Why Do Foreign Plants Thrive in the U. S. ?

Plants from other places often do better than local ones in the U. S. But why? Some say it's because they come from somewhere else. Others think it's because they grow quickly. A big study looked at over 11, 000 plant types in nearly 70, 000 spots across the country. It found that foreign plants usually grow faster than local ones. They have more nitrogen in their leaves, thinner leaves, and less dry matter. But speed isn't the only reason they do well.

Foreign plants are more common in plains and deserts. They struggle in forests. They also do better when other fast-growing plants are around. This often happens after disturbances like fires or logging. Foreign plants also seem less picky about where they grow. They face less local competition. So, why do foreign plants thrive? It's not just one thing. Their speed helps, but their different origins and ability to adapt matter too. This mix makes them successful in many places. It also shows that fighting plant invasions is more complex than just removing fast growers.

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