Rudbeckia triloba L. (Asteraceae) – new (?) alien species in the flora of Croatia

Abstract

During the summer of 2022 Rudbeckia triloba L. was recorded outside cultivation at four localities in the inland part of Croatia (Korana Selo, Vukova Gorica, Vugrovec and Slivonja Jarek) growing in anthropogenic habitats. This species, native to North America, was introduced to Europe as an ornamental and in several European countries is spreading mostly as garden escapee. The time of introduction into Croatia is not known. It can be considered a casual alien or a garden escapee ephemerophyte with an as yet unknown invasive potential.