Seasonal Dynamics of Plant Diversity in Woodland Invaded by Solidago canadensis (Asteraceae) in Lushan Nature Reserve

Solidago canadensis (Asteraceae),a noxious invasive plant in central and eastern China,has invaded woodland in Lushan Natural Reserve of Jiangxi Province,central China.To reveal the spread pattern of S.canadensis and the possible effects on biodiversity in this woodland,we investigated the seasonal dynamics of S.canadensis over two years and the species diversity of the main native plants by establishing seven plots.Results showed that low sunlight and predominance of foggy weather of the Lushan Nature Reserve were not suitable for the growth of S.canadensis,while S.canadensis was always the dominant species in the herb layer and caused a significant decline in species diversity in this layer,especially in autumn (October).Although low sunlight in the woodland inhibited the growth and the further spread of S.canadensis,this plant invader was able to survive and regenerate by sexual and clonal reproduction.Therefore,the invasion of S.canadensis into the woodlands and nearby habitats in Lushan Natural Reserve remains a possibility and deserves further study.