Dicentra (Dicentra formosa)

Present distribution

Scientific name:	Dicentra formosa (Haw.) Walp.
Common name(s):	dicentra

Map showing the present distribution of this weed.

Habitat:

D. formosa is “drought tender” (Bodkin 1986). Elevation for D. formosa is known between 5-1190 m, soil moisture is very xeric to very mesic, climate reported is cool mesothermal. “Submontane to montane…Occurs in maritime to submaritime cool mesothermal climates on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-rich soils…Sporadic to plentiful in the herbaceous understory of young-seral forests on water-receiving sites; most common in broadleaved forests. Occasional in early-seral communities on disturbed sites (burns and clearings)…Moist woodlands, forests and streambanks in the lowland and montane zones” (E-Flora BC, undated). D. formosa “habitat: Moist woods or fairly dry open areas to low to middle elevations” (WNPS 2007). “Two chromosomal races of Dicentra formosa exist. A tetraploid race, with n=16, appears to be confined to coastal mountains and valleys, while diploid race, with n=8, is distributed along inland mountain ranges” (Stern 1968). Dicentras “Cultivation: Mostly quite frost hardy, dicentras love humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and some light shade” (Burnie et al. 1998). Dicentras are “fully hardy, although early growth may be damaged by frost. Cultivation: Grow most species and cultivars in preferably neutral or slightly alkaline [soil]” (Brickell 1996).

Potential distribution

Potential distribution produced from CLIMATE modelling refined by applying suitable landuse and vegetation type overlays with CMA boundaries

Map Overlays Used

Land Use:
Broadacre cropping; forestry; horticulture perennial; horticulture seasonal; pasture dryland; pasture irrigation

Ecological Vegetation Divisions
Coastal; heathland; grassy/heathy dry forest; swampy scrub; lowland forest; foothills forest; forby forest; damp forest; riparian; wet forest; rainforest; high altitude shrubland/woodland; high altitude wetland; alpine treeless; granitic hillslopes; rocky outcrop shrubland; western plains woodland; basalt grassland; alluvial
plains grassland; semi-arid woodland; alluvial plains woodland; ironbark/box; chenopod shrubland; chenopod mallee; hummockgrass mallee; lowan mallee; broombush whipstick

Colours indicate possibility of Dicentra formosa infesting these areas.

In the non-coloured areas the plant is unlikely to establish as the climate, soil or landuse is not presently suitable.

