The article explores the role of hybridization in the evolution of invasiveness in plants. The authors propose that hybridization between species or between different source populations can serve as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness, explaining why some invasive species become successful after a long lag time or multiple introductions. They review numerous cases where hybridization preceded the emergence of successful invasive populations, suggesting that hybrid progeny may enjoy genetic benefits relative to their parents. The observed lag times and multiple introductions required for invasiveness may be due to the time needed for previously isolated populations to come into contact and hybridize. The authors argue that hybridization can lead to evolutionary novelty, increased genetic variation, fixed heterosis, and the dumping of genetic load, all of which can enhance invasiveness. They also discuss how human activities, such as long-distance dispersal and ecological disturbance, can enhance the likelihood of hybridization and the formation of new niches that favor hybrid derivatives. The article concludes by suggesting that hybridization is an underappreciated mechanism in the evolution of invasiveness and calls for more research in this area.The article explores the role of hybridization in the evolution of invasiveness in plants. The authors propose that hybridization between species or between different source populations can serve as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness, explaining why some invasive species become successful after a long lag time or multiple introductions. They review numerous cases where hybridization preceded the emergence of successful invasive populations, suggesting that hybrid progeny may enjoy genetic benefits relative to their parents. The observed lag times and multiple introductions required for invasiveness may be due to the time needed for previously isolated populations to come into contact and hybridize. The authors argue that hybridization can lead to evolutionary novelty, increased genetic variation, fixed heterosis, and the dumping of genetic load, all of which can enhance invasiveness. They also discuss how human activities, such as long-distance dispersal and ecological disturbance, can enhance the likelihood of hybridization and the formation of new niches that favor hybrid derivatives. The article concludes by suggesting that hybridization is an underappreciated mechanism in the evolution of invasiveness and calls for more research in this area.