Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Manchurian Wildrice (Zizania latifolia) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Zizania latifolia, Manchurian Wildrice, is a flowering plant native to East Asia. Z. latifolia is used in various ways as a food source and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Z. latifolia is in the horticultural trade in the United States. The plant has been introduced to and become established in Europe, western Asia, Hawaii, and New Zealand. Z. latifolia monocultures are reported to encourage land erosion, promote flooding, and suppress native species. The History of Invasiveness is classified as High. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. Most of the contiguous United States had a medium to high climate match. Areas of low match were found along the Pacific Coast. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is High due to ample records of introduction and impacts. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Z. latifolia in the United States is High.