map showing the potential distribution of dicentra formosa

Red= Very high	Orange = Medium
Yellow = High	Green = Likely

Impact

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Social
1. Restrict human access?	Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial with abundant, lobed basal leaves, 15-50cm (6-20in) long” (Brickell 1996). Dicentras have “feathery leaves” (Burnie et al. 1998). Low nuisance value. Impedes individual access; unable to walk to waterways.	ML	ML
2. Reduce tourism?	Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial with abundant, lobed basal leaves, 15-50 cm (6-20 in) long” (Brickell 1996). Dicentras have “feathery leaves” (Burnie et al. 1998). Minor effects to aesthetics and/or recreational uses (i.e. aware but not bothered or activity inhibited).	ML	ML
3. Injurious to people?	“In coordination, trebling, respiratory distress and convulsions occur in man, but there are few reports of human poisoning as a result of eating Dicentra… Contact with the plants can cause an allergic skin reaction in sensitive individuals” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). For Dicentras “all parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Contact with the foliage may aggravate skin allergies” (Brickell 1996). Large spines or burrs, extremely toxic, and/or cause serious allergies to humans throughout year.	H	MH
4. Damage to cultural sites?	Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial with abundant, lobed basal leaves, 15-50 cm (6-20 in) long” (Brickell 1996). Dicentras have “feathery leaves” (Burnie et al. 1998). Moderate visual effect.	ML	ML
Abiotic
5. Impact flow?	“Two chromosomal races of Dicentra formosa exist …. [One race] appears to be confined to coastal mountains and valleys, [the other] distributed along inland mountain ranges (Stern 1968). D. formosa prefers soil moisture is very xeric to very mesic. “Submontane to montane … On fresh to very moist, nitrogen-rich soils … Sporadic to plentiful in the herbaceous understory of young-seral forests on water-receiving sites; most common in broadleaved forests. Occasional in early-seral communities on disturbed sites (burns and clearings) … Moist woodlands, forests and streambanks in the lowland and montane zones” (E-Flora BC, undated). D. formosa “habitat: Moist woods or fairly dry open areas to low to middle elevations” (WNPS 2007). Dicentras “are usually found in woodland and mountainous areas … Dicentras love humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil” (Burnie et al. 1998). Dicentras “cultivation: Grow most species and cultivars in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil” (Brickell 1996). Little or negligible affect on water flow.	L	M
6. Impact water quality?	“Two chromosomal races of Dicentra formosa exist … [One race] appears to be confined to coastal mountains and valleys, [the other] distributed along inland mountain ranges (Stern 1968). D. formosa prefers soil moisture is very xeric to very mesic. “Submontane to montane … On fresh to very moist, nitrogen-rich soils … Sporadic to plentiful in the herbaceous understory of young-seral forests on water-receiving sites; most common in broadleaved forests. Occasional in early-seral communities on disturbed sites (burns and clearings) … Moist woodlands, forests and streambanks in the lowland and montane zones” (E-Flora BC, undated). D. formosa “habitat: Moist woods or fairly dry open areas to low to middle elevations” (WNPS 2007). Dicentras “are usually found in woodland and mountainous areas…Dicentras love humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil” (Burnie et al. 1998). Dicentras “cultivation: Grow most species and cultivars in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil” (Brickell 1996). No noticeable effect on dissolved 0₂or light levels.	L	M
7. Increase soil erosion?	No information found.	M	L
8. Reduce biomass?	No information found.	M	L
9. Change fire regime?	No information found.	M	L
Community Habitat
10. Impact on composition (a) high value EVC	EVC = Grassy Forest (V); CMA = Port Phillip and Western Port; Bioregion = Central Victorian Uplands; VH CLIMATE potential. No information found.	M	L
(b) medium value EVC	EVC = Herb-rich Foothill Forest (D); CMA = Corangamite; Bioregion = Otway Ranges; VH CLIMATE potential. No information found.	M	L
(c) low value EVC	EVC = Heathy Woodland (LC); CMA = West Gippsland; Bioregion = Gippsland Plain; VH CLIMATE potential. No information found.	M	L
11. Impact on structure?	No information found.	M	L
12. Effect on threatened flora?	No information found.	M	L
Fauna
13. Effect on threatened fauna?	No information found.	M	L
14. Effect on non-threatened fauna?	No information found.	M	L
15. Benefits fauna?	Dicentra “pollination is by bees searching for nectar in the flower pouches” (Spencer 1997). Dicentras have “feathery leaves” (Burnie et al. 1998). Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial with abundant, lobed basal leaves, 15-50 cm (6-20 in) long” (Brickell 1996). Provides some assistance in either food or shelter to desirable species.	MH	ML
16. Injurious to fauna?	“Livestock and wildlife known to be affected by toxin in species” Dicentra formosa. Species is native to British Columbia (E-Flora BC, undated). “Dicentra species are generally considered poisonous, because they contain isoquinoline and other alkaloids. Some poisoning of sheep and cattle has been reported” (Kershaw 1998). “Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass … In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). May be mildly toxic, may cause fauna to lose condition.	ML	ML
Pest Animal
17. Food source to pests?	Dicentra “pollination is by bees searching for nectar in the flower pouches” (Spencer 1997). “Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass … In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). May supply food for one or more minor pest spp.(eg. blackbirds or environmental insect pests).	ML	ML
18. Provides harbor?	Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial with abundant, lobed basal leaves, 15-50 cm (6-20 in) long” (Brickell 1996). Dicentras have “feathery leaves” (Burnie et al. 1998). Capacity to harbor rabbits or foxes at low densities or as overnight cover.	MH	ML
Agriculture
19. Impact yield?	“The genus is important economically in that the alkaloids of some species produce livestock poisoning (Fahselt and Ownbey 1968). “Dicentra species are generally considered poisonous, because they contain isoquinoline and other alkaloids. Some poisoning of sheep and cattle has been reported” (Kershaw 1998). “Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass … In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). Unsure of the impact of Dicentra formosa specifically. May have a minor impact on quantity of produce (e.g. <5% reduction).	ML	ML
20. Impact quality?	“The genus is important economically in that the alkaloids of some species produce livestock poisoning (Fahselt and Ownbey 1968). “Dicentra species are generally considered poisonous, because they contain isoquinoline and other alkaloids. Some poisoning of sheep and cattle has been reported” (Kershaw 1998). “Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass … In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). Not reported to impact quality. Little or negligible affect on quality of yield.	L	ML
21. Affect land value?	“The genus is important economically in that the alkaloids of some species produce livestock poisoning (Fahselt and Ownbey 1968). “Dicentra species are generally considered poisonous, because they contain isoquinoline and other alkaloids. Some poisoning of sheep and cattle has been reported” (Kershaw 1998). “Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass … In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). D. formosa has a “brittle rhizome” (E-Flora BC, undated). Little or none.	L	ML
22. Change land use?	“The genus is important economically in that the alkaloids of some species produce livestock poisoning (Fahselt and Ownbey 1968). “Dicentra species are generally considered poisonous, because they contain isoquinoline and other alkaloids. Some poisoning of sheep and cattle has been reported” (Kershaw 1998). “Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass … In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). D. formosa has a “brittle rhizome” (E-Flora BC, undated). Little or no change.	L	ML
23. Increase harvest costs?	“The genus is important economically in that the alkaloids of some species produce livestock poisoning (Fahselt and Ownbey 1968). “Dicentra species are generally considered poisonous, because they contain isoquinoline and other alkaloids. Some poisoning of sheep and cattle has been reported” (Kershaw 1998). “Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass … In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). D. formosa has a “brittle rhizome” (E-Flora BC, undated). Little or none.	L	ML
24. Disease host/vector?	No information found.	M	L

