The spatial distribution of Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi) in the valleys of big and medium rivers of the East European Plain (on materials of field studies 2008–2016)

The results of analysis on Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden) invasion using long-term monitoring data in the valleys of 14 large and medium rivers of the East European Plain performed in 2008–2016 by the Complex Expedition for the Study of Historical Waterways were presented. A schematic map of the distribution of H. sosnowskyi in the valleys of big and medium rivers with georegistration and landscape description of each point of detection was created. General characteristics of spatial distribution were formulated; the vectors of invasion (anthropochoria, hydrochoria) and the most important factors determining the penetration of H. sosnowskyi into river valleys were identified. The data on H. sosnowskyi confinement to certain structural elements of the landscape of river valleys with definite geomorphological and soil characteristics were presented. It was shown that phytocenotic association of invasive species in natural and anthropogenic communities was associated with towpaths and basic banks in valleys of large and medium rivers. It was established that the banks of rivers formed by rocks with a high content of solid detrital material were most favorable for H. sosnowskyi invasion, and raw floodplains and abrasion sandy banks were unfavorable. The results obtained expand significantly the understanding of the invasive habitat and the confinement of plants to the floodplain sites and can be used in forecasting, preventing the spread of H. sosnowskyi, and developing the measures to control the hogweed.