Reproductive maturity and long distance dispersal are important criteria in the spatio-temporal expansion of invasive tree species. I want to know how far the vegetative growth rate is directly or indirectly involved in this process.
I can't refer you to any particular literature but I would tend to agree that it it dependent on a range of factors including environmental influences and the species' habit in those differenct situations..
My observations also are the same as of you. However, recently came across a paper which stated a positive relationship between growth rate and invasive potential of tree species.