Naturalized
/NACH-er-uh-lyzd/🦋 Ecology●● Intermediate
Also known as: naturalised, established
A plant species introduced to a region outside its native range that has successfully established self-reproducing populations without continued human intervention. Naturalized plants spread through their new environment via seed or vegetative reproduction. Some naturalized species coexist without major ecological impact, while others become invasive and displace native species. The distinction between naturalized and invasive is one of ecological impact.
Etymology
French naturaliser (to grant citizenship), from Latin naturalis
Example
“Queen Anne's lace is naturalized throughout North America, having been introduced from Europe as a herb.”