T = 1 — Minimal chemical risk, natural avoidance Contains indole alkaloids (gramine, bufotenine; trace DMT reported in some analyses). Young shoots edible in Mediterranean tradition (consumed as asparagus substitute); documented food use of shoots supports low-toxicity assignment. No European poison centre cases (CAP-BL, EAPCCT) documented. No LD₅₀ data in clinically hazardous range. Alkaloid concentrations insufficient for systemic toxicity at normal exposure. T=1 rather than T=0: edible use restricted to young shoots in traditional contexts; whole-plant alkaloid content prevents T=0 assignment. Sources: Frohne & Pfänder Poisonous Plants (2005); Panter et al. in Burrows & Tyrl (2013); ASPCA APCC (not listed as toxic).
A = 1 — Instinctive avoidance, natural refusal No documented veterinary intoxication cases at species level. Gramine present at low concentration; avoided by most livestock due to unpalatability of mature canes. No ASPCA advisory; not listed in Burrows & Tyrl (2013) as causing clinical veterinary illness. A=1 reflects unpalatability-based avoidance rather than confirmed safety. Sources: ASPCA APCC; Burrows & Tyrl (2013).
I = 5 — EU Regulation 1143/2014 Union List + ecological collapse potential Listed on EU Regulation 1143/2014 Union List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern → BAN=true → I=5 mandatory per TAI-ECOSAFE I-scale. Forms monocultures along riverbanks, wetlands, and disturbed habitats; highly competitive via rhizome network and dense biomass; displaces native riparian vegetation (willow, alder, reed communities); fire risk amplification documented. Pan-European invasion documented. Sources: EU Regulation 1143/2014 (as amended); EPPO Global Database (Arundo donax — Union List); Lambinon & Verloove Nouvelle Flore de la Belgique (6th ed., 2012); GBIF Luxembourg occurrence data.
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