First record of non-native woody species Amelanchier ×lamarckii (Rosaceae), in Lithuania

Amelanchier lamarckii F. G. Schroed., a shrub or small tree native to North America, has escaped from cultivation in Lithuania and is recorded as a new casual alien plant in Lithuanian flora.Most of the recorded young individuals have grown from seeds and spread locally through saplings.The population consists of about 50 individuals, of which approximately 10 have grown to a height of 0.5-2.5 m and are fruiting.Amelanchier lamarckii is recorded from the Kelm district, between Pandiai and Palendriai villages, in a dry grassland habitat along the roadside.Amelanchier lamarckii has already been reported to have escaped to several European countries.This hybrid shares similar growth traits as its invasive congener Amelanchier spicata (Lam.)Koch.The naturalization and spread to natural habitats in Lithuania are highly probable.Amelanchier lamarckii has been reported from northern latitudes; therefore, the spread of this plant in Lithuania should be monitored.Planting of A. lamarckii close to dry grassland habitats as well as forest edges should be avoided, considering the possible spread by birds into these habitats.