This meta-analysis examines the trait differences between invasive and non-invasive plant species to identify determinants of invasiveness. The study includes 117 field or experimental garden studies involving 125 invasive and 196 non-invasive plant species. The analysis tests whether invasiveness is associated with performance-related traits such as physiology, leaf area allocation, shoot allocation, growth rate, size, and fitness. Overall, invasive species had significantly higher values in all six trait categories compared to non-invasive species. The magnitude of trait differences was larger in tropical regions than in temperate regions. Trait differences did not depend on the origin of the invasive species or the test environment. The study concludes that invasive species have higher values for traits related to performance, suggesting that these traits may be useful for predicting future plant invasions. The findings highlight the importance of considering species traits in risk assessment protocols for managing and preventing plant invasions.This meta-analysis examines the trait differences between invasive and non-invasive plant species to identify determinants of invasiveness. The study includes 117 field or experimental garden studies involving 125 invasive and 196 non-invasive plant species. The analysis tests whether invasiveness is associated with performance-related traits such as physiology, leaf area allocation, shoot allocation, growth rate, size, and fitness. Overall, invasive species had significantly higher values in all six trait categories compared to non-invasive species. The magnitude of trait differences was larger in tropical regions than in temperate regions. Trait differences did not depend on the origin of the invasive species or the test environment. The study concludes that invasive species have higher values for traits related to performance, suggesting that these traits may be useful for predicting future plant invasions. The findings highlight the importance of considering species traits in risk assessment protocols for managing and preventing plant invasions.