Hybridization may play a key role in the evolution of invasiveness in plants. Invasive species are of great interest to evolutionary biologists and ecologists because they represent historical examples of dramatic evolutionary and ecological change. However, the factors that lead to successful invasions remain unclear. The authors propose that hybridization between species or between disparate populations may stimulate the evolution of invasiveness. They present numerous cases where hybridization preceded the emergence of invasive populations. Progeny with a history of hybridization may have genetic advantages over their progenitors. The observed lag times and multiple introductions that are prerequisites for certain species to evolve invasiveness may be related to the time needed for previously isolated populations to come into contact and for hybridization to occur. The authors argue that invasiveness can evolve through hybridization, and that this mechanism is underappreciated in explaining the evolution of invasiveness in plants. They also note that hybridization can lead to evolutionary novelty, increased genetic variation, and fixed heterosis, all of which may contribute to invasiveness. Human activities, such as dispersal and disturbance, can enhance hybridization and the likelihood of new niches being created. The authors also suggest that hybridization within the same species may also lead to invasiveness. They provide numerous examples of invasive species that evolved through hybridization, including cases where hybridization led to the formation of new, invasive species. The study highlights the importance of hybridization in the evolution of invasiveness and suggests that it is an underappreciated mechanism in plant evolution.Hybridization may play a key role in the evolution of invasiveness in plants. Invasive species are of great interest to evolutionary biologists and ecologists because they represent historical examples of dramatic evolutionary and ecological change. However, the factors that lead to successful invasions remain unclear. The authors propose that hybridization between species or between disparate populations may stimulate the evolution of invasiveness. They present numerous cases where hybridization preceded the emergence of invasive populations. Progeny with a history of hybridization may have genetic advantages over their progenitors. The observed lag times and multiple introductions that are prerequisites for certain species to evolve invasiveness may be related to the time needed for previously isolated populations to come into contact and for hybridization to occur. The authors argue that invasiveness can evolve through hybridization, and that this mechanism is underappreciated in explaining the evolution of invasiveness in plants. They also note that hybridization can lead to evolutionary novelty, increased genetic variation, and fixed heterosis, all of which may contribute to invasiveness. Human activities, such as dispersal and disturbance, can enhance hybridization and the likelihood of new niches being created. The authors also suggest that hybridization within the same species may also lead to invasiveness. They provide numerous examples of invasive species that evolved through hybridization, including cases where hybridization led to the formation of new, invasive species. The study highlights the importance of hybridization in the evolution of invasiveness and suggests that it is an underappreciated mechanism in plant evolution.