| Summary: | The main purpose of the research was to map the distribution of cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), an invasive alien plant, within four open areas in Reykjavík; Laugarnes, Vatnsmýri, Elliðaárdalur, and Ægisíða. The aim was to identify hot spot areas with high abundance of cow parsley as that may increase the risk of losing native plant species in those areas. Furthermore, the distribution of sweet cicely (Myrrhis odorata) was mapped to assess if there is overlap in the cover of these two plant species from the Apiaceae family that share similar plant traits. The total combined size of the four study areas surveyed was 158 ha. Results indicate that cow parsley covered 10% (15.5 ha) of the study areas and was most abundant near pathways, riversides and streams. Cow parsley is spreading and is a serious concern in the wildlife nature reserve of Vatnsmýri and the popular outdoor area of Elliðaárdalur. Over 30 plant taxa were found in the plots within the study areas, a third of them being alien. Species richness did not vary significantly between areas with and without cow parsley; however areas with cow parsley had significantly greater cover of alien species (p < 0,001). This is the first time that cow parsley is mapped in Reykjavík, which is essential for developing management plans and actions. Mapping the distribution of alien and invasive species, testing and adopting a multi-approach techniques via adaptive management, and conducting long-term monitoring are the key in fostering a functioning, species rich urban ecosystem. Tilgangur rannsóknarinnar var að kortleggja útbreiðslu skógarkerfils (Anthriscus sylvestris), ágengrar framandi plöntutegundar, á opnum svæðum í Reykjavík. Markmiðið var að greina hvernig útbreiðslunni var háttað á þessum svæðum og finna „heita reiti“ þar sem þéttleikinn var mestur. Skógarkerfill hefur breiðst hratt út á Íslandi og getur ógnað innlendri flóru því hann vex gjarnan í einsleitum breiðum sem bola öðrum gróðri burt en geta einnig leitt til jarðvegseyðingar og breytingum á ...
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