From desirable ornamental plant to pest to accepted addition to the flora?

the perception of an alien tree species through the centuries

authored by

Uwe Starfinger, Ingo Kowarik, Michael Rode, Hartwig Schepker

Abstract

Prunus serotina, a forest tree of North American origin, was introduced to central Europe and planted for various purposes. In the course of the centuries it was regarded as a valuable timber tree by European foresters; subsequently, as a useful non-timber species in forestry, a forest pest, a controllable weed and, eventually, as a species we have to live with. All these perceived qualities served as motives for action by humans without seeking scientific evidence for them: millions of specimens of P. serotina were planted, later millions of euros were spent in attempts at control. The species, and its changing perception through time, may be an example of the need for science-based assessments as a basis for developing policies concerning non-native plants.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Environmental Planning

External Organisation(s)

Technische Universität Berlin

Type

Article

Journal

Biological invasions

Volume

5

Pages

323-335

No. of pages

13

ISSN

1387-3547

Publication date

12.2003

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Ecology

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.1023/B:BINV.0000005573.14800.07 (Access: Closed)