Abstract
Scabiosa atropurpurea is an invasive herbaceous plant now found in 9 states, including 19 counties in north-central Texas and 2 counties in adjacent Oklahoma. Scabiosa atropurpurea forms dense colonies along roadsides and in old agricultural fields and poses a threat to native and improved grasslands. We evaluated the response of S. atropurpurea to mowing and prescribed fire. Mowing caused a marked increase in the density of S. atropurpurea. However, S. atropurpurea declined when there was no management at all and when exposed to growing season fire. Mowing of S. atropurpurea during roadside management and other management contexts leads to persistence and spread of this species. In complex communities, this plant will likely decline and growing season fires may help accelerate these declines.
Published Version
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