University of California Berkeley researchers recently concluded that warmer temperatures could lead to an increase in exotic grasses in California. Possible consequences could include:
- exotic grasses typically are taller , have longer and wider leaves and larger seeds over natives which gives them a competitive edge over native species
- exotic grasses compete with native grasses for water
- increased wildfire risk as exotic grasses dry out faster than natives
- exotic grasses are a source of pathogens that attack food crops
Read more in the LA Times Warmer temperatures to expand California exotic grass populations – latimes.com.
Related articles
- Warming climate could give exotic grasses edge over natives (eurekalert.org)
Natural History Wanderings 
Leave a comment