Invasive

QUESTION	COMMENTS	RATING	CONFIDENCE
Establishment
1. Germination requirements?	“Although they [Dicentra species] do not grow or flower well without a period of winter chill” (Burnie et al. 1998). Requires natural seasonal disturbances such as seasonal rainfall, spring/summer temperatures for germination.	MH	M
2. Establishment requirements?	D. formosa “habitat: Moist woods or fairly dry open areas at low to middle elevations” (WNPS 2007). D. formosa is known to occur as “sporadic to plentiful in the herbaceous understory of young-seral forests on water-receiving sites; most common in broadleaved forests. Occasional in early-seral communities on disturbed sites (burns and clearings)…Moist woodlands [and] forests” (E-Flora BC, undated). Can establish under moderate canopy/litter cover.	MH	M
3. How much disturbance is required?	“Two chromosomal races of Dicentra formosa exist. A tetraploid race, with n=16, appears to be confined to coastal mountains and valleys, while diploid race, with n=8, is distributed along inland mountain ranges” (Stern 1968). Elevation for D. formosa is known between 5-1190m, soil moisture is very xeric to very mesic…Occurs in maritime to submaritime cool mesothermal climates on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-rich soils… Moist woodlands, forests and streambanks in the lowland and montane zones” (E-Flora BC, undated). D. formosa “habitat: Moist woods or fairly dry open areas to low to middle elevations” (WNPS 2007). Information not specific enough.	M	L
Growth/Competitive
4. Life form?	Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial with abundant” (Brickell 1996). Geophyte.	ML	M
5. Allelopathic properties?	No information found.	M	L
6. Tolerates herb pressure?	“Dicentra species is reported annually in early spring in areas where the animals graze woodland pastures. The plants are apparently unpalatable, but are eaten when other forage is scarce. The experimental animals refused the plants unless mixed with grass…In all cases recovery was rapid and complete” (Cooper and Johnson 1984). “The genus is important economically in that the alkaloids of some species produce livestock poisoning (Fahselt and Ownbey 1968). “Dicentra species are generally considered poisonous, because they contain isoquinoline and other alkaloids. Some poisoning of sheep and cattle has been reported” (Kershaw 1998). Favoured by heavy grazing pressure as not eaten by animals/insects and not under a biological control program in Australia/New Zealand.	H	MH
7. Normal growth rate?	No information found.	M	L
8. Stress tolerance to frost, drought, w/logg, sal. etc?	D. formosa is “drought tender” (Bodkin 1986). “Two chromosomal races of Dicentra formosa exist. A tetraploid race, with n=16, appears to be confined to coastal mountains and valleys, while diploid race, with n=8, is distributed along inland mountain ranges” (Stern 1968). Elevation for D. formosa is known between 5-1190m, soil moisture is very xeric to very mesic… Occurs in maritime to submaritime cool mesothermal climates on fresh to very moist, nitrogen-rich soils… Occasional in early-seral communities on disturbed sites (burns and clearings)” (E-Flora BC, undated). Dicentras “are usually found in woodland and mountainous areas. Cultivation: Mostly quite frost hardy, dicentras love humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil and some light shade” (Burnie et al. 1998). Dicentras are “fully hardy, although early growth may be damaged by frost” (Brickell 1996). May be highly tolerant to frost, have some tolerance to salinity and fire but susceptible to drought and waterlogging. Maybe tolerant to at least two and susceptible to at least one.	ML	ML
Reproduction
9. Reproductive system	Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial…Self-seeds freely” (Brickell 1996). Dicentra “pollination is by bees searching for nectar in the flower pouches” (Spencer 1997). Both vegetative and sexual reproduction (vegetative reproduction may be via cultivation, but not propagation).	H	M
10. Number of propagules produced?	D. formosa “panicles up to 30 flowers” (Kirsten 2004). Dicentra formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial with abundant, lobed basal leaves, 15-50 cm (6-20 in) long” (Brickell 1996). “D. formosa has a “brittle rhizome” (E-Flora BC, undated). May produce 50-1000 propagules.	ML	ML
11. Propagule longevity?	No information found.	M	L
12. Reproductive period?	No information found.	M	L
13. Time to reproductive maturity?	No information found.	M	L
Dispersal
14. Number of mechanisms?	D. formosa is known to occur on streambanks in the lowland and montane zones… D. fomosa has a “brittle rhizome” (E-Flora BC, undated). D. formosa “self-seeds freely” (Brickell 1996). Propagules may be spread by water, or accidental human dispersal (ploughing).	MH	ML
15. How far do they disperse?	D. formosa is known to occur on streambanks in the lowland and montane zones” (E-Flora BC, undated). D. formosa is a “wide spreading, rhizomatous perennial…Self-seeds freely” (Brickell 1996). May be spread by water. Very likely that at least one propagule will disperse greater one kilometre.	ML	ML

