The three species are noxious weeds introduced to Canada from southern North America. Their geographical distribution has remained almost unchanged since the original paper published in 1980. The plants exhibit a high phenotypic plasticity and genetic variability and they easily adapt to a multitude of agrestal and ruderal habitats. The seeds contribute to a persistent seed bank; they exhibit a variable dormancy and polymorph germination as a result of maternal, genetic and environmental factors. Growth is rapid and plants produce a large number of viable seeds. The three species have developed multiple resistance to triazine and acetolactate-synthase-inhibiting herbicides. They are alternate hosts to many insects, nematodes, viruses, bacteria and fungi that affect cultivated plants.