Invasive plants can stay dormant for decades before rapidly spreading, a UC Davis-led study finds. Researchers analyzed 5,700 species, with some lying dormant for up to 320 years. This lag phase makes early detection and prevention critical.
Air pollution and invasive weeds threaten fire-adapted wildflowers in the Santa Monica Mountains. Nitrogen from smog boosts invaders, reducing native seed banks and long-term biodiversity after wildfire recovery.
Invasive grasses fueled by nitrogen pollution are altering fire patterns in the Mojave Desert, threatening Joshua trees. UC Davis restoration ecologist Justin Valliere says restoration must focus on protecting key areas from frequent wildfires.
