Current Status of Naturalization by Exotic Ornamental Plants in Korea

Numerous cases have been reported of naturalization by exotic ornamental plants. To obtain basic data about how those plants affect the ecosystems of Korea, we compiled a list of 78 species categorized as ornamentals from 309 naturalized species in Korea and analyzed their life forms, origin, and their current global status of naturalization and regulation. Plants belonging to Compositae comprised the largest group, with 23 species. In all, 75 species were considered herbaceous, and perennial species out-numbered annuals and biennials. Most species originated from Europe and North America. Except for Houttuynia cordata, the other 77 species were naturalized in other countries as well. Furthermore, 34 species, including Aster pilosus and Solidago altissima, have been subject to legal restrictions or classified as alert species in Korea or other countries. Therefore, monitoring may be required to prevent spread of those species, especially for species which have not been managed under domestic law up to now.