References

Bodkin F. (1986) Encyclopaedia Botanica: The Essential Reference Guide to Native and Exotic Plants in Australia. Angus & Robertson.

Brickell C. (Ed.) (1996) A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. The Royal Horticultural Society. Covent Garden Books, London.

Burnie G, Forrester S, Grieg D, Guest S, Harmony M, Hobley S, Hackson G, Lavarack P, Ledgett M, McDonald R, Macoboy S, Molyneux B, Moodie D, Moore J, Newman D, North T, Pienaar K, Purdy G, Silk J, Ryan S, Schien G. (1998) Botanica; 2nd Ed. Random House, Milsons Point.

Cooper MR and Johnson AW. (1984) Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Her Majesty’s Stationary Office, London.

E-Flora BC (Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia) (undated) Dicentra Formosa (Haw.) Walp. Available at:
http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Dicentra%20formosa (verified 01/04/2010).

Fahselt D. and Ownbey M. (1968) Chromatographic comparison of dicentra species and hybrids. American Journal of Botany. 55(3): 334-345.

Kershaw L, MacKinnon A and Pojar J. (1998) Plants of the Rocky Mountains. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton Canada.

Kirsten K. (2004) Flora: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia. Briza Publications. Pretoria, South Africa.

Spencer R. (Ed.) (1997) Horticultural Flora of South-Eastern Australia Volume 2. Flowering Plants Dicotyledons Part 1. UNSW Press.

Stern K. R. (1968) Cytogeographic studies in dicentra. I. Dicentra Formosa and D. nevadensis. American Journal of Botany. 55(5): 626-628.

WNPS (Washington Native Plant Society) (2007) Dicentra formosa. Available at: http://www.wnps.org/plants/dicentra_formosa.html (verified 01/04/2010).

Global present distribution data references

Australian National Herbarium (ANH) (2010) Australia’s Virtual Herbarium, Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Plant Diversity and Research, Available at http://www.anbg.gov.au/avh/ (verified 15/06/2010).

Department of the Environment and Heritage (Commonwealth of Australia). (1993 – On-going) Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) http://www.cpbr.gov.au/apni/index.html (verified 15/06/2010).

Calflora: Information on California plants for education, research and conservation. [web application]. (2010) Berkeley, California: The Calflora Database [a non-profit organization]. Available at http://www.calflora.org/ (verified 15/06/2010).

Den virtuella floran (DVF) (2010) Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Available at http://linnaeus.nrm.se/flora/ (verified 15/06/2010).

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (2010) Global biodiversity information facility, Available at http://www.gbif.org/ (verified 15/06/2010).

Integrated Taxonomic Information System. (2010) Available at http://www.itis.gov/ (verified 15/06/2010).

Missouri Botanical Gardens (MBG) (2010) w³TROPICOS, Missouri Botanical Gardens Database, Available at http://mobot.mobot.org/W3T/Search/vast.html (verified 15/06/2010).

National Biodiversity Network (2004) NBN Gateway, National Biodiversity Network, UK, Available at http://www.searchnbn.net/index_homepage/index.jsp (verified 15/06/2010).

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. (2010) Census of Vascular Plants of Victoria. Available at http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/research_and_conservation/plant_information/viclist (verified 15/06/2010).

United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN) [Online Database]. Taxonomy Query. (2009) Available at http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxgenform.pl (verified 26/03/2009).

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