxembourg, du Nord de la France et des régions voisines. Sixième édition. Avec la collaboration de L. Delvosalle, B. Toussaint, D. Geerinck, I. Hoste, F. Van Rossum, B. Cornier, R. Schumacker, A. Vanderpoorten et H. Vannerom. Jardin botanique national de Belgique, Meise. CXXXIX + 1195 pp. ISBN : 9789072619884.
• MNHNL, 2000-. Impatiens parviflora DC. in Recorder-Lux, database on the natural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-09]
• MNHNL, iNaturalist & GBIF, 2019. Impatiens parviflora DC. in MNHNL-mdata, online portal combining species observation from Recorder-Lux, iNaturalist and GBIF. National Museum of Natural History, Luxembourg. URL: https://mdata.mnhn.lu [Accessed 2019-10-09]
• Pfeiffenschneider, M., P. Gräser & C. Ries, 2014. Distribution of selected neophytes along the main rivers of Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 115: 101-108. [PDF 3668 KB]
• Reichling, L., 1958. Notes floristiques – Observations faites dans le grand-duché de Luxembourg en 1956. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 61: 63-123. [PDF 3355 KB]
• Ries, C. & Y. Krippel, 2021. First records of 56 invasive alien vascular plants in Luxembourg. Bulletin de la Société des naturalistes luxembourgeois 123: 115-127. [PDF 241 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel & M. Pfeiffenschneider, 2020. Risk assessment after the Harmonia+ protocol of invasive alien vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 122: 197-205. [PDF 132 KB]
• Ries, C., Y. Krippel, M. Pfeiffenschneider & S. Schneider, 2013. Environmental impact assessment and black, watch and alert list classification after the ISEIA Protocol of non-native vascular plant species in Luxembourg. Bull. Soc. Nat. luxemb. 114: 15-21. [PDF 652 KB]
• Van Valkenburg, J. L. C. H., N. Schoenenberger, B. T. L. H. van de Vossenberg, W. A. Man in’t Veld, M. Westenberg & E. Boer, 2019. A natural hybrid of Impatiens, in the introduced range, demonstrated by sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal DNA-gene repeat. Botany Letters 166: 144-152.

 Page content last updated on 2021-12-10. Last proofread by Caroline Grounds on 2019-11-19.

1. Cf. CABI 2021.[↩]