Buddleja davidii

Butterfly bush

Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush) grows as a shrub and can reach heights of up to five metres. Its foliage leaves are lanceolate, with hairs on the underside that give them a grey-green appearance. The flowers appear between July and October, are intensely fragrant and form dense, cone-shaped panicles. They vary in colour from pink to purple to white. After flowering, the plant forms small, triangular capsule fruits that contain numerous seeds. The seeds are very small, light and have a high germination capacity, which favours the spread and invasive potential of the species. Overall, Buddleja davidii is characterised by a high tolerance to various environmental conditions, including dry and nutrient-poor soils, which supports its ability to invade new areas.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Buddleja davidii can suppress local plant species by using available resources and spreading rapidly. This can reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem structure and function, especially on dry sites.

Economical damage

In urban environments, Buddleja davidii can cause structural damage as it is able to grow in wall crevices, on building facades and along traffic infrastructure. This can lead to increased maintenance and repair costs.

Region of origin

China

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

Buddleja davidii was often planted as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks and from there was able to spread into the surrounding landscape.

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) comprises about 65 genera with about 1800 species. This family is distributed worldwide, with a focus on the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. It comprises mostly herbaceous plants, but also shrubs and small trees. Characteristic are their zygomorphic, i.e. mirror-image divided, flowers and the capsule fruits. Some species, such as the figwort (genus Scrophularia), have medicinal uses. Other well-known representatives are the meadow sage, the miltary orchid and many ornamental plants, such as the snapdragon and the willowherb. It should be noted that many species formerly classified in this family have been transferred to other families, especially Plantaginaceae, due to genetic studies.

Climate change

Buddleja davidii has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are road infrastructure, soil type, mean annual temperature, winter temperature and rail infratructure.

Positive effects

The plant owes its common name to its popularity with butterflies and other insects, which it attracts with its scent. Buddleja davidii has also been used in naturopathy, but plays a rather minor role in conventional medicine.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Buddleja davidii where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here  beschrieben.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.