Growth and development of Artemisia annua l. on different soil types

Artemisia annua, a neophyte from the temperate zone in Asia, became established within 30 years on the banks of the middle course of the river Elbe. One reason for the fast expansion and the success of this plant is its settlement ability on different soil types, which was tested with field and greenhouse experiments. A. annua displays a remarkable phenotypic plasticity, comparable to successful weeds such as e. g. Chenopodium album. Available nutrients are readily utilized for an increase of biomass and diaspore production. The relatively low demands on its environment paired with the ability to exploit resources successfully help A. annua to colonize different sites of the river banks.